More from the Peruvian Amazon

• Tortoise Orb Weavers
• Thorn Orb Weavers
• Roly Poly Orb Weavers
• Jewel Caterpillar
• Spider Faces
• 50 Tiny Creatures

There were many fascinating finds during my week-long stay in Tambopata Research Center of the Peruvian Amazon, and one of the most bizarre had to be what we called the jewel caterpillar. These larvae from the Dalceridae family are also nicknamed the nudibranch of the rainforest, the walking diamond, the slug caterpillar, and sometimes even referred to as the goo-spines. Regardless of the name, seeing them in real life was an awesome treat!

This post will also feature some of the other interesting caterpillars that we’ve spotted during this trip. Unfortunately, most are not identified yet. Appreciate any input for them!

Thanks to Jeff Cremer and Vico Moscoso for ploughing through the trails with me!

Good news if you are interested to make trips to Tambopata – readers of this blog can get a 10% discount from bookings to the Peruvian Amazon via Rainforest Expeditions – just mention the discount code SGMACRO when making your reservations!

1. Jewel caterpillar (Dalceridae)

   The glassy, gooey surface makes the jewel caterpillar a sight to behold.



2. Jewel caterpillar (Dalceridae)

   Lateral view. Does it look like jelly as well? The adult fuzzy moth is not as spectacular, so I could not find it in my photo archive to show here.



3. Jewel caterpillar (Dalceridae)

   Close up on the goo-spines. Such squeee.



4. Caterpillar

   After the gooey, here’s the hairy! Though the hair is not as thick as the Donald Trump Caterpillar, it was quite a tuft and made me want to avoid touching it.



5. Caterpillar

   Tried looking for the face, but everything was covered. Not even sure if I got the front or rear!



6. Owl butterfly larva (Caligo sp.) ID by Troy Alexander

   A majestically decorated head of this caterpillar reminded me of the Plain Nawab shot in Singapore.



7. Owl butterfly larva (Caligo sp.) ID by Troy Alexander

   Dorsal view looks very plain. If anything, it might be camouflaging itself as a stick.



8. Owl butterfly larva (Caligo sp.) ID by Troy Alexander

   Lateral view, showing the ear-like endings on the head.



9. Bird dung caterpillar

   This poop pile is a caterpillar as well! Remaining coiled up and motionless, coupled with the wet and knobbly appearance, it certainly looked like bird dung from afar.



10. Bird dung caterpillar

    Dorsal view reveals a swollen posterior.



11. Bird dung caterpillar

    Not too enthusiastic about walking, as it got disturbed and trudged away.



12. Caterpillar

    Another super spiny candidate with feathery tips to the spines.



13. Caterpillar

    Do not touch. 🙂



14. Caterpillar

    Interesting looking one with a posterior dorsal horn, as well as one in the anterior half of its body.



15. Caterpillar

    Spotted on one of our night walks was this giant green fuzzy cat!



16. Caterpillar

    It was around 3 inches long.



17. Caterpillar

    Dropped to the ground, so we picked it up with a stick to shoot the ventral view.



18. Caterpillar

    With a close up to the head, sticking out like a sore thumb.



19. Caterpillar

    The close up on the feet was quite fascinating as well!



20. Snake mimic chrysalis (Catonephele orites)

    A mind-boggling chrysalis that appears to look like the head of a snake.



21. Snake mimic chrysalis (Catonephele orites)

    Let’s just pretend that we’re looking into the face of the snake.



22. Snake mimic chrysalis (Catonephele orites)

    Lateral view. Actually, it reminded me of some cartoon shark.



23. Snake mimic chrysalis (Catonephele orites)

    Found at least 2 of these in our night walks.



24. Caterpillar

    Looks like a common looking caterpillar from afar, but on closer observation, there were numerous white vein-like patterns “growing” out from the sides!



25. Caterpillar

    Lateral view. Perhaps it was preparing for the next instar.



26. Caterpillar

    Close up of the head!



27. Caterpillar

    Also highly reflective, but nothing of the likes of the dalcerid.



28. Caterpillar

    Yet another do-not-touch caterpillar!

I spent most of my time checking out spiders, and these caterpillars were just some of the interesting ones that we found along the way. Given more time in the field, I’m sure that the Peruvian Amazon would be able to offer a lot more rare and beautiful finds!

Remember to follow my work on Facebook, Twitter or Flickr for the most updated posts!

More from the Peruvian Amazon

• Tortoise Orb Weavers
• Thorn Orb Weavers
• Roly Poly Orb Weavers
• Jewel Caterpillar
• Spider Faces
• 50 Tiny Creatures

• amazon
• caterpillars
• peru
• tambopata