Snake Caterpillar

Snake Caterpillar Facts

• Snake Caterpillar serves as the common name of the larval form of the Hemeroplanes Triptolemus. This unique insect has evolved a remarkable defensive strategy.
• The highly reclusive invertebrate also spends its time in the dense regions of jungle endemic to its native region. Therefore, encounters with it occur rarely.
• Once individuals of this rather impressive species have fully matured into the adult form, the Snake Caterpillar lives for 10-30 days.

Snake Caterpillar Physical Description

It must be remembered that, as fantastic as the Snake Caterpillar remains, it actually represents the larval form of a moth, the Hemeroplanes triptolemus.

Regardless of its awesome appearance, this fascinating creature remains quite small. Individuals rarely exceed a total body length of more than 1 in (2.5 cm).

Depending on its exact surroundings, the caterpillar may appear primarily green in color, or a mixture of shades of yellow and brown, to maximize camouflage.

The tail remains its most notable feature. The tip of the appendage has developed a close resemblance to the head of a snake, to frighten potential predators away.

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Euarthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Family: Sphingidae

Genus: Hemeroplanes

Species: H. triptolemus

Snake Caterpillar Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The truly remarkable Snake Caterpillar has only been confirmed to exist in a territory that includes Mexico, in North America, and  Guatemala, Belize, and Costa Rica, in Central America.

Within this endemic range, it primarily inhabits regions of dense jungle, where the thick, lush foliage provides it both with shelter and camouflage.

The Snake Caterpillar takes a unique approach to self-defense. Most insects attempt to hide from potential predators but not this one. In fact, the caterpillar takes a decidedly more aggressive approach.

It actually alters its body shape to mimic the appearance of a small snake, in order to ward off those creatures who would otherwise prey upon them.

The insect retracts its legs, and expands one end of its body, creating the appearance of a head. Also, two dark markings are present on this end of their body that create the illusion of large eyes.

The Snake Caterpillar will even attempt to strike at potential threats, to enhance the illusion. 

Check out our other articles on Black Witch Moth, Jewel Caterpillar, Venezuelan Poodle Moth, Eastern Tent Caterpillar