Startled Elephant hawk moth (Deilephila elpenor) caterpillar showing Batesian mimicry behaviour as protection against predators.
RMID:Image ID:DHEJY6
Image details
Contributor:
Joseph Clemson / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
DHEJY6File size:
41.3 MB (1.2 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
4652 x 3101 px | 39.4 x 26.3 cm | 15.5 x 10.3 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
16 August 2013Location:
Turton, Lancashire, EnglandMore information:
Elephant hawk moth (Deilephila elpenor) caterpillar, more technically a larva, crossing a stone path. When crawling normally the larva is some 70-75mm in length. When startled, as this one has been, it contracts its body, and inflates the abdomen causing the markings on the anterior to take on a resemblance to a small snake head. This defence technique, known as Batesian mimicry, may have the effect of discouraging predation.