Carnivorous caterpillars and adult pug moth in the genus Eupithecia, Geometridae
Certain geometer caterpillars in the genus Eupithecia on the Hawaiian islands have adapted to become predators that feed on other insects. There are over 1000 species in the Eupithecia genus worldwide, all of which reportedly feed on plant material except at least 6 of the species on the Hawaiian islands. Scientists believe they evolved to fill the open niche of predatory insects on the islands rather than competing with other caterpillars for host plants to feed on.
The caterpillars hang from the edges of foliage, mimicking twigs or leaves, and wait for prey to get near their sensitive prolegs. They then quickly snap their body backward to snatch their prey with their elongated, spiny legs.
1-2. Eupithecia orichloris by Darlyne A. Murawski 3-4. Eupithecia staurophragma by robertpeck 5-8. Eupithecia sp. with termite by Steven L. Montgomery 9. Eupithecia orichloris by Forest & Kim Starr
Watch them catching prey here: