The flower and the caterpillar

The caterpillar of a cinnabar moth munches its way through the leaves of ragwort, whose flower is masquerading as a sunflower (the deception of the macro). This is a species that most people will be familiar with in the UK because of its distinctive rugby-jersey coloration. The caterpillar has no intention of hiding, it advertises its presence with its conspicuous markings.

Ragwort, as most people will know, contains toxic alkaloids that grazing stock won't touch, so the flowering plants stand proud amongst short-grazed grassland. It becomes a problem when it is cut as part of a hay crop, and when dry, grazing stock may not recognise it for what it is. The cinnabar caterpillar is immune to the effects of the toxin, and better than that, accumulates it in its tissues. So no bird will take the foul tasting grubs, and hence why the cinnabar, unlike most moth larvae, wants to be seen and recognised for what it is.

Isn't nature wonderful?