Photo of the day 220

Green Grappler Moth Caterpillar, Maui, Hawaii, 2003

Photograph by Darlyne Murawski

Sensitive hairs and nerves on the back of the green grappler moth caterpillar detect the slightest touch of prey. Lightning-fast reflexes and six needle-tipped claws spell the end for this termite in Maui, Hawaii.

(Text adapted from and photo shot on assignment for, but not published in, "Killer Caterpillars: Built to Eat Flesh," June 2003, National Geographic magazine)