Caterpillar Locomotion

A forward-moving wave best describes the locomotion of a crawling caterpillar. Eating-machines on their way to becoming butterflies and moths, the caterpillar’s undulations are quite unique among invertebrates; the gut of the caterpillar is capable of independent movement. First, the gut actually swings loosely forward within the abdominal wall. Then muscle contractions swing the legs and prolegs forward past the sac of the gut, creating the undulating movements that carry the creature forward. Slow and steady, synchronized and precise. Fall is coming and there is much eating to do before the winter sets in–onward to the next meal!

Music: “Groovy Baby” Audionautix

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