This article will address the topic of Amphibious caterpillar, which has become relevant in different areas and contexts. Since its emergence, Amphibious caterpillar has aroused the interest and curiosity of a wide spectrum of the public, due to its impact and background. Over the years, Amphibious caterpillar has generated debates, research and multiple perspectives that have contributed to enriching knowledge on this topic. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly explore the different aspects related to Amphibious caterpillar, as well as its implications and repercussions on current society. Through a detailed and critical analysis, the aim is to provide a complete and updated vision of Amphibious caterpillar, with the aim of promoting informed and constructive reflection about this phenomenon.
Amphibious caterpillar refers to over 40 species of semiaquatic caterpillars endemic to Hawaii that are the only insects that live as readily in water as on land. In 2010, Daniel Rubinoff and Patrick Schmitz at the University of Hawaii at Manoa first described the amphibious habits of the larvae in the moth genus Hyposmocoma of the family Cosmopterigidae. Young of each species thrive both underwater in rushing streams and exposed to air on rocks poking out of the water. Rubinoff states, "These species are at least as different as chimpanzees are from us". While some other caterpillars can survive for short periods under water, they are possibly the only air-breather that can thrive exclusively there. "No other animal that breathes air can handle being submerged for a month," he says.
These caterpillars do not have gills or anything that covers the trachea to operate marine mammals' surface-to-breathe technique for respiration. Instead they appear to absorb oxygen directly through pores in their "skin" from the enveloping water. The caterpillars require flowing water to provide sufficient oxygen. They spin "silk" tethers to attach themselves to the downstream sides of rocks to keep from washing away.
They cover themselves with silk "cases" in a variety of shapes and sizes that they add to as they grow, with names such as cones, bugles, burritos, cigars, candy wrappers, oyster shells, dog bones and bow ties.
Rubinoff and Schmitz estimate that this assemblage of species has probably been evolving in the Hawaiian Islands for roughly 20 million years. The dating comes from a three-gene analysis of 89 species, calibrated with the ages of various islands. Each species has so far been found on only one island, typically in only one locale. Three separate lineages of moth independently developed this ability at different points in the past.