Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar

For caterpillars, diet is destiny

Study by researchers at UCI and Wesleyan show picky eaters with limited palates hide better from birds

Caterpillars that eat multiple plant species are more susceptible to hungry birds

UC Irvine and Wesleyan University biologists have learned that caterpillars that feed on one or two plant species are better able to hide from predatory birds than caterpillars that consume a wide variety of plants.

Butterflies crossbreed to increase survival odds

International genetic consortium finds butterflies also use taste and smell genes to increase their chances of living longer.

Birds target tree types as well as bugs

UCI and Wesleyan researchers have found that birds target tree species favored by caterpillars as well as the insects.