Caterpillars Deceitful? Lecturer Says Yes

Ever wonder why birds don't gobble up seemingly defenseless caterpillars before they can become moths and butterflies? University of Connecticut faculty member David Wagner will have your answer when he speaks in the Old Dominion University Department of Biology Lecture Series at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, in Room 208 of Spong Hall.

"Tales of Woe, Deception and Wonder: The Myriad Defenses of Florida's Caterpillars" will be the topic of Wagner's lecture.

Juicy young caterpillars make fine fuel for warblers, catbirds and gnatcatchers, says Wagner. But caterpillars use deceitful ploys to dupe birds and other would-be predators.

Wagner's slide show will feature photos of dozens of caterpillars, many of which can be found locally. He is the author of "Caterpillars of Eastern North America: A Guide to Identification and Natural History." He will be selling copies of the book after his lecture.

The event is free and open to the public.