New pictures show a strange, big-haired creature skulking within the Peruvian Amazon. Although what researchers quickly noticed about the peculiar beast was its remarkable resemblance to a particular US presidential candidate. Or to be precise, the Republican’s legendary hair style.
Dubbed as the Flannel Moth Caterpillar (Megalopyge opercularis), this creature boasts feathery, orange tufts closely resembling Donald Trump’s hair. Due to the similarity, the scientists who came across the creature gave it a nickname – “Trumpapillar,” after the candidate.
While roaming the Peruvian Amazon, wildlife photographer Jeff Cremer stumbled upon the dazzling orange and luxuriant fluff ball.
He said, “I was putting on my boots, and someone said, ‘Hey, check out this caterpillar hanging out.’ “Sure enough, it was Donald Trump’s hair hanging on a branch.” He began snapping pictures of the brightly colored larva.
The local’s name for this caterpillar is “ovehillo” which is Spanish for “little sheep.” The Trumpapillar grows to a length of about 2.5 inches.
Trumpapillar living up to its namesake?
Nevertheless, Cremer warns against being fooled by its cute and cuddly appearance. Touching the Trumpapillar can cause great discomfort and a lot of pain. Creme said this is because of the “urticating” hairs that cover it, akin to those Tarantulals sport.
Again like the Tarantula, the Trumpapillar uses its hair as a defense mechanism against would-be predators.
According to Cremer, the fuzzy Flannel Moth caterpillars come in different colors such as white, yellow, red and pink.
The post Meet ‘Trumpapillar’: The Donald Trump of the Peruvian Amazon appeared first on Newsline.
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