Dalcerid Crystal Caterpillar

This fantastic creature with the Latin name Acraga coa is a moth larva from the Dalceridae family. It’s hard to believe, but this gem-like caterpillar, peacefully resting on a lush mangrove leaf, will very quickly turn into a bright moth - a dalcerid, the entire body of which is covered with a huge amount of orange villi.

Dalcerids (lat. Dalceridae) inhabit the tropical forests of Central and South America, and are also found on the islands of the Caribbean.

This incredible gem-like creature feeds on the leaves of mangrove trees.

After pupation, it turns into a moth.