This shag carpet caterpillar sports a body cloaked in what looks like bright red fuzzy yarn, with bright white, red and black feathery extensions. These attention-grabbing colors likely advertise a potent (and likely painful) surprise waiting for any creature who dares explore the pile of this carpet!

“Groovy shag carpet, man!?” Not so fast! #Shag carpet #caterpillar, #Prothysana felderi, may look soft & inviting, but bright, conspicuously-colored #rainforest #insects are usually dressed that way to warn potential predators about their nasty chemical or physical defenses. #Ecuador #Aposematic