I photographed this Shield Bug eating a caterpillar during the 2008 Science Camp. The bug's mouth part is like a hollow harpoon that it uses to drink the liquids from the caterpillar.
This is how the Bugguide folks found moths, caddisflies, midges, beetles, and other insects at night at the 2008 Bugguide Gathering held at the UT Field Station.
Oak Ridge, TN August 17, 2008 I noticed the long white hairs sticking out from under this leaf as I was hiking at Haw Ridge. I turned the leaf over to get this photo. Like other caterpillars in this group, it is capable of inflicting a nasty sting! So even though it may look soft and cuddly, resist the urge to touch it if you see one of these in the woods! https:// Venomous caterpillars
