Caterpillars in gum trees.

 

Many different types of insects use gum trees as a food source and as a home.

The leaf on the right is really a caterpillar. Click to see the caterpillar.

When the caterpillar is disturbed it becomes rigid and looks like a leaf. Great survival behaviour.

Still other caterpillars gather together under gum leafs as shown on the right. When disturbed they raise their heads and look menacing.

 
The adult stage of the caterpillar lays many eggs on the underside of the leaf. When the larvae hatch they have an instant food source.
1) Why are eggs placed on the underside of leafs?
2) Eggs are layed on the plant that is the food source. Why?
3) Describe some behaviours that enable caterpillars to survive in the wild?
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