Story: Butterflies and moths

Brown soldier bug

Brown soldier bug

Caterpillars are susceptible to attack from many predators. This monarch butterfly caterpillar is being attacked by a brown soldier bug (Cermatulus nasalis). The bug does not feed on sap, like many other bugs do, but sucks the juices out of caterpillars.

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Private collection
Photograph by Andrew Crowe

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How to cite this page:

Brian Patrick, 'Butterflies and moths - Habitat and ecological roles', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/10533/brown-soldier-bug (accessed 19 April 2024)

Story by Brian Patrick, published 24 Sep 2007