We feel confident in saying this is the weirdest bug you will see this week. The butternut woolyworm, which is the larva of a sawfly, has quite a unique appearance. This post by @therealnartballs shows the strange bug in detail. Thanks to its bright white, tentacle-like appearance, this larva seems straight out of a cartoon nightmare. Read here to learn more about these interesting-looking bugs.
About the Butternut Woollyworm
The butternut woollyworm is a sawfly larva with a fluffy, bright white appearance. Found throughout the Northeast United States and Southern Canada, these larvae feed on the leaves of butternut and walnut trees. They are commonly found in the forests of states such as Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Michigan. As larvae, they live on the leaves of trees, specifically feeding on the underside of the leaves. Feeding on the butternut and black walnut trees is what gives them their bright white color. As adults, the sawflies often fly around the same trees while feeding on the nectar and pollen of nearby flowers. While it is hard to see the larva’s green body hidden beneath its fuzzy white top half, the color contrast is beautiful. One of their cartoon-like features is their beady, black eyes, which look as if a child drew them on.
These insects are harmless, making them fun to interact with. Though they are not a threat to humans, they are considered pests of butternut and walnut trees. Feeding on these plants can cause damage to the leaves and potentially impact tree health if infestations are severe. However, they are also preyed on by larger insects and animals, playing a greater role in the ecosystem. Perhaps the most fascinating feature of these insects is their unconventional defense mechanism. While you might think that the insect’s bright, fluffy appearance would draw attention to it, the dense, inedible fuzz helps deter predators. Additionally, they can coil their bodies into a flower-like shape, offering further protection. These tiny insects are many things, including cute and resilient!
