The Great Caterpillar Migration

By - 206 words

Language

Reading Level

Listen to Article

We have all heard of the annual wildebeest migration across Africa's Serengeti - But a caterpillar migration? Now that's got to be a first!

The never been seen before event was witnessed recently at South Africa's Kruger National Park. British tourist Jamie Roonie was on a Jeep Safari, when the driver suddenly braked. Craning forward to see why, Jamie saw an incredible sight - a 17ft. convoy of caterpillars making their way across the road.

Upon closer examination, they noticed that the 136 caterpillars (yes they counted them!) that seemed to be walking in a straight line, were actually following a very fine silk thread. The driver, who had heard but never before witnessed this occurrence, explained that they were just migrating over to the bush on the other side. From there they would disperse, probably turn into chrysalis and then butterflies and fly away to their respective destinations.

While the 20-minute trek was not as long as the one taken by the migrating wildebeest, all the tourists lucky enough to see it, agreed it was just as majestic! What is amazing, is that these tiny creatures have obviously figured out how to get together and safely complete, what to them must seem like a long journey.

source:metro.co.uk

Cite Article
Learn Keywords in this Article
126 Comments
  • zackover 14 years
    it sounds like a movie. 'the great catipilar migration'. i had know clue that caterpillars migrated. that newfound knowledge may come in handy!
    • Naim Feyover 14 years
      now i've heard about other migrations but an caterpillar thats a little weird but it is funny
      • souyar over 14 years
        dat awsome!! wow
        • elleover 14 years
          Awsomeness
          • holyover 14 years
            wow, that is cool!
            • ffffffover 14 years
              ooooooooooo
              • :)))))over 14 years
                watever
                • sparkzover 14 years
                  thts so cool how they're like one big line and there not seperated at all. looks like they rly kno where there going.
                  • geek 456over 14 years
                    thats one long conga line! ;) 0-0 o
                    • RENAover 14 years
                      SO COOLLLLLLLLLLLL