The Great Caterpillar Migration

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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

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126 Comments
  • jjlala05about 14 years
    imagine watching it
    • hiabout 14 years
      weird
      • miiabout 14 years
        hey
        • Justin Bieber Fan about 14 years
          so using for currnet events wow
          • Justin Bieber Fan about 14 years
            so using for currnet events wow
            • sarahnaabout 14 years
              WOW! I have never heard of caterpillars "migrating." I thought that was AWESOME, because that is probably a once in a life time chance. I wish I could see that. I bet if you thought that was cool you would want to see that.
              • destinyabout 14 years
                AAAWWWSSSSSSOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!
                • Rylee Runyanabout 14 years
                  This was awesome! I wish I could have seen this.
                  • emma tomsabout 14 years
                    that was good wish I was there.
                    • Karolynabout 14 years
                      This is an awesome articale and I was very interested I don't think there has ever had a caterpillar migration