Snake-mimic caterpillar, Hemeroplanes triptolemus, Sphingidae

<p id="eow-description" class="">Snake-mimic caterpillar, Hemeroplanes triptolemus, Sphingidae from the Amazon rainforest near Puyo, Ecuador. When disturbed this larva of a sphinx moth expands and exposes the underside of the first body segments, mimicking a snake head with black eyes and even light reflections. Sometimes it also strikes like a snake to deter predators such as lizards or birds. Photos at www.flickr.com/photos/andreaskay/sets/72157665346553825