At the horse trial, we saw all the contradas that are selected this year: The Eagle, Caterpillar, Wave, Forest, Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, Snail, Shell, and Giraffe. While William was in great support of Dragon and Wave, I decided to support the Caterpillar. So then an argument goes all the way from "dragons are more mystical" to "dolphins eat caterpillars"... No. Dolphins don't eat caterpillars. But even if they do, these small little creatures have their own ways to kill big predators in the world.
Bruco - The Caterpillar Contrada |
Deadliest of the Deadly Lonomia - Lonomia obliqua |
Intracerebral hemorrhage - brain will gradually squeeze through the skull... |
Still many studies are carried out to understand the mechanism of envenoming by these deadly caterpillars. Several toxic principles were found in bristle extract and the hemolymph, and some have more than one function. It still amazes me how such natural poison is a valuable pharmeceutical compound that will be useful in preventing life threatening blood clots. More natural products will be used in medicine in astonishing ways, and hope after this great study abroad trip I can continue to learn more about these natural medicines!
References:
"On The Conditional Nature of Neotropical Caterpillar Defenses Against Their Natural Enemies" - Ecology
"Lonomia obliqua caterpillar venom increases permeability of the blood-brain barrier in rats" - Toxicon
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