Giant caterpillar spotted in Palawan

What would you do if you encountered a giant caterpillar in your garden?

This is exactly what happened to Alvin Co in his yard in Aborlan, Palawan.

According to Kuya Kim’s report on “24 Oras,” Tuesday, Alvin saw a type of Attacus caterpillar or larva. Caterpillars are larvae or the active immature form of moths and butterflies.

Alvin took a video of the unusual insect as it was his first time to see a caterpillar that big and measures approximately a hand’s breadth.

“Hindi ko na rin siya gaanong nilapitan. Dito sa amin kasi, marami yung parang pag nabugahan ka, mamamaga yung katawan mo,” Alvin shared.

[I didn't approach it too closely either. Here in our area, when you get too close or get stung, your body swells up.]

When an Attacus larva undergoes the process called metamorphosis, it will become a butterfly or moth.

According to biologist Jaira Balisi, caterpillars can evolve into a pupa before finally transforming into a moth or butterfly.

She confirms that what Alvin saw is larger than normal caterpillars. There are instances when caterpillars grow exceptionally big because they are known as "eating machines" during this stage.

“Talaga kakain nang kakain ang ating mga caterpillar kasi nagsstore nga sila ng energy para sa kanilang adulthood in the future,” Balisi added.

[The caterpillars really keep on eating because they are storing energy for their adulthood in the future.]

—CACM, GMA Integrated News