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Science 4 December 1981:
Vol. 214. no. 4525, pp. 1131 - 1133
DOI: 10.1126/science.214.4525.1131
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Articles

Caterpillar Setae: Insulation for an Ectotherm

TIMOTHY M. CASEY 1 and JERI R. HEGEL 1

1 Department of Physiology, Cook College, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08903

Gypsy moth caterpillars have long, soft setae distributed along the lateral portions of the body, but only short, stiff setae on the dorsal surface. Setae act as selective insulation for caterpillars by reducing the rates of convective heat exchange without affecting the rates of radiative heat exchange. Changes in posture abolish the effects of the setae by maximizing convection and minimizing radiant heat uptake.

Submitted on April 10, 1981
Revised on July 23, 1981


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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)