The Pipevine Caterpillar Thrives in a Toxic Love Triangle

The drama is real for this sultry flower, a gorgeous butterfly and an unlucky fungus gnat.

The Pipevine Caterpillar Thrives in a Toxic Love Triangle Deep Look

Premiered May 18, 2021
The Pipevine Caterpillar Thrives in a Toxic Love Triangle

The devilish caterpillars of the pipevine swallowtail butterfly *devour* the California pipevine, never mind that the plant is trying to poison them. Their butterfly moms don’t pollinate the pipevine in return, though. So, the vine traps unlucky gnats in its labyrinthine flowers to do the job.

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Deep Look

See the unseen at the very edge of our visible world. Get a new perspective on our place in the universe and meet extraordinary new friends. Explore big scientific mysteries by going incredibly small.

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