A famous experiment was conducted in 1896 involving Processionary
caterpillars. What makes these caterpillars interesting, and unique, and
gives them their name, is the fact that they instinctively lock step
with the caterpillar directly in front of them – forming a miniature
train.
French naturalists, John Henri Fa Bra demonstrated these caterpillars unusual behavior with a simple experiment. He took a flowerpot, and placed a number of these caterpillars in single file – until they formed a never-ending circle – around the circumference of the flowerpot's rim. Making certain, each caterpillar's head touched the caterpillar directly in front of it.
Fa Bra, then placed the caterpillars' favorite food, which is pine needles, in the middle of the flowerpot. Each caterpillar followed the next – thinking they were heading for the food. Round and round the caterpillars went. 24 hours a day. Then 48 hours in two day. 72 hours in 3 days. They just kept going around and around the flowerpot – thinking that they would eventually make it to their destination, which just so happened to be their favorite meal.
Fa Bra estimated that these caterpillars traveled the equivalent of a person walking about 90 miles, or completing 3 and a half marathons, without any food, water, or rest.
French naturalists, John Henri Fa Bra demonstrated these caterpillars unusual behavior with a simple experiment. He took a flowerpot, and placed a number of these caterpillars in single file – until they formed a never-ending circle – around the circumference of the flowerpot's rim. Making certain, each caterpillar's head touched the caterpillar directly in front of it.
Fa Bra, then placed the caterpillars' favorite food, which is pine needles, in the middle of the flowerpot. Each caterpillar followed the next – thinking they were heading for the food. Round and round the caterpillars went. 24 hours a day. Then 48 hours in two day. 72 hours in 3 days. They just kept going around and around the flowerpot – thinking that they would eventually make it to their destination, which just so happened to be their favorite meal.
Fa Bra estimated that these caterpillars traveled the equivalent of a person walking about 90 miles, or completing 3 and a half marathons, without any food, water, or rest.
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