Some clever caterpillars in the rain forests of Peru have found a way to mitigate the danger of drowning in their cocoons. They weave nets so that water can easily drain out. ©From the video “Mind-blowing Cocoon in a Rain Forest,” Smarter Every Day.

In the rain forests of Peru, the average annual rainfall measures 79 inches. That not only creates lush, green jungles filled with a diversity of life but dangerous environments, too—especially if you’re a caterpillar aspiring to become a moth.

Most caterpillars construct tightly knit coverings in out-of-the-way places in which to undergo their transformations. However, this type of cocoon subjects the moth to the risk of drowning in its own shelter if water should seep into the top and begin to collect at the base. But some clever urodid moths have found a way to mitigate that danger. They weave net-like cocoons so that water easily drains out.

Pixabay

Peru is home to 5 million indigenous people representing 55 distinct ethnicities speaking 48 languages. It’s also the ninth most biodiverse country in the world, with 7 percent of known animal species.

Watch the short clip below, titled A Ridiculously Awesome Cocoon, taken from the video series Smarter Every Day. The photographic shots of this mesh cocoon not only encourage us to seek the beauty of nature in small places but also in the tiniest of everyday events.

Here’s to finding your true places and natural habitats,

Candy