[NatureNS] caterpillar question- tuft control?

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Date: Sat, 17 Aug 2013 18:41:10 -0300
From: nancy dowd <nancypdowd@gmail.com>
To: naturens <naturens@chebucto.ns.ca>
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A week ago I took a picture of this fast-moving and impressive, albeit
common, White-Marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar (Orgyia leucostigma).
Pls correct the ID if wrong:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/92981528@N08/9501075283/

Then it reared its head up at me and waved its front tufts in the air.
Closeup of front end here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/92981528@N08/9503879386/
Details are in photo captions.

I thought caterpillar tufts and hairs were passive structures, moving
only as the body moves. But they must have muscle control to wave
independently of one another like that. Are they a modified antennae
or leg or? Can't find anything out searching the internet or in the
books I have so I will try here.

Nancy

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