Frangipani Caterpillar (Pseudosphinx tetrio)
At up to six inches in length, the frangipani caterpillar is an impressive sight. Its bright coloration warns birds and other predators that it is not a very tasty meal. The caterpillar feeds on the frangipani tree, which produces poisonous sap. The caterpillar is not harmed by the sap, but it makes the caterpillar toxic and foul tasting to predators.
After the caterpillar gorges itself, it drops and buries beneath the ground to metamorphisize into a large hawk moth.
Dragonfly
Often brightly colored, dragonflies are commonly found near areas of fresh water, which is necessary for them to breed. Females typically lay eggs in plant tissue on, near, or in the water. Some species lay eggs directly into the water. Aquatic larvae emerge from the eggs and undergo a series of metamorphoses that may last from three months to 6 -10 years (depending on species) before becoming winged adults.
Dragonflies are strong flying predators that hunt using their exceptional eyesight. They are sometimes called “mosquito hawks.” Dragonflies can feed on animals as large as themselves. Even small frog tadpoles can become dragonfly prey.
Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa micans)
Shiny and metallic in color, carpenter bees construct nests by making tunnels of up to twelve inches long in decaying logs, tree stumps, fence posts, or eaves of buildings. Because of their tunneling, these bees are often considered pests. However, they are important pollinators of passion fruit flowers.
Due to their large size (over an inch in length) these bees often inspire fear, but they seldom sting.
Termites
Termites feed on wood and build large nests of wood pulp on tree trunks and plant stems. They avoid sunlight and construct tunnels of pulp leading from the nest in order to move about while remaining in darkness.
Protozoa living in their digestive systems allow the termites to digest their high cellulose diet.
Birds such as the brown-throated conure have been known to make their nests within termite nest structures.
White Sulphur
White sulphurs are common butterflies in the Virgin Islands. They are usually found zipping from flower to flower in sunny areas and are easily recognized by their white color. The butterfly uses a long extendable proboscis to drink nectar from flowers. As the sulphur feeds, it picks up pollen from one flower, then transfers the pollen to the next flower the butterfly visits.
Millipede
Millipedes are elongated animals with many legs. They are often found on trees or near rotting wood or damp soil. As a defensive reaction, millipedes can excrete a foul smelling and tasting liquid. Millipedes feed on plant materials, both living and decaying.
Tarantula (Cyrtopholis bartholomei)
Worldwide, there are many species of tarantula. The Virgin Islands are home to a species that lives in holes dug in dry soil. With their legs spread, they can be 4-5 inches wide. While the spiders are rarely seen, their burrows can be locally abundant.
The spiders hunt during the night or lunge onto any small creature unfortunate enough to enter the lair. They use their fang-like chelicerae to inject venom into the prey. Though painful, the bite is typically not dangerous to people.
A tarantula can be extracted from its hole by inserting a tufted-tipped weed and carefully pulling the spider out when it grasps the end. Although other tarantulas can do well as pets, this species does poorly in captivity and is best left in the wild.
Orb Weaver
Orb weavers are common spiders in the Virgin Islands and their large and varied webs can be observed on nearly any outdoor excursion. Different species construct webs of varied design.
Females are typically larger than males, who often spin smaller webs on the edges of the webs of females.
The spiders typically feed on insects that become entrapped in the sticky webs. However, tree frogs and other small creatures that become stuck in the webs of these large spiders are in danger of becoming a meal as well.
Giant Crab Spider (Olios giganteus)
Giant crab spiders are another large spider species found in the Virgin Islands. With their legs spread, these spiders can reach widths of over three inches. Giant crab spiders have been known to live for several years. When not hunting or searching for mates, these spiders spend their time in tightly woven sacs.
Like tarantulas, giant crab spiders can look fearsome and have large fang-like chelicerae which they use to inject venom into their prey.
Scorpion (Centruroides gracilis)
Relatives of spiders, scorpions are secretive residents of the Virgin Islands. They are active at night and rarely seen. Scorpions use the stinger at the end of the tail to immobilize prey and for self-defense. Although often feared, the sting of most species is about equivalent to a bee sting (still an unpleasant and potentially dangerous experience).
Scorpions fluoresce under ultraviolet light, making it easier to locate them by shining a black light into the holes and crevices in which they hide.
Tailless Whip Scorpion (Phymus sp.)
Encounters with whip scorpions are definitely memorable experiences. These large relatives of spiders and scorpions are very flat and can be over 18 inches across with their legs spread. Despite their foreboding appearance, whip scorpions are harmless to humans. When disturbed, they often quickly dart into crevices using a sideways crab-like motion.
Active at night, whip scorpions use their long tactile legs and large claw-like pedipalps to capture small creatures such as insects, millipedes, and worms. Their diet may also possibly include small frogs and lizards. The tactile legs act like antennae, both for navigation and to detect prey. The pedipalps are used to catch and immobilize the unfortunate prey.