Question

If a dead caterpillar appears whitish or very soft, hanging (often in an inverted-V) from the top of the plant, and ruptures into a liquid-like substance when touched, it is probably infected with a _____.
A) Chemical pesticide
B) Fungus
C) Nematode
D) Bacterium
E) virus

Answer 1

Answer:

E) virus

Explanation:

The description is a case of an attack by a virus known as 'baculovirus'.

When a caterpillar is attacked by this virus, it gradually takes over the caterpillar's body system and programs the sick organism to move towards light which is usually the top of the plant.

Apart from the fact that the virus takes over the body of the caterpillar, it also triggers the body of the organism to melt, thus rupturing into liquid-like substance when touched.

The correct option is E.