Would you raise the baby that ate your siblings? – Francesca Barbero

Explore how the offspring of parasitic butterflies trick their way into ant colonies for food and protection.

You might not guess it, but Alcon blue butterflies are just one of over 200 parasitic butterfly species, all of which target ants. And their offspring live highly unusual lives, tricking their way into ant colonies using mimicry. So, how do these butterflies do it— and why? Francesa Barbero explores the strategies caterpillars use to survive among ants on their journey to become butterflies.

Lesson by Francesca Barbero, directed by Raghav Arumugam, Jagriti Khirwar.