There is something incredibly intriguing about the world we live in. Despite the belief that we have learned everything there is to know, the internet constantly proves otherwise. It enables us to see and learn about things our forefathers could only dream about. From exotic creatures to strange insects, there is always something new to uncover.

A photo of a creature discovered in a woman’s backyard in Sydney, Australia, went viral recently. The creature had pink and black eyes that appeared to have been hastily glued on by a toddler. When I initially saw it, I assumed it was false, and I wasn’t alone. The woman went to social media for help identifying the bizarre creature. The response was a combination of confusion and humor.

One user said, “I seriously thought you stuck googly eyes on a weirdly shaped stocking,” while another simply said, “That is the cutest thing I have ever seen.” The creature is indeed a hawkmoth caterpillar, as confirmed by Andrew Mitchell, an entomologist at the Australian Museum. He explained that these caterpillars are frequently found on plants, notably grapevines.

They have a large distribution range, from Western Australia to Queensland and all the way to Sydney. These caterpillars use their brown hue to blend in with their environment, and their bright eyes to repel predators. They may blow up their bodies and strike in self-defense, but they are entirely harmless.

So, if you come across one of these “googly-eyed” critters in your yard, don’t panic! They are just one example of the wonderful biodiversity that surrounds us. Join in the magic of nature and embrace the unexpected. Have you ever encountered a creature like this before? Please let us know in the comments below!