Fake caterpillar study reveals global pattern in predation. A new study revealing the world's prime insect predation hotspots, achieved its landmark findings using an unusual aid: plasticine 'dummy caterpillars.' The new study has revealed a global pattern of predation on insect herbivores. The trends observed were surprising, revealing that predatory behavior in the tropics is not driven by birds or mammals but by ants and other small arthropods. Ref. Source 1u.
I actually would have expected these results. As a boy we had a black ant colony and a red ant colony in my back yard. Being a boy, I'd often go back there and study them. Well, one day I went back there and they were at war. It was fascinating. I watched for a long time until I noticed the red ants starting to win decisively. Well, again being a boy and liking both colonies I intervened on behalf of the black ant with my trusty croquet mallet… restoring the balance until the little war ended. The moral of that story is that the insect world is not peaceful and friendly, it is predatory.