Various animals are tricked by a fabulous creature, an inkalimeva. They are meant to guard a pool created by the animals. With its musical instrument, an inkingi, a stringed instrument, it lulls the guards into a deep sleep, and then the inkalimeva drinks the water. Finally, a tortoise turns the tables on the inkalimeva.

Should they [caterpillars] affix them to the leaves of a plant improper for their food […]

Going a bit doolally-tap, if you ask me. Getting odd ideas.

a plant with skunk-scented leaves