Parasitic wasp larvae on caterpillar
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Parasitic wasp larvae on caterpillar
Coccoons of parasitic braconid larvae surrounding the caterpillar of the large heath butterfly, Coenonympha tullia. Braconid wasps, close relatives of the ichneumon wasps, parasitise lepidopteran caterpillars and also the larvae of beetles and flies. The brachonid wasp lays its eggs inside the caterpillar, using its long ovipositor, and the larvae begin to eat the still- living caterpillar from within. Once the larva are fully grown, they leave the body of the host almost simultaneously and begin to spin their cocoons on the surface of the dying caterpillar
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 6460797
© VAUGHAN FLEMING/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the intricate and somewhat gruesome relationship between parasitic wasp larvae and their unsuspecting host, the caterpillar of the large heath butterfly. The cocoons of parasitic braconid larvae encircle the helpless caterpillar, serving as a chilling reminder of nature's complex dynamics. Braconid wasps, closely related to ichneumon wasps, have evolved a sinister strategy to ensure their survival. Using its long ovipositor, the braconid wasp lays its eggs inside the caterpillar. As if trapped in a horror story, the still-living caterpillar becomes an unwitting nursery for these developing larvae. From within their unwilling host, these tiny predators begin feasting on its flesh while it is still alive. It is a macabre scene where life feeds on life itself - an unsettling testament to nature's unforgiving cycle. Once fully grown, these voracious larva simultaneously emerge from their now-lifeless host and proceed to spin their delicate cocoons upon its surface. This final act marks both an end and a beginning; as one life ends tragically, another prepares to take flight. This extraordinary image not only captures this fascinating interaction but also serves as a reminder of how diverse and intricate our natural world truly is. It invites us into the realm of zoology and entomology with glimpses into insect behavior that are both awe-inspiring and thought-provoking.
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