Caterpillars of a number of large moth species in the genus Wiseana are commonly called 'porina'. They're important pests of New Zealand pasture, but farmers aren't without a few natural allies. This is one: a big tachinid fly in the genus Protohystricia. Its larvae parastise porina caterpillars, but to the best of my knowledge, no one knows how they affect porina populations. My guess — and I stress it's a guess — is that parasitism by these flies has no discernible impact. Still, if you live in New Zealand and see one of these — don't swat it!
[17 January 2014, Olympus OM-D EM-1, 60 mm f2.8 Macro , ISO 400, 1/500 at f5.6]
All content © 2014 Pete McGregor
Posts
10 comments:
How fascinating. And it is a beautiful thing, so it is nice to hear that it has a friend (or two).
EC, I suspect most people react with disgust, thinking it's some kind of enormous blowfly. I'm glad you think it's beautiful :^)
Another dear little friend to have around, especially with those gorgeous eyes. I am becoming quite serious about making this and your furry jumping spider into soft toys for little E.
RR, that would be wonderful! Can't wait to see the photographs :^)
Perhaps they'll be soft toys for P.P. rather than Little E.
RR, I suspect the queue is lengthening right now. E. must have priority, of course ;^)
Ok, I really don't see how you can see the beauty of this beast, and still be creeped out by beautiful spiders.
Gah, those hairs.
Eye of the beholder, I guess, Zhoen. I admit my reaction to many spiders isn't logical, though.
You are not alone. Apparently there are arachnophobic entomologists.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=arachnophobic-entomologists
Fascinating. Thanks Zhoen.
Post a Comment