Parasitic Wasp Cocoon Pulsating
If there was ever any doubt whether or not there was actual life within those gray oval shapes we sometimes find hanging on leaves, here's the answer.
Parasitic Meteorus Wasp larvae prey upon caterpillars...like this hapless White-streaked Prominent, who's desiccated remains lie nearby.
The pupating wasp can be seen squirming within the cocoon.
That sound you hear in the background is the steady rain from an approaching front...so unfortunately, I had to cut this video short of an actual emergence.
Catoctin Mountains
Frederick County, Maryland
September 30, 2015
Parasitic Wasp Cocoon Pulsating
If there was ever any doubt whether or not there was actual life within those gray oval shapes we sometimes find hanging on leaves, here's the answer.
Parasitic Meteorus Wasp larvae prey upon caterpillars...like this hapless White-streaked Prominent, who's desiccated remains lie nearby.
The pupating wasp can be seen squirming within the cocoon.
That sound you hear in the background is the steady rain from an approaching front...so unfortunately, I had to cut this video short of an actual emergence.
Catoctin Mountains
Frederick County, Maryland
September 30, 2015