Parasitised Large White butterfly caterpillar

This caterpillar, Pieris brassicas has been parasitised by the parasitoid wasp Cotesia Glomerata. After feeding on it's host internally it eventually eats its way out to form these yellow cocoon clusters, which the caterpillar then constructs a silk web that provides the developing parasitic wasp with extra protection, which in turn helps protects them from being parasitised themselves.

478 views
32 faves
5 comments
Uploaded on August 15, 2023
Taken on August 13, 2023