Forest Owl and Infestation - _TNY_6678
As I was photographing this forest giant owl butterfly (Caligo eurilochus) trying to dry its wings after getting out of its chrysalis, I noticed several of the annying ants which have made the butterfly house thier home.
The common red ant (Myrmica rubra) is annoying and bug the butterflies - which is why the chrysalides cabinet stands on two poles in a moat so the water keep the ants out.
I presume these ants have breached the defenses and gottin in off a leaf touching the top of the cabinet from above, but the disturbing part is that these ants are carrying eggs and larvae which I think they have made a foothold inside the cabinet.
I will try and contact the butterfly house and let them know they need to locate any potential nest inside the cabinet.
Forest Owl and Infestation - _TNY_6678
As I was photographing this forest giant owl butterfly (Caligo eurilochus) trying to dry its wings after getting out of its chrysalis, I noticed several of the annying ants which have made the butterfly house thier home.
The common red ant (Myrmica rubra) is annoying and bug the butterflies - which is why the chrysalides cabinet stands on two poles in a moat so the water keep the ants out.
I presume these ants have breached the defenses and gottin in off a leaf touching the top of the cabinet from above, but the disturbing part is that these ants are carrying eggs and larvae which I think they have made a foothold inside the cabinet.
I will try and contact the butterfly house and let them know they need to locate any potential nest inside the cabinet.