
Don't really know why I found this so funny. I encountered a gazillion wasp nests today removing collars around the vines for trunk setting. Arthropod troubles abound. Doing a bit of late night research, I found this picture and couldn't resist sharing. You're welcome. But as I write, I'm struck by the cinematic potential. Somebody call Disney.
Not love, Apo, but a puppet-master/overlord caught in the act of basic predation. This wasp is injecting eggs that also contain viral code that will keep this caterpillar alive and well-fed while it`s being eaten alive from the inside, that will block defense mechanism even prevent it from pupating.
Reminds me of how the elite have captured the flow of rents from big government and have manipulated political discourse to encourage greater religious conflict and more defense spending on otherwise entirely fruitless wars.
Parasitical abuse of government is the true threat that we face.
Posted by: TokyoTom at July 15, 2007 06:54 AMIf we elect Kucinich, I'd say humanity has about 24 hours to live.
Posted by: froz gobo at July 15, 2007 12:09 PMAs TokyoTom mentioned, that's probably a Braconid Wasp laying its eggs inside or on that caterpillar.
The wasps are considered a beneficial insect by gardeners because caterpillars destroy crops.
Froz, way past my bedtime. Apo has had any number of posts up about parasitism, so kinda thought this was intended in the same vein.
If not, I desire to subvert it for my own dark purposes ...
Alternatively, consider my second paragraph a bit of self-parody.
G`night!
Posted by: TokyoTom at July 15, 2007 02:38 PM