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larose forest photos | all galleries >> INSECTS (INSECTA) (28 Galleries) >> Moth Caterpillars >> Cutworm Moths and Allies (Family: Noctuidae) 8536 - > Noctuid moth caterpillar with parasite
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06-JUN-2016 Christine Hanrahan

Noctuid moth caterpillar with parasite

Reveler Conservation Area

This poor caterpillar has been parasitized by a Braconid wasp and now the larva is emerging and spinning its cocoon, which of course, will kill the caterpillar eventually. Rather gruesome, but a common occurrence. Thanks to Charley Eiseman on Bug Guide who provided information.

Panasonic LUMIX FZ200
1/160s f/4.0 at 4.5mm iso100 full exif

other sizes: small medium large original auto
Hank Vander Velde12-Jan-2017 14:21
Terrific image and info Christine. Nature sure is marvelous, but cruel at times.
Juliette12-Jan-2017 13:30
great find and capture V
chris morton12-Jan-2017 08:46
all your bugs coming forward!
Pierre Martin12-Jan-2017 03:39
excellent image who show face of nature!
Graeme11-Jan-2017 23:37
In some ways the insect world is more gruesome than the things that happen in our lives! Great close up details, Christine.VV!
Jim Coffman11-Jan-2017 22:02
Another of you great little scenes of nature...
globalgadabout11-Jan-2017 21:23
a subtly drawn image..it seems one life form feeds another in an endless cycle..
Helen Betts11-Jan-2017 21:10
Excellent closeup, but I can't help feeling sorry for insects parasitized in such a way. V.
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