Showing posts with label predator. Show all posts
Showing posts with label predator. Show all posts

Thursday, August 17, 2023

Sand Wasp Versus Caterpillar

 The Sand Wasp, Ammophila sabulosa, preys on caterpillars (here Silver Y caterpillar) which it paralyses, takes to a pre-dug hole and places in the burrow laying an egg on it. The egg hatches and the larva feeds on the caterpillar. Carrying such a large prey is no mean feat especially over rough vegetation. When it reached the hole an amusing sequence occurred as it attempted to push the larva into the hole (like threading a needle with a floppy piece of cotton) but eventually worked out it is better to go down the hole and drag it in.


Ann Miles Photography - My Favourite Images of the Past10 years or so