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Megarhyssa macrurus
Once again, I was able to watch one of these MASSIVE wasp oviposit. When I say these are large, I'm talking like 7 inches (including the ovipositor.) This striking wasp are able to find their victims through an amazing process. These wasps have an ability to sense a fungus through several inches of wood. How does this help you ask? The fungus is only found on the waste of their host species, pigeon tremex. Once they find a log with the larva in it, they burrow their way into the log with the ovipositor and deposit their eggs in the larva. A truly stunning example of evolution that seems nearly impossible.
Wooded area
5 Comments
Neat!
This is spectacular field work!
Great job Logan! Thanks for sharing..
What can I say... I guess I'm lucky. :)
I haven't seen one of these in a couple of years and I've been keeping a keen eye out for them. Awesome shots once again Logan. I'm jealous:)