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Project Noah Nature School
Gerstaeckeria genus
grub-like; 1/2 inch long initially
on a cactus pad
The blue caught my eye, then I could see the body pulsating. As I watched it suddenly contracted, then vomited a drop of the bright yellow-green goo seen in the first picture. Totally alien looking. **There are 18 species in the weevil genus Gerstaeckeria in North America, north of Mexico. Of these, only G. hubbardi (LeConte) and G. fasciata Pierce, feed on cacti of the genus Opuntia in Florida
Spotted on Apr 9, 2011
Submitted on Apr 10, 2011
6 Comments
OKAY. I haven't exactly IDed this little guy, but narrowed it down. (see additional note**) Any other input would be greatly appreciated.
I am frustrated in my search for an ID on this guy. I've narrowed it down to cactus beetles (moneilema), but can't get anything positive on the larvae.
HELP
That would be great. I've tried grubs, worms, beetles...but to no avail. It appears to be anchored in the the cactus and gets bigger and smaller. It also was pulsating (like that thing that Genna Davis gave birth to in the movie the "Fly")
I have no idea what to call it. I will let you know if I find anything out about it.
Whatever it appears to be sucking from the cactus. It was the weirdest thing I've seen this year. Poor little alien still needs a name.
What is it spiting up?