I believe this caterpillar is not "nursing" eggs, but rather being parasitized by the eggs. If you look towards the head of the caterpillar in the first photo, you can see it is browning, showing decay.
This as truly an amazing spotting...and story as brought to life by the video, and although the caterpillar seems to care for its invaders in the latter stage, it is not their parent, so I don't know if this parasitism really fits the mission...
Misako and Rubens...the video are really interesting ...its definitely explains Rubens' catterpillar behavior that I saw some months ago... Thanks you both !!!
You're welcome Rubens--there is a wasp species that parasitizes ladybugs that I am familiar with and that is why I thought it might be the same situation as your poor caterpillar.
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I believe this caterpillar is not "nursing" eggs, but rather being parasitized by the eggs. If you look towards the head of the caterpillar in the first photo, you can see it is browning, showing decay.
Yes sorry, I should have said that mission!
Frazier, I think you are right if you are talking about the brooding behavior mission.
This as truly an amazing spotting...and story as brought to life by the video, and although the caterpillar seems to care for its invaders in the latter stage, it is not their parent, so I don't know if this parasitism really fits the mission...
Espectacular!!!
You're welcome Rubens Araujo!
Misako and Rubens...the video are really interesting ...its definitely explains Rubens' catterpillar behavior that I saw some months ago...
Thanks you both !!!
You're welcome Rubens--there is a wasp species that parasitizes ladybugs that I am familiar with and that is why I thought it might be the same situation as your poor caterpillar.
Thanks Misako for the video. This also explains this other picture i took some time ago: http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/690.... Poor caterpillar.
That video is amazing, although a bit sad for the poor caterpillar. Great spotting.
My only comment after this excellent video: all nature with its beauty and ferocity! Great spotting!
Good spotting Rubens !
and a good video to explain it all - thanks Misako. The caterpillars look similar too..
Wow, nature is amazing. Poor caterpillar though.
I know--I had to fast forward to the end.
Amazing! That video should come with a "not suitable for weak stomachs" label though heh, heh.
I think it was parasitized by wasp larvae:
http://youtu.be/vMG-LWyNcAs
Is it laying the eggs?
Very bizarre!