- Author: Kathy Keatley Garvey
Published on: September 29, 2009
Ever seen a tachinid tiptoeing through the lavender?
The tachinids are parasitic flies that lay their eggs in hosts such as Lepidoptera (butterfly) caterpillars.
As larvae, they live in and kill their hosts.
As adults, they sip nectar and other plant juices.
That's why you'll see the adults tiptoeing through the lavender, sage and mints.
The scenario is unforgettable. The soft, silken flowers contrast sharply with the insect's long, hairy bristles.
But beauty is in the eye of the beholder, as entomologists are fond of saying.
This one (below) was exploring a lavender in our yard last weekend.
If it were six-feet tall, it would probably scare little children.
Except for future entomologists!
Tags: lavender (31), tachinid fly. Peleteria species (1)
Comments: 2
Comments:
by Brenda Dawson
on September 30, 2009 at 9:12 AM
wow, these are gorgeous photos!
by Kathy Keatley Garvey
on October 1, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Thanks!
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