Fire Cuckoo Wasp Playing Dead
by Perennou Nuridsany
Title
Fire Cuckoo Wasp Playing Dead
Artist
Perennou Nuridsany
Medium
Photograph - Photograph
Description
Macrophotograph of a fire cuckoo wasp, Chrysis sp., "playing dead". Cuckoo wasps are parasites of bees, wasps and yellowjackets, laying their eggs on the larvae of these insects. If the adult cuckoo wasp is caught in the nest of its host whilst laying eggs, it will curl up into a ball and remain motionless. In this way the wasp's vulnerable undersides are protected, whilst exposed areas are heavily armored and cannot be pierced by the other insect's sting. The host will eventually push the "lifeless" ball out of its nest, allowing the cuckoo wasp to escape.
Uploaded
June 25th, 2018
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