This Fly Larva’s Butt Looks Like a Termite’s Head—and Termites Are Falling for It
“Most termites live several meters deep and have no visual perception. However, harvester termites come out at dusk to collect grass, so they have functional eyes that the larvae are able to mimic with their spiracles [breathing holes],” Vila explained.
Rare fly species wears fake termite head to infiltrate nests
According to the team, the relationship between the blow fly larvae and termites appears to be some form of social parasitism or symbiosis. Humpbacked flies and termites have a similar relationship. However, it is adult humpback flies and not the larvae that mimic termites.
Fly with a fake termite face capable of infiltrating and socialising in a termite mound
For the first time ever, an international study led by the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE), a joint centre of the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) (the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)) and Pompeu Fabra University (UPF),
House Digest on MSN10mon
Will The Crane Flies In Your Yard Bite You? Here's What You Should KnowEuropean crane fly larvae feed on turfgrass's roots, shoots, and crowns. This particular species is found in the Northwest ...
A crane fly lays eggs in low-lying areas near water, which hatch as larvae. These larvae are called leather jackets and are brown or gray and cylinder-shaped. They have finger-like projections ...
Hosted on MSN11mon
A local entomologist talks about crane flies in Southeast Texas"It's a part of early spring in Texas." Foster said the adequate rain and the start of warmer temperatures typically attract crane flies. Larvae can oftentimes be found in wet soils feeding on ...
Leatherjackets are the grubs or larvae of crane-flies (Tipula species) better known by their common name, daddylong-legs. They have long thin legs, narrow bodies and slender wings. Although ...
Some results have been hidden because they may be inaccessible to you
Show inaccessible results
Feedback