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Wildlife Spotting

Photo by gmr2048
Published on Project Noah
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38.9345, -77.351

Field Notes

Notes:

Some kind of caterpillar, covered in tiny cocoons(?). Hope to watch it until whatever happens, happens

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (2)
gmr2048
Thanks asergio! Any idea how long the pupal stage lasts? The caterpillar seemed to still be alive (it's front "arms" moved occasionally). I'd love to get photos of the next stage (no matter how gross).
Sergio Monteiro
gmr2048, this caterpillar was infected by a Ichneumon wasp, probably. The wasp lays its eggs inside the cat, where they grow feeding on the host's internal parts. What you are seeing is the pupal stage of the wasp's larvae, which emerged to form them. The caterpillar is probably dead already, or next to. Sad, but some have to dye so others can live...
Photographed
PublishedAugust 3, 2012

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