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Cactus weevil larva

Gerstaeckeria genus

Photo by auntnance123
Published on Project Noah
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29.0831, -81.8839

Field Notes

Description:

grub-like; 1/2 inch long initially

Habitat:

on a cactus pad

Notes:

The blue caught my eye, then I could see the body pulsating. As I watched it suddenly contracted, then vomited a drop of the bright yellow-green goo seen in the first picture. Totally alien looking.
**There are 18 species in the weevil genus Gerstaeckeria in North America, north of Mexico. Of these, only G. hubbardi (LeConte) and G. fasciata Pierce, feed on cacti of the genus Opuntia in Florida

Reference Links:

Cactus weevils, Gerstaeckeria spp.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
auntnance123
OKAY. I haven't exactly IDed this little guy, but narrowed it down. (see additional note**) Any other input would be greatly appreciated.
auntnance123
I am frustrated in my search for an ID on this guy. I've narrowed it down to cactus beetles (moneilema), but can't get anything positive on the larvae. HELP
auntnance123
That would be great. I've tried grubs, worms, beetles...but to no avail. It appears to be anchored in the the cactus and gets bigger and smaller. It also was pulsating (like that thing that Genna Davis gave birth to in the movie the "Fly")
Amber Burns
I have no idea what to call it. I will let you know if I find anything out about it.
auntnance123
Whatever it appears to be sucking from the cactus. It was the weirdest thing I've seen this year. Poor little alien still needs a name.
Photographed
PublishedApril 10, 2011

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