AW Book of Insect and Invertebrates - Chat and discussion

[Klipspringer]

I find it fascinating how these wasps are programmed to overpower the larger crickets. First the must paralize the mouthparts and they know how they must sting to do so. But the stinger is on the abdomen, so they can't see what they do . The venom must go precisely into the widely separated nerve centres and these must be neutralised one by one. If they fail, these katidids will retaliate and bite or strike with their armed legs. And they don't have enough venom for a second attempt.

These girls really rock

[Lisbeth]

They have lots of years behind them, practising but of course you are right

[Lisbeth]

A new kind of mites: Water & Velvet Mites

[ExFmem]

That Klippies is one smart lady! Very interesting info. there. Here is a closer crop that maybe helps see them better.

[Klipspringer]

ExFmem!

Will add it!

[Lisbeth]

I never imagined that there were so many species of wasps, flies etc.

Sis, your macro pics are supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

[Klipspringer]

Beetles are - as far as I know - the largest order in the animal kingdom, there are millions

They are my favourites.

I guess ExFmem's favourites are lacewings

What do you like, Lisbeth?

[Lisbeth]

Butterflies

Two night ago by mistake, I hit a stink beetle in my bed and it was not a very pleasant encounter

[Klipspringer]

They are stink bugs, not beetles

[Richprins]

I don't think many have a favourite bug, Klippies!