It's actually a very cool bit of nature in play. The hornworms are feasting on my tomato plants (the ones Mr. L. now refuses to feast on because the idea that green monsters crawled around on them grosses him out) and the wasp larvae are feasting on the hornworms. Eventually the wasp larvae would kill the hornworm so it's a natural pest deterent in theory. In reality, the hornworms usually eat the tomat plant bare long before the wasp larvae kill them. Still very cool.
never seen a worm like that! hoep he likes the company :-) great for the theme
ReplyDeleteWow, so cool, I have never seen one of those close up...Wonderful macro!
ReplyDeleteThat is one creepy cluster! Your focus on this is wonderful - very cool image.
ReplyDeleteKaren said it just right...creepy cluster. It's so nice and sharp and vivid!
ReplyDeleteI sure woke up seeing this at EV. What fabulous detail you got. I hope they are parasitic wasps. Do the grand boys get to see these?
ReplyDeleteHappily hornworms don't thrive here, sadly neither do tomatoes.
Great closeup, yea creepy is a good description. But then photos are suppose to make us feel a certain way. Well accomplished.
ReplyDeleteWow! What a fascinating bit of symbiosis. Does the worm survive until the wasps hatch, I wonder?
ReplyDeleteThis is so facinating. I have never seen this in nature. You have a great eye, Lorri. (Great picture, too.)
ReplyDeleteI have never seen this as well. Great capture but not sure I want to see them on my tomatoes.
ReplyDeleteGood shot!! Like to put them under my heal if they are on my tomatoes
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