We
had some crazy insect observations this past week! Josie's mom,
LaNelle, brought us a Tobacco Hornworm that was covered in what looked
like little sesame shaped eggs. Upon further research we discovered that
the poor caterpillar had been attacked by parasitic wasps, which had
laid it's eggs inside of the caterpillar. Apparently the eggs hatch and
the larvae eat the insides of the caterpillar until they are ready to
undergo metamorphosis. Then they eat their way out of the caterpillar
(sorry for the graphic details!) and create their cocoons on the outside
of the caterpillar. We decided to keep the hornworm for observation,
hoping to see the wasps hatch! Unlucky Mrs. Roach woke up to a bug
bucket full of wasps on Sunday morning, and found they were escaping
into my house! After rushing them outside, I was able to take this video
to show everyone the end result of our bug adventure!
Check out the video and some of the pictures I took of the hornworm, the empty cocoons, and the baby wasps!
Thanks for all of your bug show and tell's! They've been great!
