Nature lunch
Yesterday I had a good walk with my dog Yaz after she had to take in easy the last few weeks. She had surgery on her left paw. Quite a big wound which had to heal properly. So no running, no jumping or long walks.
After a nice walk in a small forest nearby it was time to have some lunch. For me, a cup of coffee and fried eggs were ordered.
Suddenly I felt tickling on my foot…..
Ieks!!
There was something else having its nature lunch too!!
A spider wasp dragging its catch to its nest. Only my foot was in its way obviously.
The Spider Wasp
Adult spider wasps are nectar-feeding insects and feed on a variety of plants. The female wasps search for a variety of spiders for their larva to feed on, like wolf spiders for instance. It first bytes of the spider’s legs.
It then can drag the spider more easily to its nest where it will lay one egg on the spider.
So this wasp was not having lunch, obviously.
The wasp larva feeds on its host, it saves the vital organs, such as the heart and central nervous system, for last.
By waiting until the final larval instar, it ensures the spider will not decompose before the larva has fully developed.
The newborn wasp will emerge the following spring. Until then it stays it its little hole in the ground.
My lunch?
Yes, my lunch was excellent, no complaints.
Had a coca cola too which was very nice. It was quite warm outside, even in the shade.
Keep an eye on my portfolio
The creature in this post can be found in the “Insects” gallery.
I’ll make some changes (still) in my portfolio and albums the next couple of weeks.
Enjoy!!
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