Caterpillar covered in cocoons? La Isla Escondida, Colombia

Opening our 4th day in La Isla Escondida. I'm not entirely sure what is going on in this scene. This caterpillar is covered in what looks like cocoon, eggs, mites?

comments (8)

Christine Young

Lion

Those are parasitoid wasp cocoons, I believe. Was the cat dead? Posted 6 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  So, they would be from some kind of braconid wasp. It doesn't look like the wasps have emerged yet from this photo because once they emerge, the end of each cocoon will pop open. Posted 6 years ago
2. Ferdy Christant
  
  Lion
  
  It was still alive at this moment. So what is the strategy here, the wasp sticks the cocoons to the outside of the caterpillar and once the larvae come out they feed on the caterpillar itself? Posted 6 years ago
3. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Not the same caterpillar, but similar cocoons: https://www.flickr.com/photos/andreaskay/36161587464
    Posted 6 years ago, modified 6 years ago
  2. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      It's a really gruesome process. The female wasp lays her eggs just under the caterpillar's skin. The eggs hatch, eat the caterpillar (while it's alive), and then chew their way out. They form their cocoons on the surface of the caterpillar's skin. At this point, the caterpillar is near death and will die soon. Posted 6 years ago, modified 6 years ago
    2. 1. Ferdy Christant
        
        Lion
        
        Oh my, so this one looks to be "late stage", what a way to die :(
        Thanks for the information though! Posted 6 years ago
      2. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        It definitely sounds unpleasant. Posted 6 years ago

Flown Kimmerling

Lion

AMAZING! And I totally agree with Christine on the parasitoids. Posted 6 years ago

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