I've only actually seen an ant lion once, but I've seen millions (estimated) of their little dirty death traps. I figure they are largely ignored, because they are rarely seen. If it were me that discovered them, I would have probably labeled them something other than ant lion like The Steampunkin Bug or something.
For those who don't know, they build little traps for things like, well, ants to fall in. Once trapped, the ants are consumed over linen cloth with fine china and silverware...and a nice bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon.
The ant lioness, on the other hand, has a more sinister trap, which in this case is disguised beneath a veil of microfiber.
The ant lioness also uses sand traps as seen above and has the ability to imbibe her prey with sweet perfumes and fermented substances. It should be noted that her mating call of death includes phraseology like, "I'm so drunk," and "do you like my new boobs."
This is a lady bug larvae, which is considered the most voracious carnivore on planet Earth. In spite of her diminutive stature, each one can consume up to 400 aphids.
This rampant killer eventually grows into one of these after several sheddings or re-hatchings.
The final stage is the full blown lady bug like this one cleverly hidden behind a pair of Ray-Bans and her large bag of trickeration which includes various colors of camouflage paints and alluring scents.
The adult lady bug is capable of consuming the much larger dude bug in a single sitting. The larger dude bugs have many different appearances in order to disguise themselves from the females. They are no match for the more diminutive lady bugs, because when in the presence of the infinitely cunning lady bug, the dude bug becomes clumsy and hapless.
Like most carnivores, the lady bugs prefer their victims to be very large, so that they can feed upon his flesh for months or even years.
In this rare National Geographic photo, a lady bug leeches onto an unsuspecting dude bug to snatch the life from him as she pulls him to certain death.
Pay close attention to the other dude bugs as they watch the event with unsuspecting and curious anticipation. The allure of the lady bug is sinister at best and knows no bounds as she hunts down and devours her prey.
In another scientific report, this is a grackle.
I've always been partial to ladybugs, dragonflies, butterflies, and bees.... must be a girl thing.
ReplyDeleteAnd that has to be a male grackle...the females are very dowdy :)
Dowdy is right. The domesticated room mate says, "I don't understand all the mating season fracas between four male grackles trying to out fluff each other for an uninterested ugly brown female."
ReplyDeleteTo me, it seems like that with humans in a lot of ways, except in reverse. The females are quite attractive and the males, not so much. Regardless, the males persevere in vain as if there could possibly be a winner...*smirk*
As far as bugs go, I'm more into seeking creative ways of exterminating them. Stay tuned for the up coming (Saturday?) slug battles. Should be somewhat entertaining. I'll need my camera for this main event bout.
ReplyDeleteWell, there are different types of insects.... the "omigod, that is sooooo cute" kind, and the "must be squished underfoot at all costs" kind.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget: females dress to impress other females. Males just get caught in the estrogen crossfire ;)
"estrogen crossfire"
ReplyDeleteThat is an excellent way of putting it. That also explains why when women will wear a tiny mini skirt or go braless and then get all pissed off when men show appreciation for the effort...or, more appropriately, the view.
Yes, because the "view" is NOT for you! It is only for the express purpose of making the other females pissed off :)
ReplyDeleteI'll never understand it.
ReplyDeleteI've said this before...
Dealing with women is like craving chocolate when you have an allergy to chocolate.