Fool's Gold Beetle larva by cfulton
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
Here is a shot of a larva stage of the Fool's Gold Beetle (Aspidomorpha tecta) that I posted yesterday.
Fool’s Gold beetle larvae do not discard the shed skins from moults but instead pile them up into a tail on the tip of the abdomen together with some of their excreta. Larvae wave this tail around when disturbed so possibly it is used for warding off predators and parasitoids.
Wow! What an education!
Thanks for all of the comments,
Clive

Comments (7)
Superb capture Clive. God bless.
How extremely lucky you saw this creature, Clive! I loved the adult and now to see this is an extra joy! Now for the pupa....
Nice one Clive and great to know what's inside the appendage!!
That's an odd one, for sure! Terrific find, and a great shot.
cool capture Nice of you to include your appendage so we can see the true size of this creature
What a fascinating creature! Great capture!
Great detailing mate.. Bizarre looking beast huh? Rob