Thursday, September 20, 2012

New Parasitic Beetle Afflicts CB Hymenoptera

What parcel of the population knows, based on observation, or maybe hearsay,  that tall goldenrod is a favored nectaring plant for a very great many bees and wasps?  What parcel of the poplution believes the same?  In other words, what population parcel has faith in tall goldenrod as a favored nectar source of Hymenoptera?  Sadly, as critical thinking in the Homeland goes the way of the Dodo, superceded by the Angel Moroni's trumpeting,  these are the kinds of questions that need asking; small talk reminders of a failed civilization.

This cute beetle, (Macrostigion cruenta), maybe, decked out in her anarcho-syndicalist colors, is also on the tall goldenrod.  She appears to be nectaring.  Maybe she is nectaring.  But rumor has it, she may be laying eggs.  Yes.  But almost immediately those eggs hatch to become triungulins.  Triungulins, many cry out.   What do they do?  Well, those triungulins grab on to an unsuspecting bee or wasp, ride back to its nest, then parasitize the hosts baby.  Mercy!

Death rides, not a horse, a goldenrod.

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