Lepidoptera (butterflies & moths)
is one of the greatest lineages of insects, holding hundreds of thousands of species. Larvae are the planet's predominant herbivores. Adult Lepidopterans can be uniquely recognized by their two pairs of scale-covered wings.
A Formica francoeuri field ant worker tending to the larva of a Great Copper butterfly (Lycaena xanthoides). The caterpillar produces secretions attractive to ants, and in turn the ants protect the caterpillar from predators and parasites.
San Diego Co., California, USA
A Formica francoeuri field ant worker tending to the larva of a Great Copper butterfly (Lycaena xanthoides). The caterpillar produces secretions attractive to ants, and in turn the ants protect the caterpillar from predators and parasites.
San Diego Co., California, USA
Canon EOS 20D |
Original size: 1024x681 |
Current: 800x532 |
