Within 24 hours here in the Peruvian Amazon, I came across two of the most spectacular insects I’ve ever seen.
Subject A: Diactor bilineatus, the Flag-Footed Bug. These guys have bizarre extensions to their hind tibiae which, when viewed from behind, look like two leaves with a hint of two beady eyes staring back at you. Thus, if a predator approaches from behind, it will likely get confused and allow this bug to go on and land on my drink menu, as it did last night when I discovered it.
One of the most spectacular bugs out there.
Subject B: Urodid moth cocoon. This cocoon is unlike any other I’ve come across. I couldn’t find a lot of literature on these guys, but my best guess is the almost 1 foot long silk string it hangs from and the detailed lattice structure would do well to protect against ants while minimizing investment in an all-encompassing cocoon as many moths have. Any further insights on this would be much appreciated.
Basket full o' pupa.
Just wondering if this is the same thing? I live in Florida.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152000393210016&set=a.10151844039630016.516791.562260015&type=1&relevant_count=1&ref=nf
Wow beautiful! Yes it is very likely in the same family of Urodidae, could also be a related moth from the family Yponomeutidae. Great find, lovely photo.
hi,i founded one similar in west papua,,if you want to compare?
I would just like to say that your pictures are just awesome and I think what you are doing to raise people’s level of awareness of the Amazon and it’s inhabitants is amazing.
Thank you and I hope you keep up this inspiring work!