<< Previous Next >>

Parasitic wasp cocoons on hornworm


Parasitic wasp cocoons on hornworm
Photo Information
Copyright: Ron Warner (tuslaw) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2754 W: 282 N: 4931] (19883)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2016-08-30
Categories: Insects
Camera: Canon 5D Mark III
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/200 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Date Submitted: 2016-08-30 18:38
Viewed: 1801
Points: 16
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
I went out to the garden this evening to gather a few cherry tomatoes. I was surprised to find three Tobacco Hornworms that had parasitic wasp cocoons covering their bodies.

Please check out my WS image which shows a caterpillar with a wasp on it that has recently emerged from a cocoon.

The Braconidae Family consists of a large group of parasitic wasps, (over 15,000 species) that are actually beneficial to gardeners by controlling plant eating caterpillars such as the Tobacco Hornworm.

I have been very familiar with Tobacco Hornworms since I was a young boy, we actually called them (Tomato Worms). I had the job of checking the tomato plants each day for these nasty plant eating caterpillars. I would usually throw them to the ground and squish them with my foot. I have since learned about natures way to rid my garden of these large caterpillars....hence the Braconid Wasp

For more info on the Braconidae Wasp Family : Click Here
marius-secan, ramthakur, lousat, Hotelcalifornia, periko, njmv79 has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
None
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

Ciao Ron great macro of beautiful catarpillars with a lot of parasitic cocoons, fine details, wonderful colors and splendid sharpness, very well done, my friebd, ciao Silvio

Hello Ron,
A very interesting image with such great accuracy and exceptional details.
Marius.

This is an interesting and informative posting you have shared with us today, Ron.
I was surprised to see such a large number of Wasp cocoons clinging to the Caterpillar. Your Workshop shows many more besides the tiny, newly emerged wasp. Your note puts it very clearly that these cocoons are effective means of pest control.
The picture is decidedly sharp ans crisp and a perfect sample of what you tell us in your note.
Thanks.
Ram

  • Great 
  • lousat Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 6595 W: 89 N: 15659] (65489)
  • [2016-08-31 12:32]

Hi Ron,very interesting post,i never seen nothing like that,poor caterpillar,now food for worms of wasp.2 magnificent pics very sharp and bright,i like it! Have a nice evening and thanks for the note too,Luciano

hallo Ron
super good picture with nice details and lovely naturel colours
thanks gr lou

Hello Ron,
Very nice subject you presented. Very important NOTE as well as your posted WS picture.
Very nice POV with excellent BG. Details are well too and I like your chosen composition.
Thanks for showing with nice NOTE
Regards,
Srikumar

  • Great 
  • periko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 70 W: 2 N: 145] (1487)
  • [2016-09-01 19:47]

Hi Ron
This is a very valuable contribution.
The DOF is excellent to highlight the caterpillar and its guests.
Impressive sharpness and perfect exposure.

Kind regards
Pedro

Hello Ron,
What a find what a catch, WOW, amazing, great Macro, outstanding composition and DOF.
TFS,
Nelson

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF