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The Catcher Caught


The Catcher Caught
Photo Information
Copyright: Alan Cassidy (accassidy) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 162 W: 119 N: 596] (2454)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 1985-03
Categories: Insects
Camera: Pentax LX, Pentax 100mm Macro with extension tube
Details: (Fill) Flash: Yes
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Robberfly [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2007-08-23 1:44
Viewed: 5147
Favorites: 1 [view]
Points: 10
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This is (or was) a Robber Fly.

Robber flies (Asilidae) are one of the main predatory groups of the Diptera (Two-winged insects). Many of these predators are opportunists; they wait on a perch for prey tems to fly past and then grab them. This means that a large range of prey may be eaten.

This fierce, merciless predator has, however, met his match in the form of a fungus which has invaded his body, killed him and finally completed its own development outside the fly's body.

The two cream, mushroom-like growths from the thorax and the long root-like tendril at the rear are the external signs of the fungal infection.

It is a remarkable fact of life in the forest that even the fiercest of predators can fall victim to the unexpected.
warnzy, jmp, anel, Betty, extramundi, CatStevens has marked this note useful
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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To extramundi: Fungus on Flyaccassidy 1 08-26 09:02
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Alan,

How amazing? Gross, but fascinating. Thanks for sharing

Kind regards,

Mike

  • Great 
  • jmp Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1659 W: 95 N: 2273] (8415)
  • [2007-08-23 3:19]

Hi Alan,
Interesting document about the ways life goes!
TFS, José M.

  •      
  • Betty Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 11 W: 0 N: 10] (186)
  • [2007-08-23 8:56]

Wow Alan,

amazing subject. However, in terms of capturing the image I would've chosen another, more englobing, POV.
tfs, Betty

Just amazing, most interesting and direct to my FAVS.
Did you know that some of this fungus can rule the behaviour of the host? Have a look here, not my best shot, but a nice read :) http://www.treknature.com/gallery/Europe/Spain/photo4022.htm
Best regards, Felipe.

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1772 W: 36 N: 5597] (18598)
  • [2007-08-25 1:37]

Hi Alan,
Fantastic shot showing us the cycle of nature. Very neat image and you have portrayed this scene with a great POV. Very nicely composed. Kudos.
TFS.
Sumon

I really like such kind of images.....greatc catch, and details

Hello Alan,

An interesting find!

The name of this entomopathogenic fungus is Ophiocordyceps (= Cordyceps) dipterigena.

Best regards,
Dmitry

Hi Alan,

Excellent. Very unusual view. Very informative note.
Very well done!
TFS
Best,
Mark

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