Intestines!

[Bilbo_baggin]

Never seen this kind of thing before, but as I was walking down by the canal I spotted this larvae thingie climbing slowly up the edge of a blade of grass. It is about 2 or 3mm in length (big crop) and was slimy to look at - which you can tell by the way the sun is reflected off the goo.

But what fascinated me when I got the image onto the computer is that you can quite clearly see the intestines running all through the body underneath the transparent skin!

Will try and find out what it is today (someone may know) and will update when I find out. But for now, enjoy the insides of an insect, from the outside!


Exif:

Camera Maker: Canon
Camera Model: Canon EOS 550D
Lens: 105mm
Image Date: 2011-06-14 12:56:51 +0000
Focal Length: 105mm
Aperture: f/8.0
Exposure Time: 0.0056 s (1/180)
ISO equiv: 200
Exposure Bias: none
Metering Mode: Matrix
Exposure: aperture priority (semi-auto)
White Balance: Auto
Flash Fired: No (enforced)
Orientation: Normal
Color Space: sRGB
GPS Coordinate: undefined, undefined
Photographer: Paul Iddon
Copyright: www.pauliddon.co.uk






Paul.

[Nibb]

Dont think its intestines, probably the initial stages of the pupal sac in which the caterpillar will pupate into a butteryfly or moth.

[Mystical_2K]

nice pic, never seen that thing before tho so cant shed any light on what it is

[Bilbo_baggin]

Ta for the thoughts. Until I get an ID on the critter, the mystery will continue...


Paul.

[Nikki]

nice pic, does look like intestines lol - great colours

[peterc4]

nice capture, does look like intestines

[Bilbo_baggin]

I think it's a flea beetle, or a leaf beetle.


Ta peeps.


Paul.

[dpSparhawk]

That's mad Paul. Very nice detail.

[cybollox]

that clearly is a beetle bursting for a shite. well spotted Mr B.

[Bilbo_baggin]

Thank you fellas!


Paul.

[Bilbo_baggin]

I got in touch with an entomologist , Professor Kenneth Wilson, who spoke to a Dr Andy Wilby (they are at Liverpool University) and he says:

Quote:

Hi Paul

I consulted with a colleague of mine (Dr Andy Wilby) and he reckons it’s a probably a Chrysomelid larvae. Some of them keep a drop of water or similar on their backs as a predator deterrent. Check out:



Bayer CropScience - Pestspotter - Cereal leaf beetle

Unquote.


My photo is better than theirs! (Bayers')

Paul.

[cybollox]

So that whole dome thing is a water droplet, thats very cool and must have great balance not to spill it.

[Bilbo_baggin]

So that whole dome thing is a water droplet, thats very cool and must have great balance not to spill it.

Dunno how it's done, but it sure sticks well !



Bilbo.