Cuckoo Children, Show-offs and Masters of Camouflage
In the world of insects, things are not always what they seem. Harmless flies pretend to be dangerous, predatory hunters lurk among the flowers, and the most dazzling figures turn out to be neglectful parents. Camouflage and deception are always about better chances of survival: protection from predators, successful foraging, or securing food for the next generation.
Parasites: Common Cuckoo Wasp
Chrysis ignita
The brightly shimmering common cuckoo wasp (Chrysis ignita) lives as a parasite. It lays its eggs in the nests of other insects such as paper wasps, mason bees or hairy-footed bees. These hosts then rear the cuckoo wasp’s offspring. This is a disadvantage for their own young, but it does not usually cause major harm.
Sheep in Wolves’ Clothing: Drone Fly
Eristalis tenax
Harmless insects such as the drone fly (Eristalis tenax) use mimicry. They have adapted their outward appearance to resemble bees, wasps or hornets in order to deter predators. But two wings instead of four, and very short antennae, reveal the truth: the drone fly is only a fly.
Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing: Goldenrod Crab Spider
Misumena vatia
Yellow on yellow flowers or white on white ones — this is how the goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia) waits for its victims. This spider species, found worldwide, adapts its colour to its background and becomes almost invisible. Bumblebees, bees, hornets and butterflies are then easy prey.