Sunday, April 24, 2011

Caterpillars having mass orgy sex in Mt Bogong, Vic, Australia


Perga affinis (Spitfire Sawfly) ... Are they have mass orgy sex ?

Photo taken in 2006 January on Staircase Spur trail while climbing Mt Bogong, Vic, Australia
Trip report is in this link:
http://mntviews.blogspot.com.au/2009/04/bogong-vic-australia.html


Two photos taken in 2011 March on Staircase Spur trail while climbing Mt Bogong, Vic, Australia
Trip report is in this link:
http://mntviews.blogspot.com.au/2011/03/bogong-vic-australia-west-peak.html

Spitfire Sawfly are not true caterpillars. They are the larvae of a wasp, or more accurately a Symphytan.

These larvae are gregarious. They are often found in a mass of many individuals on the ground or on Eucalyptus tree trunks. When disturbed, they exude a nasty smelling fluid from their mouths. This latter habit has given them the common name of "Spitfires", although they do not actually spit the fluid, just dribble it.

The larvae also are inclined to tap their tails in some form of communication with the group.

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