swamp monster ID

cp-connection

• Jun 23, 2009

• #1

I was hiking and noticed a purple pitcher plant leaf that looked particularly funky. I peaked inside and there was a big ole larvae of something. It had a giant mouth that looked like it sucks air. There was also a much smaller black bit that could have been a dung roller or carrion beetle.

Edit: I think it might be a flesh fly maggot.

 

P

petmantis

ermahgerd

• Jun 23, 2009

• #2

Was it dead?

 

BigBella

• Jun 23, 2009

• #3

It's the Beast of the Apocalypse.

Yep, that's about right; or else, it's beetle larva . . .

 

cp-connection

• Jun 23, 2009

• #4

Alive!!!

petmantis said:

Was it dead?

Click to expand...

 

dashman

• Jun 23, 2009

• #5

I have read that some insects do depend on S. Purpurea. Namely mosquitos and moths. However, I have never read of flies having any special relationship with them.

Edit: Just checked and apparantly some flies do depend on the carcasses for thier larvae.

http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/forb/sarpur/all.html

 

cp-connection

• Jun 23, 2009

• #6

Try this snappy pamphlet out for size! http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/publications/volunteer/young_naturalists/insectivores/insectivores.pdf

dashman said:

I have read that some insects do depend on S. Purpurea. Namely mosquitos and moths. However, I have never read of flies having any special relationship with them.

Click to expand...

 

dashman

• Jun 23, 2009

• #7

Ha Ha cp-connection... yes you beat me to it. I knew some insects did, just couldn't recall reading about flies...