Uploaded November 2011 | Updated September 2026, 2 days ago
Very odd looking larva of beetle found in the Southwestern United States.
I'm going to try to get footage of it eating.
From Wikipedia:
In a research study, larvae in captivity were offered spiders in the genus Metepeira. They made no effort to pounce on the spiders, but when one climbed on the back of the larva, it arched its tail and head, trapping the spider between the tail spine and the mandibles. The larva then devoured the spider, at the same time relaxing its tail. In another study, several spiders were released in the presence of a single larva and they were all later found congregated on its back. The researchers thought it possible that the larva released an allomone which attracted the spiders.
Soundtrack by Precarious
Very odd looking larva of beetle found in the Southwestern United States.
I'm going to try to get footage of it eating.
From Wikipedia:
In a research study, larvae in captivity were offered spiders in the genus Metepeira. They made no effort to pounce on the spiders, but when one climbed on the back of the larva, it arched its tail and head, trapping the spider between the tail spine and the mandibles. The larva then devoured the spider, at the same time relaxing its tail. In another study, several spiders were released in the presence of a single larva and they were all later found congregated on its back. The researchers thought it possible that the larva released an allomone which attracted the spiders.
Soundtrack by Precarious
