Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Gaudy hornworms & sandal butterflies

Exhibit A, rare footage of the old sandal butterfly that can only complete its lifecycle by feasting on smelly sandals curing in the sun.


Exhibit B [see below]: Friends and family of this guy ate my tomato crop. Is it dressed for Xmas?

Is it spawning more of the same? No, and no! The white capsules are a parasitic infestation. I am ashamed that I let out a cheer ... "A natural predator of the tomato hornworm is a tiny beneficial insect called the braconid wasp. This wasp lays its eggs inside the hornworm. As they hatch, they eat their way out, killing the hornworm in the process. It's a bit off-putting to see this creature on your plants, but you're better off letting him be and letting the wasps do their job. Once they hatch, they'll be enough braconid wasps to keep your garden hornworm free."
Go wasp go!