Monday, February 13, 2012

Clytra atraphaxidis

Clytra atraphaxidis is a species of  beetles in the family Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles), subfamily Cryptocephalinae. They have a body length of about 7-10 mm. The adult beetles feed on leaves. The larvae are myrmecophile i.e. associated with ants.

Clytra atraphaxidis (Case-bearing Leaf Beetle)

Friday, February 10, 2012

Horsehair Worms

Horsehair Worms or Gordian worms is a common name used for parasitic animals of phylum Nematomorpha. They are found  in damp areas such as watering troughs, streams, puddles, and cisterns. Most species have a body length ranging from 50 to 100 centimeters and body diameter from 1 to 3 millimeters. In extreme cases they can even reach up to 2 meters long.  The adult worms are free living, but the larvae are parasitic on beetles, cockroaches, orthopterans, and crustaceans.

Horsehair Worms-Nematomorpha

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Demoiselle Crane

The Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides virgo) is a species of crane in the family Gruidae. It's about 95 cm long with a 155–180 cm wingspan. It weighs 2–3 kg. It is the smallest species of crane.
The Demoiselle Crane is symbolically significant in the culture of India and Pakistan. In Urdu it's known as koonj (کونج).

Demoiselle Crane (Anthropoides virgo)