Eyewitnesses

We witnessed something miraculous today, something we’ve read about but have never seen • A poor quality photo but I was outside with a long lens hoping to capture a bird, moth or butterfly from afar, not small and up-close insects. MrsP waved me over to her side while she stared down at the grass. What did she find? • I believe it’s a black digger wasp carrying a paralyzed green caterpillar. The digger showed great determination, skill and agility as she literally walked/dragged her prey 10-12 feet through grass and weeds, never stopping, never losing her grip • Truly Remarkable • Arriving to her destination, she disappeared into a tiny obscure hole leaving her prey on top. A few seconds later she returned to lay an egg on top of the “anesthetized” cat, positioned him towards the hole, then pulled him in • Just like that he was gone • When she returned to the surface she quickly gathered and moved enough dirt to fill the hole. Her deed was done • In about 10 days the larvae will hatch and grow inside the tunnel nourishing itself with the “fresh” green cat until it emerges in the spring • Fascinating! Unless you’re the caterpillar :(