This is a big Robber Fly, asilidae, catched an orange winged ant, is possible to see the digestive enzimes it injected in victim body.
This is a big Robber, the photo is with Canon MP-E 65mm f/2.8 macro at about 1.5 magnification (or less) The flash is the 580 EX II bracket mounted.
Crop of the above shoot, it's possible to see the enzimes of the Robber turning the inner parts of ant body in liquid form, noticeable by the bubbles, feeding it almost digested.
The second shoot with the scene of asilidae digestive process, in this one is possible to see the bubles (due to digestive enzimes) inside the bug.
Atomosia sp
Crop of the Robber Fly prey it's possible to see the bubles inside the prey due to digestive enzimes.
Asilidae digestion
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Asilidae digestion
Last edited by gmazza on Wed Jan 12, 2011 6:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Very interesting Gustavo -- with great photos! (What a way to die: first stabbed to death -- or at least paralyzed; then your insides are liquefied and sucked-up like a milkshake!)
The first one (with the winged ant) is an Ommatius sp. The second (with a leafhopper?) is an Atomosia sp., a close relative of Cerotainia.
The first one (with the winged ant) is an Ommatius sp. The second (with a leafhopper?) is an Atomosia sp., a close relative of Cerotainia.
Wonderful and interesting shots Gustavo - never really thouht about it but didn't realise they used digestive enzymes- I thought they just sucked hard
Brian v.
Brian v.
www.flickr.com/photos/lordv
canon20D,350D,40D,5Dmk2, sigma 105mm EX, Tamron 90mm, canon MPE-65
canon20D,350D,40D,5Dmk2, sigma 105mm EX, Tamron 90mm, canon MPE-65