Cool bugs

 

Emerald cockroach wasp

The emerald cockroach wasp or jewel wasp (Ampulex compressa) is a solitary wasp of the family Ampulicidae. It is known for its unusual reproductive behavior, which involves stinging a cockroach and using it as a host for its larvae.

 

 

Jewel Cattapillar

Couldn't find the wikipedia for this one :\

 

 

Brentid weevils

These are mostly tropical beetles. They have elongated, slender bodies with long, straight snouts. They are brown and reddish in color and have an antennae made from round segments. They can be found under the tree bark. They feed on other wood-eating insects and fungi.

 

 

Scorpion fly

This male scorpion fly's 'tail' isn't just a cosmetic addition -- it has clasping structures that allow it to grasp a female tightly during mating.

 

 

Golden Tortoise Beetle (Charidotella sexpunctata)

This beetle has a flashy gold wingcase thanks to a liquid layer between the layers of its cuticle. It often changes color in fall and winter, becoming more bronze and rust-colored. To appreciate its lustrous gold outfit, leave the beetle alive, if killed, it will turn dark brown as it dries. (Note: The beetle pictured here seems to have had an encounter with a predator or other obstacle that tore off part of its cuticle).

 

 

Goliath Stick Insect

The gorgeous Goliath stick insect can be found up near the tops of eucalyptus trees in Australia.

 

Cuckoo Wasp (Chrysura refulgens)

The species pictured here is just one of more than 3000 cosmopolitan species in the cuckoo wasp family. Like cuckoos, their insect namesakes lay their eggs in host nests made by other insects. Once hatched, the larva kill and eat their nestmates.