| Observations
on the attack/defence behaviour of Myrmilla calva (Mutillidae)
and of Halictus (Apoidea)
by
G.L.Agnoli
click the images to enlarge
The sequence
records a Myrmilla calva mutillid female trying to
parasitize the nest of the apid bee Halictus.
Two
Halictus bees have shown a strong sense of defence
of their nest and of pseudosocial collaboration. When the
velvet ant begins to menace the nest, one bee closes the opening
and flies above the nest to control it from the air, and the
other bee attacks the velvet ant to send it away.
The
velvet ant falls under the attack and retires, trying to bury
itself under the soft soil.
But
after few time the velvet ant breaks the defence, forcing
both the bees to nosedive the mutillid alternately.
The
velvet ant is defeated and forced to withdraw.
Technical
data:
Canon T90 at 1/90" shutter speed, Canon Macro Ring Lite
ML2 TTL, Kiev 80mm reversed lens, manual diaphragm, Fujichrome
Velvia 50 RVP.
near
Parma, Italy
Summer 2001
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