This blister beetle (Synhoria testacea) has a cunning strategy for parasitising on nests of carpenter bees. It is commonly found around Cape Town in habitats such as dried logs, timber posts or dead wood. They lay eggs on flowers and their first stage larvae attach themselves to visiting bees, which carry them back to their nests. The beetle larvae then occupy cells and feed on the hosts’ stores of pollen and nectar. After reaching their hosts, they mount into fat inactive grubs. Adults feed on flowers, foliage or nectar.
Getting that focal plane right is tricky – often I get pin sharp pieces of antler or beautiful front hairy legs …
Now I’m learning to look at composition elements more critically.
Nature on the Edge 
Amazing. Learn something new every day!
Isn’t nature a marvel! Thanks Ark.
Absolutely beautiful photograph Liz.
Alison
Thanks! It was a willing and thankfully stationary subject.
Nice color contrast and composition, Liz!
Was happy to find this color combination ….
Another terrific shot, Liz, and of a most interesting subject too!
Thanks Dries. Intriguing little critters aren’t they!
Apart from your outstanding photograph, I never cease to be amazed at how nature sorts itself out in order to survive. Who would have thought …
Isn’t it brilliant how these relationships work out!
It’s good that you got the front plane of the beetle’s head in focus.
Getting that focal plane right is tricky – often I get pin sharp pieces of antler or beautiful front hairy legs …
Now I’m learning to look at composition elements more critically.