#(june2020)

Wasp-Mimic Sawfly - Allantus viennensis

Having recently showcased 3 species of splendid Orthopterans over the last few posts, it's time to change viewpoints and examine pictures of a different insect order. At first glance, today's specimen may after to be a banded Wasp, but a closer look (or reading this post's title) reveals the identity of this insect as a Sawfly. While this specie's mimicry is very convincing when compared against several varieties of solitary Wasp, a lack of a wasp-waist (petiole) indicates that we aren't looking at a typical Hymenopteran. The visible saw-shaped "stinger" near the tip of the abdomen further lends from credibility to this mimic, but of course, it isn't a stinger. Instead of a venomous defensive tool, this Sawfly wields a saw-shaped ovipositor designed to make incisions into plants and strategically place her eggs safely. This is the way of the Sawfly, and if a specie is lucky enough to mimic the appearance of a more defensive Wasp specie in order for predators to leave them be as they search for rose plants, so much the better.

For this specie in particular (and as mentioned in an earlier post), the adult insect relies on roses as a suitable host for its eggs, but it may also be able to partake in a rose's nectar and pollen as a source of food, along with the nectar and pollen of other nearby flowers. That is of course, if other pollinators haven't taken the nectar reward first, if more aggressive pollinators (such as Wasps or Woolcarder Bees) don't force them away, and if they actually partake in eating flower-related consumables. Without a means to defend themselves beyond mimicry and flying away, a Sawfly must choose its battles carefully. Nevertheless, flight and deception are better defenses than what the wingless, soft-bodied, wriggling larvae have in their arsenal. As they feed, it's likely they would curl up to protect themselves or fall to the soil below in they sensed a nearby threat or intruder, such as a gardener. If you're a decorative gardener with a fondness for roses, this may be one specie to watch out for. Although I spoke in an earlier post that this specie may skeletonize rose leaves, it would appear was mistaken. Looking at records of this insect's feeding behavior in Europe (its original habitat), the larvae can defoliate roses entirely with their feeding habits (even eating petals on occasion) and appear to pupate within the stem(s) of the rose plant after growing large enough. An aggregation of this larvae could prove to be a gardener's nightmare!

Did you know that I am a part of the @vegebulcalendar 2020 project?

Hello everyone! This challenge is coming out earlier than I plan on launching them going forward --- aka., a two-three week break in between each prompt list. I wanted to promote this blog properly now that it’s up, and actually commit to myself to do more of my own challenge now that I’m not busy with work. Welcome to the offical blog for Sea’s ( @gatheredfates ) WoL Challenge!

Here are the breif guidelines for engaging with these prompts, which you can also find here:

Your character does not need to be a WoL to participate in the challenge; however, the core blog caters to those people who have a WoL verse or strictly write their character that way. If you’re someone who believes in the concept of mary-sues, hates npc x oc shipping, etc., I’d encourage you not to participate and hide the tag for the challenge as needed. I will not tolerate anon hate and will block and blacklist people accordingly.

Currently there are no prizes for completion of the challenge(s). This is for fun!

There is no order to which you need to do the prompts. You can also sub in different words if one doesn’t vibe with you, as well as skip days.

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All works will be queued to avoid spamming peoples’ dashboards. If you do not see your prompt right away, or it takes a few days from the initial post, this is why!

Hello and welcome to June’s Sherlock Challenge! The prompt for this month is grow.

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