Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Life and Death Struggle....


We encountered this life-and-death struggle between a ground beetle larva and an earthworm that had ventured out of its burrow in Teesdale.



The beetle sunk its jaws into its victim and refused to let go, even though...


... the worm twisted and turned...


... rolled over on its attacker.....


... and glued it down with sticky mucus.


We didn't watch the end of the contest. I suspect the worm might have reached safety, though some segments may have been severely damaged.

More examples of mortal combat:



2 comments:

  1. Oh dear, it's hazardous being a beastie! :O

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes indeed Lesley, nature can be gruesome at times!

    ReplyDelete

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