Australian mistletoe and wasp

[calissa]

Stalked mistletoe (Amyema miquellii) on a local eucalypt. This mistletoe is native to Australia and its long, thin leaves mimic many types of eucalypts. The photo was taken back in January, while it was still summer in this hemisphere.



An adult orange parasite wasp (Netelia producta) on a blackberry busy. I had no idea what it was until I got home and looked it up.

Comments

[spiralsheep]

It makes sense for a parasitic plant to mimic its host, if that's one dominant species. It looks much more impressive than the plant Brits call mistletoe, which seems to have evolved more towards being relatively inconspicuous through small leaves and drab colouring with tiny yellow flowers.

Parasitic wasps come in an amazing variety.

I like the composition of both shots. Masses of leaves are always difficult to frame well even with a focus object such as a flower or insect.

[calissa]

Although this particular mistletoe does a reasonably good job of mimicking the dominant species, it does tend to stick out a bit. The colour is a slightly more yellow green and it can grow in fairly large clumps, making it fairly obvious (at least to my eye).

I'd not come across parasitic wasps before, so it was definitely a learning experience! I'm surprised it let me get close enough to photograph.

Thank you!

[nanila]

That parasite wasp would make a noble steed for a tiny warrior. Its carriage is very proud!

[calissa]

I can see just what you mean! I might have to keep that in mind for a story sometime :)

[el1ie]

What excellent camouflage your mistletoe has and the wasp is amazing, thank you for sharing these it's so fascinating to get a glimpse of nature in another hemisphere.

[calissa]

Thank you! I've been enviously watching all the flowers coming into bloom in the Northern Hemisphere.