Spongilla Fly Cocoon
If you’ve never heard of a Spongilla Fly, you’re not alone. We don’t see its larval stage, as it lives under water, where it feeds exclusively on fresh water sponges. You can find these sponges living in the still waters of large rivers, lakes and wetlands. The beautiful silken net, as well as the small cocoon inside the net, are created by a Spongilla Fly larva after it crawls out of the water and chooses a spot on land on which to pupate (in this case on a seat cushion). The entire structure is less than ¼” in diameter.
This is exceedingly cool. I didn’t even know there were freshwater sponges!
July 31, 2012 at 3:19 pm
What incredible design in the dome/net! I would think that would make an architect jealous.
July 31, 2012 at 5:49 pm
Wow! So beautiful. Did you use a dissecting scope to get the picture?
July 31, 2012 at 7:57 pm
I used my macro lens, Jean. Didn’t have my extension tubes with me, or I could have done better!
July 31, 2012 at 11:37 pm