The Red-banded Hairstreak butterfly (Calycopis cecrops) is a common inhabitant of forest margins in the Southeastern United States. The larvae feed on decaying leaves. The individual shown here was warming up in the sunlight on a relatively cool day. Note the characteristic movement of the hindwings relative to the forewings, as well as the free movement of the "tails" in the wind. This movement is thought to attract predators to the "wrong end" of the butterfly. Evidence for this can be found in the frequent occurence of damage to the area of the tails. These clips were made on April 5, 2007 in Greenville County, South Carolina.
27:18
Carolina Mantis (Stagmomantis carolina) feeding on a tettigonid cricket
This video provides a detailed view of an immature mantid feeding upon a tettigonid cricket. It also shows grooming behavior, and use of parallax by a moving mantid.
The five clips shown here depict rescue of eggs and larva from disturbed brood chambers by wood ants (Formicidae, Myrmicinae, species not known) in Greenville County, South Carolina. Brood chambers were exposed when rotting logs were turned over. The constant use of antennae and contact between ants is very interesting to observe. A chemical alarm signal was probably associated with these mobilizations. If anyone can help to further identify the genus or species of ant shown here, this will be appreciated.
These two clips depict a Bush Katydid (Scudderia species) living in Greenville County, South Carolina, USA. In the second clip, this katydid moved up to a higher position in the vegetation to take-off on a flight. Note the side-to-side movements of the katydid prior to take-off. This movement is thought to provide parallax (separation) to support estimation of the distance of the target position by the katydid.
02:06
Tails of Red-banded Hairstreak butterfly (Calycopis cecrops)
The Red-banded Hairstreak butterfly (Calycopis cecrops) is a common inhabitant of forest margins in the Southeastern United States. The larvae feed on decaying leaves. The individual shown here was warming up in the sunlight on a relatively cool day. Note the characteristic movement of the hindwings relative to the forewings, as well as the free movement of the "tails" in the wind. This movement is thought to attract predators to the "wrong end" of the butterfly. Evidence for this can be found in the frequent occurence of damage to the area of the tails. These clips were made on April 5, 2007 in Greenville County, South Carolina.
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