A team of international researchers in Morocco has made a groundbreaking discovery of blow fly larvae that can live and thrive inside a termite colony, with remarkable adaptations to evade detection. The larvae’s unique features include a head-shaped derriere resembling a termite’s, antennae-like tentacles, and the ability to mimic the colony’s distinctive scent.
The researchers found three larval flies in a termite mound while studying ants in the area. Despite extensive searches, they only discovered two more larvae in another termite mound over several expeditions. The team identified a “termite mask” on the rear end of the blow fly larvae, complete with non-functional antennae and palps, which allows them to mimic harvester termites’ appearance.
The larvae’s breathing holes resemble eyes, and they can also mimic the sound of termite movement to trick their hosts into caring for them. The researchers found that the larvae are indistinguishable from termites in terms of smell, using a chemical disguise to blend in with the colony.
In laboratory experiments, the researchers observed the larvae hanging out in the most trafficked area of the termite nest, where they were preened and may have been fed by their termite hosts. However, further research is needed to confirm this behavior and understand the larvae’s diet and adult form.
This discovery provides evidence of social integration evolution in the blow fly family, with the new species likely having evolved quickly due to its unique lifestyle. The researchers claim to be the first to observe a blow fly living in disguise among termites, successfully avoiding detection by soldier termites.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/this-fly-larvas-butt-looks-like-a-termites-head-and-termites-are-falling-for-it-2000563456