What is it? The Australian thinks a very bizarre-looking natural phenomenon is a giant spider – but actually it’s more than an animal
- A Melbourne man has stumbled upon a bizarre-looking group of insects
- In search of answers, he posted footage of the alien creatures on Reddit
- Internet users quickly identified beetles as larvae of a Spitfire saber fly
An Australian who mistook a bizarre-looking natural phenomenon for a giant spider asked the internet what he thinks winds around a doorstep.
A Melbourne resident was enjoying a stroll through his neighborhood on Monday when he spotted a group of the caterpillar-like creatures on the ground.
The man said he first thought the cluster of bugs was a giant spider and posted the enigmatic footage to Reddit looking for answers.
Reddit users quickly identified the insect as larvae of a Spitfire sawfly, a caterpillar-like creature from the Pergidae family of insects.
The Melbourne man said he was enjoying a walk around his area on Monday when he spotted a group of the alien creatures on the ground (pictured).
Social media users were quick to share their thoughts on the alien creatures, while several said they recognized the insect from their childhood.
“These things gave me nightmares as a kid – * shudder *,” said one user.
“Spitfires in trees remind me of being a kid. They were everywhere, I don’t see them now, ”wrote another.
“I miss these things! During my elementary school days, I always met her on the way home. However, they just disappeared over time, so I’m glad to see that they weren’t extinct, ”shared a third party.
The larvae are often found on branches of eucalyptus or rubber trees to protect themselves from hungry birds.
Spitfire’s “Strength in Numbers” mentality is used to improve her chances of survival during her active time in late winter and spring.
The species are harmless to humans and animals, but when disturbed they choke out a yellowish slime that can avoid predators such as ants.
The species are harmless to humans and animals, but when disturbed they choke out a yellow-colored crust that predators such as ants can avoid
Spitfire’s “Strength in Numbers” mentality is used to improve her chances of survival during her active time in late winter and spring
The furry black maggots eventually transform into saw blades with two sets of wings and no sting after they burst out of their cocoons in mid-spring.
This “pupal stage” can extend over two or three years before the adult wasp with the fly form emerges from January to May, mainly in the Australian autumn.
As flies, they no longer have the “spitfire” ability they had as larvae, so rely solely on their looks to defend themselves.
There are many more female Spitfire saw blades than males, and they are able to lay eggs without mating.
They lay their eggs under leaves with their saw-like ovipositor (a tubular organ used to lay eggs), which is where they get their name from, in order to start the life cycle all over again.
The sawfly can be found across Australia, with most insects visiting the east and south coasts.
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