Inside the Insectarium By John C. Abbott “Because of their
diversity, natural beauty and sheer power, insects certainly
constitute a force of nature.” A jewel beetle (Chrysina woodi),
from the Davis Mountains, is one of the few animals on the
planet that can see circularly polarized light in the same way
that we use glasses to view 3-D movies. A non-biting midge in
flight with its front legs raised. The unusual-looking waved
light fly (Pyrgota undata) deposits eggs on the backs of June
beetles. The larvae become parasites of the beetle. These
striking dung beetles — the male and female rainbow scarab
(Phanaeus difformis) — are commonly found in cow pastures
throughout Texas. A brilliant jewel beetle (Chrysina woodi)
flies between walnut trees in the Davis Mountains. The burying
beetle (Nicrophorus carolinus) mimics a wasp while in flight by
inverting its elytra (forewings). A pair of these intriguing
beetles will bury a small animal carcass, lay their eggs on it
and then guard the young as they feed. The emer