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Anthony Zerafa
Highland Grove, ON, Canada
This young Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) has picked up an unexpected hitchhiker on its back: the nymph of an assassin bug (Zelus luridus). The back of an insectivorous bird is probably not the most desirable location for this bug to be.
Week 15: The Unexpected
Tag:
Can you spot the assassin bug nymph, perched on the vireo's back?
How funny, and awesome that you noticed! The prey hiding on the predator…. perfect hiding place. I love your image, it’s very beautiful and detailed.
Thank you! I did not notice the insect for many months after I took this photo.
Your welcome, you deserved a comment on that unique image of yours!
It took me a few seconds to find the bug you wrote about in your description. Thanks for the l hint or it might have taken me a months to notice the little critter too!
Great to see a good detailed close-up of the vireo and the “unexpected hitch-hiker.” Now I know that its legs and toes are a pretty blue.
Nice.
Thank you! In August it was common to see immature Red-eyed Vireos travelling together in groups at this location.
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