Insects being tended by Argentine ants.
Sepulveda Basin LA River
Two of these near one another seeming to bob up and down..a courtship thing??
ID uncertain. This species has not been observed previously in TX.
Host appears to be an Acronicta sp. caterpillar, Ophiocordyceps elongata
Excellent find! Host and morphology are a good match to O. elongata—uncommon.
Note the irridescent wings, black/white striped abdomen & a black cross pattern on the thorax.
Note the irridescent wings, black/white striped abdomen & a black cross pattern on the thorax.