As we near the car for a second time, we were now in the gully that led to the grotto. Indeed we found several very interesting creatures in the pools!
A finger hold makes for easy carrying LOL!
The grotto is fed by a series of seeps in the hill side above. This and several other pools were in the drainage.
As we looked into the pools, we found this little guy swimming furiously in the water!
We actually tried to rescue it, but it always went back to the water. So I guess it is similar to trying to help the turtle cross the road? It already knew where and how it was supposed to get somewhere. 🙂
We found several more of the beetles in the water. So I brought a dead one home to ID. It is a ground beetle named Scarites vicinus. There were two possible ID’s. However, the other species was a smaller version of this one.
Still closer view.
Second beetle found dead. This is also a Ground Beetle, but a different species.
Close view of the above beetle.
Then we fished this out of water for a closer inspection. Furthermore, what was it?
Definitely needed ID’d so I brought it home. Out of the water, it tied itself into a knot. It is the Gordian worm or also called a Horsehair worm. (Nematomorpha). It is a parasite in grasshoppers, crickets, cockroaches and some beetles. Source: https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef613
It swam freely in the water so I presume it was looking to lay its eggs. What an awesome creature!
To sum it up, we had a grand time discovering new treasures at the Dixon Water Foundation. Thank you DWF for letting us come and explore!
I had no idea insects could have parasitic worms but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. Great ID’ing!
I certainly had never noticed this species before. And thought they were amazing swimming through the water.
Cute beetles. But the worm, not co cute.
I thought both were cool. Different ideas for different folks, eh…
I really liked the article about the Apollo mission weavers