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Thalestria spinosa, f, back
Thalestria spinosa, f, back
Thalestria spinosa..the only member of its genus and a nest parasite of the genus Oxaea. Note that both genera have glints of metallic integument just to make them more attractive to humans. Sadly my lovely interns did not record where this particular specimen was collected, but I do know the specimen is likely about 100 years old and part of the Smithsonian collection. Oh, check out the 4 lovely spines floating off the back of the thorax. Sadly mammals like us never get to wear this sort of spine.
Beauty is truth, truth beauty - that is all
Ye know on earth and all ye need to know
" Ode on a Grecian Urn"
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