mystery grub under log
During search for Cetoniinae (and for Chlorobapta bestii, in particular!), we uncovered a number of scaraboid larva. Most were not Cetoniinae and so were released. However, one tiny one - that did look quite different even when first collected - pupated before I could release it. Therefore, let’s see what it turns into …
At collection:
When we discovered it, it was just lying on the soil surface under the log … and Myrmecia were very active nearby, with two large burrow openings just cm from the larva. Indeed, the ants may even have been guarding it (?) … my first thought was that it was an ant larva, but I don’t think so. We didn’t break into the tunnels at all, and it looks more like a beetle or hymenopteran.
Pupation:
Cocoon was formed on the soil surface. There was ~30mm loose soil and wood debris in the container, but the grub had not burrowed.