United Cavers Exploration Team
Cave and Mine Exploring => Caves => Topic started by: Ian A on May 13, 2016, 09:52 AM
As a matter of interest ....
I have received an email from Harvard University following up on the "lifeform" that I found in Lower Afon Meirchion cave a few years ago. I have (of course) asked them to pursue it and furnished them with all the information surrounding the find I have.
Below is their email and also a photo of the entity.
:)
Ian
Hello. I’m hoping to get in touch with Ian Adams about this photo of his: https://picasaweb.google.com/110599322641936307468/20#6185048833587338578
I can’t discern what this is but have colleagues in the invertebrate departments of various museums and universities who very well might. Do you mind if I circulate this photo or post it with credit on another webpage?
Would greatly appreciate it if you could share a larger image or any additional description (approximate size, manner of movement, setting within the cave).
Best,
Alex
Nice one dude!
Decided to ask an entomologist about this vis Twitter, their response was as follows
"Well, definitely an insect and it looks like it's been killed by an entomopathogenic fungi, the fruiting bodies of which are emerging from the body. Shame there's not a specimen or a better pic."
any chance of going to look for some more?
I have no idea what that means ....
lol?
:dry:
Ian
It's an insect that has been eaten by a fungus.
Oh. Well, the "original specimen" was sent to Liverpool university who sent it to Oxford before it succumbed to the vacuum of infinity ...
:unsure:
Ian