Dead caterpillars?

HungryFish

Over the last few days there have been 2 caterpillars outside my house. Today I noticed that they have these little wriggling things growing out of their bodies and the caterpillars seem to have died. Can anyone tell me if this is normal or are these some sort of parasite? They're stuck to my front door and if this is something that is supposed to happen, I don't want to harm them. All advice appreciated :-)

Desmo

HungryFish wrote: »

Over the last few days there have been 2 caterpillars outside my house. Today I noticed that they have these little wriggling things growing out of their bodies and the caterpillars seem to have died. Can anyone tell me if this is normal or are these some sort of parasite? They're stuck to my front door and if this is something that is supposed to happen, I don't want to harm them. All advice appreciated :-)

Like these?
http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/animals/news-parasitic-wasp-larvae-emerging-caterpillar
They are usually larvae of parasitic Ichneumon wasps.

Des

kylith

Sounds like they've been parasitised. Such is nature; red in tooth and claw.

HungryFish

Desmo wrote: »

Like these?
http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/animals/news-parasitic-wasp-larvae-emerging-caterpillar
They are usually larvae of parasitic Ichneumon wasps.

Des

Hi Des,
That is then exactly!! Thanks for that!