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Micromalthus debilis
Micromalthidae
Wisconsin, USA

photograph © Alex Wild 2007

Beetles, like butterflies, have a complex metamorphosis.  Here the quiescent stage, the pupa (at left), is shown with a large larva.  The life cycle of Micromalthus is particularly complicated, as some larvae are capable of reproducing without molting into a recognizable adult form.

 
USA, Wisconsin.  In rotting log.

This image is copyrighted by the photographer and cannot be used without permission. To obtain permission to use this image, please email Alex Wild. (alwild (at) myrmecos.net).  Most of the photographs on myrmecos.net are reduced from their original size and compressed for more efficient web transmission.  In some cases, higher quality versions are available.

This image was captured with a Canon EOS 20D, using a Canon MP-E 65mm 1-5x Macro Lens.