Worm vs. Star

[ptychoptera]

This is a closeup of a small star (unidentified) consuming a Branchomma worm. You'll have to look closely to see the clear stomach enveloping the worms head. Yum.

 

[Myrddraal]

Did the star actively hunt the worm, or was it already dead? Neat pic!

 

[ptychoptera]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11092067#post11092067 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Myrddraal
Did the star actively hunt the worm, or was it already dead? Neat pic!

The worm was alive. I have a couple dozen of these on my glass and I've been rather frequently finding worms that have been killed in this manner.

 

[LeslieH]

That's really lovely shot Crane Fly! I'd love to get a higher resolution version for lectures if you don't mind.

"I've been rather frequently finding worms that have been killed in this manner." - What's the clue that a starfish was the murderer?

Was the amphipod next on the menu?

 

[ptychoptera]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11095396#post11095396 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LeslieH
That's really lovely shot Crane Fly! I'd love to get a higher resolution version for lectures if you don't mind.

"I've been rather frequently finding worms that have been killed in this manner." - What's the clue that a starfish was the murderer?

Was the amphipod next on the menu?

I've just been assuming that the handful of mutilated worm corpses on my glass aren't dying of old age.

Unfortunately that is the high-res version, as I had to shrink it down to get it on this site. You're welcome to use it, though I have a flat fee of one million dollars.

I saw another star consuming a Nerites snail last night. Next time I see them on the prowl I'll snap you a nice pic.

... and it's Phantom Crane Fly... I have nothing to do with tipulids. :rollface:

 

[LeslieH]

My apologies Phantom Crane Fly. I should have known no self-respecting person would have anything to do with tipulids!

Thanks for letting me use the image. Did I mention that I charge one million dollars per id for people living in Hilo? I think you owe me a couple of images.

Lots of animals like to eat worms and the head region sticking out of the tube is the most vulnerable area. I would expect that if a star that big was going to eat a worm it take all of it, not just part.