Dec 17, 2023
saw something interesting at work.
the head of a normal Pityogenes cariniceps:
a Pityogenes cariniceps with an inexplicable hairy lump stuck to (emerging out of?) it's Face Hole:
i don't believe there's any conclusive research of what this species uses it's Face Hole for but the best guess is for holding symbiotic fungal spores, or symbiotic mites or nematodes. this is the first time i've seen one with a weird blob plugging it up.