Tiny strange things in my garden.
Oct 31, 2014 12:07:37 #
I'm struggling to capture nicely these tiny things on my leaves.
To show size of the following 3 images also other smaller ones along centre vein.
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To show size of the following 2 images
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Aphids but with large parasites or ???
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Oct 31, 2014 13:22:53 #
Brenda, you've done a fine job of capturing these itty bitties. I'm going to make a guess just to see if I come close.
The first ones seem to be a type of beetle larva.
The shriveled looking ones are Aphid husks, left after molting.
And the Aphid "parasite" are likely going to be wings.
The first ones seem to be a type of beetle larva.
The shriveled looking ones are Aphid husks, left after molting.
And the Aphid "parasite" are likely going to be wings.
Oct 31, 2014 13:31:44 #
Oct 31, 2014 15:05:13 #
Thank you Bill and Douglass and I am clever enough to concur with both of you. You have saved me a lot of time when I could be chasing critters around the garden instead of pouring over ID charts on the computer.
I have tried hard to get a good bee photo today but they move around so fast. I think I have worked out that part of the problem is that they move away from the shadows of me and my gear perhaps because it is a warning of danger or because they need the light to collect their pollen. Plan B tomorrow.
I have tried hard to get a good bee photo today but they move around so fast. I think I have worked out that part of the problem is that they move away from the shadows of me and my gear perhaps because it is a warning of danger or because they need the light to collect their pollen. Plan B tomorrow.
Nov 1, 2014 06:50:41 #
I wonder if the first larva is a first instar butterfly, possibly a swallowtail. I don't know what's available in Spain. The second pic shows pro-legs underneath that don't look 'beetley'. Also, the 'bird-poop' pattern is very common among first instar swallowtails. Otherwise, agreed. Aphids often turn hard, very round and light brown when parasitized, at least close to the time the parasite matures. These are really nice shots.
Nov 1, 2014 07:28:18 #
relbugman wrote:
Hi relbugman and thanks for your response. I have often seen the Scarce Swallow butterfly in our garden and I have looked on the web for instars of this and have found a photo which resembles mine very closely. Here is the link: http://www.ukbutterflies.co.uk/family.php?name=PapilionidaeI wonder if the first larva is a first instar butterfly, possibly a swallowtail. I don't know what's available in Spain. The second pic shows pro-legs underneath that don't look 'beetley'. Also, the 'bird-poop' pattern is very common among first instar swallowtails. Otherwise, agreed. Aphids often turn hard, very round and light brown when parasitized, at least close to the time the parasite matures. These are really nice shots.
There are a few on our young Pear tree so I will keep a close eye on their development and keep you updated.
Nov 1, 2014 10:09:54 #
I'd agree with the first being an early caterpillar instar as I have gotten many early instars that were tiny...
Nov 1, 2014 14:15:57 #
Screamin Scott wrote:
I'd agree with the first being an early caterpillar instar as I have gotten many early instars that were tiny...
Thanks for your input Scott. It isn't easy pinning down ID on some of these little critters.
Nov 1, 2014 14:25:04 #
Nov 1, 2014 16:53:46 #
relbugman wrote:
Based on this observation, I have changed my opinion: I also believe it is a first instar caterpillar.The second pic shows pro-legs underneath that don't look 'beetley'.
Nov 1, 2014 18:35:49 #
Nov 1, 2014 20:33:40 #
Nikonian72 wrote:
Thinking the same now too.Based on this observation, I have changed my opinion: I also believe it is a first instar caterpillar.
Nov 1, 2014 23:43:11 #
I have to admit I haven't the foggiest idea what the first few photos are supposed to be but I am with you, Brenda, in saying I agree with Scott, Douglass and Bill. They sure know a lot more about these things than I do. Great photos of all of them including the aphids.
I have some aphids on a couple of my plants at home. I haven't seen any green ones as mine seem to be black in color. I also did not know they can fly.
I have some aphids on a couple of my plants at home. I haven't seen any green ones as mine seem to be black in color. I also did not know they can fly.
Nov 2, 2014 03:07:01 #
dennis2146 wrote:
Hi Dennis, thanks for commenting. I have black aphids as well as green ones and I had the yellow Oleander ones earlier in the year. I understand that not all of the aphids of each variety fly but just some of them later in the season in order to increase their feeding areas. This is quite a fascinating subject and worth a read on the web. The first photos above seem to be the first instar of a butterfly, probably the Scarce Swallowtail which do visit the garden quite often. They are living on the outside of the leaves of a young pear tree so are vulnerable to being eaten and it is late in the season for them, but I hope they do.I have to admit I haven't the foggiest idea what the first few photos are supposed to be but I am with you, Brenda, in saying I agree with Scott, Douglass and Bill. They sure know a lot more about these things than I do. Great photos of all of them including the aphids.
I have some aphids on a couple of my plants at home. I haven't seen any green ones as mine seem to be black in color. I also did not know they can fly.
I have some aphids on a couple of my plants at home. I haven't seen any green ones as mine seem to be black in color. I also did not know they can fly.
Nov 2, 2014 03:08:40 #
Flyextreme wrote:
:thumbup: What a big puzzle the ID of all these tiny creatures are. :)Thinking the same now too.
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