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Aphid related IDs

aphid aphid predators aphid mimic wasp parasitic wasp waxy larvae thing

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#1 Offline LC3 - Posted May 13 2016 - 10:27 PM

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Found one of those ladybug larvae with wax on them, I think they're a Scymnus sp. of some sort.

It's about 5mm and has white waxy tendrils that stick out of it. the head is not covered by the wax and has an orange colour.

 

IMG_1313_zps1kkxnqww.jpg

 

IMG_1314_zpsuqcqn3ui.jpg

 

 

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Not the best images sorry.

 

Whenever I see it hunt aphids, it grabs an appendage usually a limb of the aphid and procedes to hold onto it, the green aphid slowly shifts into a brownish colour. Just asking why does it do that? Is it being sucked dry? The exoskeletons of the aphids are left to sit there so I'm assuming that's what they do. I like to call these things "waxy alligators".

 

IMG_1318_zpsrvk9szpe.jpg

IMG_1319_zpssafrynjk.jpg

 

This thing is quite interesting, it's very quick and responsive. It also appears to be mimicking the aphids, or just so happens to look like one. I'm assuming it's also a sapsucker.

 

IMG_1317_zpsiwv9xrj7.jpg

IMG_1316_zps2pu20440.jpg

 

Last but not least these parasitic wasps. I'm pretty sure they're part of the genus Aphidius but I don't know the exact species.


Edited by LC3, May 13 2016 - 10:54 PM.


#2 Offline Kingjay - Posted May 21 2016 - 4:53 PM

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I have aphids in my garden.Do you use them as feeders or keep them as pets

#3 Offline LC3 - Posted May 21 2016 - 8:09 PM

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I was planning to use them as feeders for Scymnus or any other ladybug larvae I found. Sadly their population went from 20 to 50+ to like 2. :|

 

So for now they're pets I guess. :lol:







Also tagged with one or more of these keywords: aphid, aphid predators, aphid mimic, wasp, parasitic wasp, waxy larvae thing

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