To my surprise, I realized that this was in fact a bug
While hiking in Shakamak State Park in Indiana, I stopped to look at a map that was along the trail. I suddenly saw what I had previously thought was a bundle of leaves or maybe a seed begin to move across the edge of the map. To my surprise, I realized that this was in fact a bug. Upon further research, I learned that this was a larva of a green lacewing.
There are approximately 85 genera and as many as 2,000 species within this widespread group of bugs. They are very common in North America and Europe. The common name for many of the species in this family of insects is lacewings. Green lacewing species can have wingspans as small as 6 mm and larger than 65 mm. The larger species are often found in tropical species.
The larvae of green lacewings are oftentimes called “trash bugs.” They get this name from the fact that they will cover their bodies with various items, including the skins of aphids that they have eaten. They have specialized hooked bristles on their backs that allow them to carry a mound of debris upon their back. This is thought to be used as a camouflage mechanism that allows them to hide from predators. Green lacewing nymphs will eat aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, thrips, and small caterpillars.
Green lacewing larvae also bear the common name “aphid lions” or “aphid wolves.” The larvae sway their heads from side to side, and when they bump into a potential prey object, they will grasp it. They have a hollow maxilla that they use to inject the digestive secretion into their prey. This allows them to dissolve the organs of an aphid within 90 seconds. From there, they will then consume the aphid.
Did you know?
- They're seen as natural pest controllers and are valuable to gardeners.
- They can eat as many as 100 aphids in a week.
- Green lacewings are highly cannibalistic in confined quarters.
- A female green lacewing can produce from 100 to 200 eggs.
- Adult green lacewings will use substrate or body vibrations to communicate with one another.
0 Comments