I Saw A "New To Me" Aphid Predator

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying a translucent green insect observed feeding on aphids, with participants sharing insights about its potential identity as a hoverfly larva and discussing related topics on carnivorous plants and their diets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a translucent green, maggot-like insect that swallows aphids whole, suggesting it may be an aphid predator.
  • Another participant proposes that the insect could be a green hoverfly larva, referencing other larval insect aphid predators.
  • A participant confirms the identification as a hoverfly larva and notes their prevalence in the area, linking them to the diet of their Venus flytrap collection.
  • Discussion shifts to the dietary habits of different carnivorous plants, with one participant mentioning their pitcher plants and the types of flies they consume.
  • Another participant expresses a fondness for sundews, indicating they have many observations to share in the future.
  • A humorous exchange occurs regarding the potential future size and feeding habits of the hoverfly larva, with playful comments about its mouth position and fictional references to a "Doomsday Machine."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the identification of the insect as a hoverfly larva, but there are playful disagreements regarding its future feeding habits and humorous interpretations of its nature. The discussion remains light-hearted and speculative without reaching any serious conclusions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants reference personal experiences and anecdotes related to carnivorous plants, which may influence their perspectives on the topic. The discussion includes speculative humor that does not contribute to a factual resolution.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in entomology, carnivorous plants, and ecological interactions may find the insights and anecdotes shared in this discussion relevant.

BigDon
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Hopefully if I can describe it well enough someone can help me ID it.

It was translucent green, three quarters of an inch long, and maggot-like, (Blunt tail end, but no "beak".)

I came across it just as it begun feeding and it was swallowing aphids whole, which were still visible as it was backlit by the sun. Swallowed seven adult aphids in total.

That should be a good diagnostic, as far as I know most aphid predators I'm aware of merely suck the fluids from them or masticate them.
 
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Maybe its a green hoverfly larvae:

Screen Shot 2021-05-07 at 11.29.59 AM.png


There are lots of other larval insect aphid predators shown here.
 
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Likes   Reactions: hutchphd, BigDon and Evo
That's it exactly!

Thank you sir. We have hoverflies all over the place around here. I just never noticed their larva before I guess.

Hoverflies are the main food source of my outdoor Venus flytrap collection. Followed closely by spiders.
 
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BigDon said:
Hoverflies are the main food source of my outdoor Venus flytrap collection. Followed closely by spiders.
The circle of life!
Plants eating a predator fly (larvae), which eats a plant eating (sucking) insect.
 
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My new world pitcher plants have a much more varied diet.

And are the only carnivorous plants I have that regularly consume flies. Mainly blowflies drawn in when the traps get full.

Oh, a word of advice. Never, never, proclaim, "And I had to switch to carnivorous plant keeping after my second stroke because it's an order of magnitude less work that tropical fish keeping.", to the owner of a carnivorous plant nursery in front of a greenhouse full of his employees.

They all came to a stop and looked at me.

Seems to hurt people's feelings it does.
 
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My all time favorites though are the sundews. Carnivorous flypaper.

Especially the cape sundews. I have a LOT of observations of those I'd like to relate.

Which would take more time than I have at the moment as my brothers are due in for Friday night movie night. But it's next on the list of "planned postings". :smile:
 
1620430530131.png

Aphids, sure... but what's it going to swallow whole when it grows up...

Kill it now while you still can.

1620430248618.png
 
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Um, wrong end sir.

The mouth is at the small end.

( :smile: )
 
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BigDon said:
Um, wrong end sir.

The mouth is at the small end.

( :smile: )
Yes, I very effectively understood that backwards, didn't I?

It's mouth migrates during adolescence. It's part flounder.
 
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DaveC426913 said:
Kill it now while you still can.
Lol. . . looks like the Planet Killer. . 😱
1620495641631.png


The Doomsday Machine . . . . 😏
 
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That's been "back canoned" to a purpose built Anti-Borg weapon that wandered off.
 
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  • #12
Don't forget:

Screen Shot 2021-05-08 at 5.21.07 PM.png


And its relatives:

Screen Shot 2021-05-08 at 5.21.40 PM.png
 
  • #13
BillTre said:
Don't forget:
1620531977925.png
1620531952092.png
 
  • #14
Mr. Tre, you forgot the Great Dholes.

Truly omnivorous, they eventually leave a planet's crust riddled with tunnels like shipworms eating a pine log.