I Saw A "New To Me" Aphid Predator

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A translucent green, maggot-like larva, approximately three-quarters of an inch long, was identified as a potential green hoverfly larva after it was observed consuming aphids whole. This behavior distinguishes it from other aphid predators, which typically suck fluids or masticate their prey. The discussion highlighted the role of hoverflies as a primary food source for outdoor Venus flytrap collections, alongside spiders, illustrating the interconnectedness of the ecosystem. Participants shared insights on carnivorous plants, with a particular fondness for sundews, and humorously noted the complexities of discussing plant care in front of nursery staff. The conversation also touched on the larva's future predatory capabilities, blending lighthearted banter with observations about the natural world.
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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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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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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
 
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BillTre said:
Don't forget:
1620531977925.png
1620531952092.png
 
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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.
 

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