I Saw A "New To Me" Aphid Predator

  • Thread starter Thread starter BigDon
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on identifying a translucent green larva that feeds on aphids, likely belonging to the green hoverfly species. The larva was observed consuming seven adult aphids whole, a behavior distinct from typical aphid predators that suck fluids or masticate their prey. Participants also shared insights on the ecological role of hoverflies in the diet of carnivorous plants, particularly Venus flytraps and sundews, highlighting their importance in pest control and plant nutrition.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of aphid biology and behavior
  • Familiarity with hoverfly species and their life cycles
  • Knowledge of carnivorous plant species, particularly Venus flytraps and sundews
  • Basic principles of ecological food webs
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the life cycle and ecological role of green hoverflies
  • Explore the feeding habits of various aphid predators
  • Learn about the care and feeding of Venus flytraps and sundews
  • Investigate the impact of carnivorous plants on local ecosystems
USEFUL FOR

Entomologists, horticulturists, and anyone interested in the interactions between insects and carnivorous plants will benefit from this discussion.

BigDon
Messages
74
Reaction score
97
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.
 
Biology news on Phys.org
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.
 
  • Haha
  • Informative
  • Wow
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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: BillTre
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.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Keith_McClary and BigDon
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.
 
  • Haha
Likes   Reactions: atyy, hutchphd and BillTre
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
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: BillTre and hutchphd
Um, wrong end sir.

The mouth is at the small end.

( :smile: )
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: atyy, BillTre and hutchphd
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.
 
  • Haha
Likes   Reactions: atyy and BillTre
  • #10
DaveC426913 said:
Kill it now while you still can.
Lol. . . looks like the Planet Killer. . 😱
1620495641631.png


The Doomsday Machine . . . . 😏
 
  • #11
That's been "back canoned" to a purpose built Anti-Borg weapon that wandered off.
 
  • Informative
Likes   Reactions: DaveC426913
  • #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.