Wednesday, June 17, 2015

More than an itch, part three

For most insects, tiny bug nymphs pose a negligible threat.  The threat is hardly increased when the nymphs are in a group (which they often are).  However, unlike the beetle being assailed by the stink bug, there are some potential victims that lack the mobility to attempt an escape.

A group of bright red bug nymphs (Largus sp.) feeding on a white object.
The group of bug nymphs pictured here had located one such immobile victim on a leaf.  In order to see what they had found, I blew air at them.  The nymphs quickly scattered across the leaf, revealing a while cocoon.

The bugs scatter revealing a cocoon.
Nearly as quickly, the bug nymphs began to return to the cocoon and to resume feeding on whatever had been developing inside.

The bugs begin to return.

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