More than an itch, part two

Compared to the assassin bugs, stink bugs (Pentatomidae) may seem to be unlikely predators. While most stink bugs do stick to feeding on plants, some supplement their diets with insects. Others are pure predators.

A leaf beetle (Ophraella sexvittata) being attacked by a predatory stink bug (Perillus sp.) on a goldenrod (Solidago sp.) leaf.

A few of the predatory stink bugs are even used to control agricultural pests. However, the stink bug shown here had trouble controlling just one small beetle.

The beetle struggles to get away.

The stink bug appeared to have pierced the beetle with its mouthparts, yet the beetle showed no sign of giving up.

The bug continues to pull away.

I did not see whether the beetle escaped in the end. Yet, what I saw when I came back several days later convinced me that neither the stink bug nor any other predators had been very successful in reducing the beetle population.

The goldenrod plants later that week.

Growing up in bubbles, part one

Caterpillars are not the only animals that are resourceful in using their food plants to hide themselves from danger.  While hiding inside the plants' leaves and stems is relatively common, one group literally forms protective bubbles by blowing air into an excretion of the plants' sap.

Bubbles on a goldenrod (Solidago sp.) stem.

The result is a blob of bubbles, commonly referred to as frog spit, snake spit, or cuckoo spit.  However, the "spit" does not come from any frog, snake, or cuckoo; it comes from a small insect concealed underneath the bubbles.

Something is visible underneath the bubbles.

When the bubbles are brushed away, the bubble-blower -- a spittlebug -- is revealed.

A spittlebug (a.k.a. froghopper) nymph.

Although the bubbles were easy enough for me move aside, they apparently form an effective barrier against smaller enemies, as well as the elements.

Explore some more: "The frothblower"