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Lacewing larvae Order Neuroptera (of which the antlions are part). This little larva is the young of a lacewing (Fam Chrysopidae). They are ferocious predators of plant lice and when the prey is sucked dry, the husk is jammed on the hairs on the back of the larva, thereby giving another meaning to &quot;wolf in sheep&#039;s clothes&#039;!<br /> How amazing is this!! Only about 5mm, thought it was just dirt, until it started moving! Camouflage,Chrysopidae,Geotagged,Neuroptera,Self-decoration,South Africa,Spring,insects,lacewings,larvae,south africa Click/tap to enlarge

Lacewing larvae

Order Neuroptera (of which the antlions are part). This little larva is the young of a lacewing (Fam Chrysopidae). They are ferocious predators of plant lice and when the prey is sucked dry, the husk is jammed on the hairs on the back of the larva, thereby giving another meaning to "wolf in sheep's clothes'!
How amazing is this!! Only about 5mm, thought it was just dirt, until it started moving!

    comments (4)

  1. View Ferdy Christant's profile
    Ferdy Christant
    Lion
    View Lion class
    So cool that you saw it. There's one other photo on the site of such a larva carrying a lot of corpses, took me some searching but here it is:

    Chrysotropia ciliata larvae This is a very interesting larvae. Its a lacewing larvae but this little guy is apparently voracious. It not only eats other insects, it uses body parts and other oddities it finds around as armor! You can see on the right side parts of exoskeletons and near South East Center, what look to be chocolate rice puffs (way to small to be real rice puffs).<br /> <br /> Lacewings court by 'tremulation', a low frequency sound produced by vibrating their abdomens, which in turn causes the substrate they are standing on to vibrate. The males and females will take turns tremulating; this duet is an essential prerequisite for mating.<br /> The common green lacewing was thought to be one species, but recent research has shown that they are several closely-related species, which can only be distinguished by their courtship songs.<br /> <br /> Lacewings are common insects in British gardens and are easy to recognise by their transparent lace-like wings, which are nearly twice as long as the abdomen. Lacewing larvae are voracious consumers of aphids and insect eggs. There are several British lacewing species, which are often divided by colour, into green (14 species) or brown (29 species) forms. The giant lacewing (Osymlus fulvicephalus), with a wingspan of up to 5 cm, is often found near streams and rivers. They are fairly slow moving and would make a ready meal for a foraging bird, so are rarely seen flying during the day. Instead of feeding on aphids, the larvae of the giant lacewing are semi-aquatic, and feed on the larvae of midges and other small species. Lacewings can be encouraged to remain in your garden by providing homes for their winter hibernation, which can be bought from some garden centres. They will be ready to lay eggs and help to control your aphids when they emerge from hibernation in the spring.<br /> <br /> Camouflage,Chrysopidae,Chrysotropia,Chrysotropia ciliata,Green Lacewing,Neuroptera,Self-decoration,United Kingdom
     Posted 10 years ago
    1. View Claire Hamilton's profile
      Claire Hamilton
      Lion
      View Lion class
      I had completely forgotten about this one even though I commented on it. it looks identical and as they have a worldwide distribution and found here in SA too I have identified it as the same. Thank you!!!! Posted 10 years ago
      1. View Pudding4brains's profile
        Pudding4brains
        Lion
        View Lion class
        Hi Claire,
        I've removed the ID as Micromus variegatus (for the reason explained with the image above in the comment by Ferdy).
        Looking at your larvae I would start searching for Pseudomallada or something close, but I haven't got a clue about South African species. Will put this one on my todo-list, but have little hope on a definite ID - sorry :o(
        Cheers, Arp         Posted 8 years ago
        1. View Claire Hamilton's profile
          Claire Hamilton
          Lion
          View Lion class
          Thank you! I have learned that with these little critters, the chances of getting an ID are remote at best. Would be interesting if you do find one and thank you if you do get around to trying! Posted 8 years ago

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By Claire Hamilton

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Uploaded Oct 23, 2014. Captured Oct 23, 2014 17:20 in Unnamed Road, South Africa.
country flag of South Africa Explore South Africa 1,841 673 0
  • Canon EOS 7D
  • f/9.0
  • 1/200s
  • ISO160
  • 100mm

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