Debris-carrying Chrysopid (lacewing) Larva

This is a classic case of " the wolf in sheep's clothing." Lacewing larvae have been known to craft themselves "cloaks" of organic debris (often including the carcasses of previous victims) in order to sneak past ants and feast upon aphids. Ants and aphids have a symbiotic relationship in which the former protects the latter in exchange for precious honeydew.

On a Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana) leaf in a backyard habitat in NW Georgia (Gordon County), US. Unfortunately, I couldn't get a clear shot of the larva beneath. It realized that it had been spotted and tried to escape me!

Here are some videos I found on Youtube. Unfortunately, I do not have a great video camera, so these will give you an idea of type of the movement it exhibited.

comments (7)

Christine Young

Lion

I LOVE Junkbugs! So stinkin cute! Definitely the most adorable, murderous, carnage-carrying vagabonds <3
Posted 7 years ago, modified 7 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  They are so metal! Posted 7 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    Totally hardcore ;P Posted 7 years ago
  2. 1. Flown Kimmerling
      
      Lion
      
      I wonder if this particular one was preying on Wooly Aphids and using parts/wax for this fuzzy look? Posted 7 years ago
    2. 1. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        Could be, or flatid planthopper fluff too. They scrape hairs off of leaves and fluff off of seedpods as well. They are little wolves disguised as sheep. Posted 7 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

Haha, I was just about to add those videos :O. Here's one more:
Posted 7 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks! Added to both posts! Posted 7 years ago

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