beetle larva?

[asheleaf]

hi, we came across this creature in the garden today. Its about a cm. Dont really have a clue what it is, I guessed beetle larva but that is a guess. hope someone can help us. (not expecting to get it to species, just a general idea would be great)


cheers, Ashe

on sweet violet in the garden

[Deer Stalker]

Hi Ashe.

Lacewing larva I think.

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by Deer Stalker

Lacewing larva I think.

Yes, for such a soft-bodied beast it certainly has a ferocious pair of jaws.

[Meles meles]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

Yes, for such a soft-bodied beast it certainly has a ferocious pair of jaws.

thanks guys. It was those jaws that made me think beetle. lacewings look so delicate and sweet......

cheers, Ashe

[asheleaf]

Originally Posted by Meles meles

thanks guys. It was those jaws that made me think beetle. lacewings look so delicate and sweet......

cheers, Ashe

Sorry, I hadn't realised my son 'meles meles' was signed in on my pc.

The post and the thanks was from me.

cheers, Ashe

[Paul mabbott]

Not sure whether it's possible to id larvae to species *but* this is the most common form that I see so I rather assume that it's one of the common green lacewings such as Chrysoperla carnea. There is a great variety of shapes amongst lacewings but I've never worked out which is which ....

[Ukwildlifeo]

There vicous little things, but only towards aphids I know some species have a spcial party trick to avoid being thrown of the plant by ants, while feeding on their aphids: once they've sucked the aphid sry they stick the remains on thir back. Next time an ant comes along with its antanne it smells senses an aphid and leaves the lacewing larva alone. Marvellous things insects

[asheleaf]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

Not sure whether it's possible to id larvae to species *but* this is the most common form that I see so I rather assume that it's one of the common green lacewings such as Chrysoperla carnea. There is a great variety of shapes amongst lacewings but I've never worked out which is which ....

I've certainly seen green lacewings in the garden but I also recall a small brown one a while back. Cant remember if i got a pic? I did try once to id a couple of lacewings from photos but soon gave up.....

thanks, Ashe

[asheleaf]

Originally Posted by asheleaf

I've certainly seen green lacewings in the garden but I also recall a small brown one a while back. Cant remember if i got a pic?

I dug out the photos I took of the brown lacewing. They are pretty poor. The lacewing is tiny and I reckon its a micromus species. The larva was quite large by comparison so probably the commoner green one as was suggested,


Cheers, Ashe

[Paul mabbott]

Yes, well .... not all 'green lacewings' (Chrysopidae) are green - some change colour during the year and some are always brown!