Unknown Caterpillars

Dogghound · #11 (**permalink**) 27-05-2008, 08:30 PM

Could you snip of the branch and place it in a jar or tank? then you will catch what comes out, how large are they?

UB4 gardener · #12 (**permalink**) 28-05-2008, 12:02 AM

dogghound,

the only reason i thought hoverfly was because they reminded me a bit of this. I wasn't sure if this species turned into a teardrop pupae or not.

and scale insect crossed my mind too.

Chris

christina · #13 (**permalink**) 28-05-2008, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UB4 gardener

dogghound,

the only reason i thought hoverfly was because they reminded me a bit of this. I wasn't sure if this species turned into a teardrop pupae or not.

and scale insect crossed my mind too.

Chris

Its most definitely the right shape Chris and the markings are very similar. We have scale on some of our indoor plants and they are very wee and hard so I think scale can be ruled out as these things are soft lol.

Dogghound, I am very reluctant to snip the plant as the ants do attend to the "thing", but am keeping my eyes on it and if I see what emerges I shall let you know. I am also searching the internet for websites on hoverflies and the like to see if I can establish what it is. Will keep you posted.

Thanks to all for your input.

Dogghound · #14 (**permalink**) 28-05-2008, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UB4 gardener

dogghound,

the only reason i thought hoverfly was because they reminded me a bit of this. I wasn't sure if this species turned into a teardrop pupae or not.

and scale insect crossed my mind too.

Chris

Your picture shows the larva of a hoverfly likely Syrphus sp, the puparium are slightly different from the larva.