Unidentified on fallen oak leaf.

Susie · #1 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 07:46 PM

Found on an oak leaf in leaf litter today. I don't have a clue what it will develop into. Any ideas?

If reminds a bit of ladybird.

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 07:58 PM

Its a hoverfly larvae (Syrphidae). Possibly something like one of the Didea or Dasysyrphus species, these are aphid eating species that overwinter in leaf litter. The best way is to raise them until the adult emerges to provide an easy ID.

Susie · #3 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 08:01 PM

Thanks, Dogghound!

What do I have to do to rear it? It is in a jar in the fridge at the moment, same as I would do with a moth. Should I relocate it to the garage where it will be cool but not too cold?

Thanks again.

Susie

Dogghound · #4 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 08:10 PM

The hard part is im unsure exactly what species it is which can be a problem in respect to feeding it. You will need to try a variety of aphid species for it to feed on. It needs to be in a container that has soil or sand to pupate in, damp blotting paper to prevent drying out. It should be placed in a sheltered location to avoid getting to cold. Not easy at this time of year as there are less aphids around to feed it on but great fun in summer. Fortunately it may be in a state of diapause (sleep) so will not need much feeding until it becomes warmer.

Susie · #5 (**permalink**) 08-03-2009, 10:10 PM

Okey dokes. I'll put it in a container with soil from where it was found and a heap of the leaf litter it was in around it and try to keep conditions as close to what it was originally in. The aphids will be tricky but I will see what I can do. I imagine that it is dormant at the moment anyway as you suggest.