What could this be?

[Cordaline]

Is anyone able to tell me what this little blighter is?

I found it on the underside of a Bayleaf whilst looking for Moths (they can always be found in my Bay Tree), early evening.

I know the pic is not the greatest. Just wondered what this spikey little thing might be.

[Paul mabbott]

It's most likely the pupa of Pullus (=Exochomus) quadripustulatus, the pine ladybird (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Chilocorinae). The pupae of the kidney-spot, heather and related ladybirds are similar.

If you put the whole leaf in a container in a shady place and examine it every day you should see the ladybird emerging in a few days. It would be interesting to know what the ladybirds are feeding on: do you have scale insects on your bay?

[Cordaline]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

It's most likely the pupa of Pullus (=Exochomus) quadripustulatus, the pine ladybird (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae: Chilocorinae). The pupae of the kidney-spot, heather and related ladybirds are similar.

If you put the whole leaf in a container in a shady place and examine it every day you should see the ladybird emerging in a few days. It would be interesting to know what the ladybirds are feeding on: do you have scale insects on your bay?

Thanks for your idea. I will see if I can find it again & do what you suggested.
I will also inspect for insects.

Whilst on the subject of my Bay tree, any idea why swarms of flies love the leaves in the warm, mid morning sun so much? It is literally covered in them, buzzing like mad!

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by Cordaline

Thanks for your idea. I will see if I can find it again & do what you suggested.
I will also inspect for insects.

Whilst on the subject of my Bay tree, any idea why swarms of flies love the leaves in the warm, mid morning sun so much? It is literally covered in them, buzzing like mad!

If there are scale insects or aqphids on it then the flies may be attracted by the 'honeydew' which those insects secrete - basically a sugar solution! Maybe ...

[Cordaline]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

If there are scale insects or aqphids on it then the flies may be attracted by the 'honeydew' which those insects secrete - basically a sugar solution! Maybe ...

Thanks Paul,
That explains why the leaves are sticky then.
Plenty of micro insects on the tree.

Here are a few pics of different larvae I found, on closer inspection, on the underside of some of the other leaves. What do you these might be?

[Tiggrx]

Originally Posted by Cordaline

Thanks Paul,
That explains why the leaves are sticky then.
Plenty of micro insects on the tree.

Here are a few pics of different larvae I found, on closer inspection, on the underside of some of the other leaves. What do you these might be?

These look like Bay Suckers (Trioza alacris)