Unknown strange insect

[matt_xyz]

I found this interesting looking insect in my garden a couple of days ago. It was very small, approximately 4-5mm in length, and seemed to have a pile of debris on its back. Is it some sort of larva?




many thanks,

Matt

[Jason Claxton]

Hi Matt

Looks like a Lacewing larva.

Jason

[fairplay]

A lot of insects are 'attacked' by 'entomorphic' fungi - usually by a spore entering a weak spot on the body.

When the spore germinates, it sends down roots (correctly called 'mycelium') into the body of the unfortunate creature.

This can affect the behaviour of the insect, such as persuading it to climb up the stems of plants where a fungal fruiting body will emerge out of the insect and spores from the fungus can be better dispersed so as to land on another unfortunate insect.

But having enlarged this photo, I'm not so sure it is a fungus emerging.
That leaves 2 possibilities I can think of:

1. It could be camouflage.
2. A Praying Mantis is about to swallow it, but has added a bit of salad to go with the meal.

Neil.

[Jason Claxton]

Yes,Neil, camouflage it is,they are known for doing that.

...unless it was under Matt's patio table and Matt is a messy eater and some debris from his snacks/lunch have fallen on to it,even then the lacewing would be glad of the cover

[John_M]

Lacewing larva.

[triops]

Lacewing larvae (like this one), cover themselves with debris, often the sucked-dry remains of their prey, as camouflage.

[matt_xyz]

Thanks for the replies folks - having now read up on lacewing larvae it seems pretty clear that is what this is. Apparently they commonly adorn themselves with dead aphids, moss and other debris, something I didn't previously know.

You learn something every day

Matt

[vespat5rider]

any idea's what type of cricket this is

[Jason Claxton]

A Common Green Grasshopper I'd say.


Jason.

[Deb London]

Tend to agree, but not sure I can rule out Stripe-winged.