Tag: predator

• Question of the Week – Mantid Ootheca

  

  This week, the question was: What is this on the underside of this crepe myrtle limb? This is a praying mantid ootheca. An ootheca is a protective structure in which the adult female lays her eggs. It is constructed out of a frothy secretion from her ovipositor that dries into a hard, foam-like material. The […]

  Justin Ballew

  April 28, 2022

  Question of the Week

  beneficial insect, ootheca, praying mantid, predator, Question of the Week

• Question of the Week – Assassin Bug Nymph

  

  This week, the question was: What is the little critter on these mint leaves? This is an assassin bug nymph (juvenile). Assassin bugs are beneficial, predatory insects. They have stout piercing/sucking mouthparts that they use to insert into their prey, inject digestive enzymes, and then suck out the bodily fluids. Most assassin bugs actively search […]

  Justin Ballew

  March 10, 2022

  Question of the Week

  assassin bug, beneficial insects, predator, Question of the Week