invertebrates

build in progress

 

aphids

^^these were all over an ornamental willow tree

  ^^ spray turrets, called cornicles or siphunculi, from which they shoot a defencive waxy secretion

 ^^aphid damage

 

  

^^aphids produce a sugary discharge, seen coating the leaf on the lower right,

that can cause fungal problems for the host plant.

 ^^aphids are parthenogenetic, meaning adult females can reproduce without mating.

A single female can produce a dozen live nymphs a day.
 

 aphid info here and here

garden helpers

 

ladybugs

 

 ^^ladybugs are carnivorous beetles that feed on aphids and spider mites

^^notice that the female is busy eating an aphid even while mating!

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