Categories
Aphids, Scale Insects, Leafhoppers, and Tree Hoppers, Syrphid FliesTags
food chainMystery bug on milkweed
July 28, 2009
I live in the Houston area. I am finding these strange larva on my tropical milkweed – along with the ever-present aphids. I don’t know whether to squish them or protect them. Are they good or bad?
Sherrie
Houston, TX
Syrphid Fly Larvae eat Oleander Aphids
Hi Sherrie,
These Syrphid Fly larvae are predators in the family Syrphidae that are feeding on the Aphids. The adult flies are sometimes called Flower Flies or Hover Flies and they are pollinating insects. We don’t know exactly what genus or species your Syrphid Fly Larvae belong to, but they should not be squished. Here is a link to the Syrphid Fly Larvae posted on BugGuide. The Aphids are Oleander Aphids, Aphis nerii, and they are common on Milkweed. They infest our outdoor Hoya species in Los Angeles. You can read more about the Oleander Aphid on BugGuide as well.
Related Posts
- Syrphid Larva at a banquet of Aphids (June 25, 2007)
- Syrphid Fly Larvae eat Aphids (June 18, 2008)
- Syrphid Fly Larva (May 22, 2008)
- Oleander Aphids (December 26, 2008)
- Oleander Aphids (July 13, 2009)
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