Subject: Daniel – Help, please?
Location: Hawthorne, CA
August 8, 2014 8:21 pm
Hi,
I was out in the back today and spotted this bug on what my seed packet says is Brown-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia triloba). Can you please help with identification when you have a chance?
Signature: Thanks, Anna Carreon
Hi Anna,
This is a highly beneficial Lacewing Larva or Aphid Wolf. True to their common name, Aphid Wolves will consume large quantities of Aphids, though very young Monarch Caterpillars might also fall victims. Many folks have been writing in maligning this beneficial predator by stating they have been bitten by a Lacewing Larva. Daniel was bitten by a Lacewing Larva once, but other than slight itchiness, there was no ill effect.
Thanks very much! I’ve taken pictures of Lacewing Larva before, but with the point & shoot camera and the shots weren’t as good as this happens to be. I didn’t recognize it.
Anna
Nice investment, that new camera.