Thread subject: Diptera.info :: Any ideas on what did this?

Posted by LordV on 18-07-2006 22:40
#1

Thought I was just taking a pic of aphids on a Virginia Creeper stem but looks more like a whodunnit scene.
Brian V.

static.flickr.com/72/192842394_9bf429809b_o.jpg

Posted by conopid on 18-07-2006 22:43
#2

chalcid wasps or some kind of parasitic hymenoptera. Fantatstic graveyard shot!

Posted by Paul Beuk on 19-07-2006 07:49
#3

Aphid mummies, most likely parasitised by Braconidae - Aphidiinae, and maybe even with cynipoid hyperparasitoids.

Posted by LordV on 19-07-2006 08:01
#4

Thanks Paul and Nigel.
Have just taken some pics of the guilty party (I think) will post shortly.
Brian V.

Edited by LordV on 19-07-2006 08:02

Posted by Paul Beuk on 19-07-2006 09:48
#5

Similar, but of far less quality:
www.diptera.info/images/aphidiinae1.jpg
www.diptera.info/images/aphidiinae2.jpg
www.diptera.info/images/alloxystinae.jpg
www.diptera.info/images/mummies.jpg

Edited by Paul Beuk on 19-07-2006 09:52

Posted by LordV on 19-07-2006 10:39
#6

Obviously same type of wasp/ behaviour Paul. Funnily enough someone on another forum thought the escape hatches in the aphids was where the aphid got out after shedding it's skin - now that would be neat :)
Brian V.