Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Lacewing / Antlion - Red Lacewing (Dysochrysa furcata) family Chrysopidae

Sometimes called 'doodlebugs' - This antlion was not easy to get a photograph of as they disappear so easily once you start digging into their cone-shaped nest and look like this:

I am sure you have seen them in your garden.
The sides are built at a 45 degree angle and once the ant falls in, he cannot get out again. The larvae is extremely small, about 2-3mm.
Lacewing larvae are carnivorous and differ in appearance and habit, but all have elongated mouthparts modified for sucking out the fluids of their prey.
Their anus is sealed so that waste products of their diet can be stored until excreted as a white pellet after emergence.

They spin a spherical cocoon for pupation.
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17 comments:

  1. MaryFebruary 24, 2010 at 6:53 AM

    Sort of a "beauty and the beast" bug. Definitely looks better wtih it's wings.

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  2. This Is My Blog - fishing guyFebruary 24, 2010 at 8:06 AM

    Joan: The Dr. Jeckle / Mr. Hyde of the bug world. They are pretty as a flyer.

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  3. BeckyFebruary 24, 2010 at 7:38 PM

    Nasty looking bugs, but so dainty are those wings. How interesting. Joan you find the best insects!
    B.

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  4. Rambling WoodsFebruary 24, 2010 at 8:59 PM

    I too like the wings better ...I didn't know that a doodle bug was a real bug..Now I know... Michelle

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  5. SAPhotographs (Joan)February 24, 2010 at 9:52 PM

    Much prettier too Mary. :)

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  6. SAPhotographs (Joan)February 24, 2010 at 9:52 PM

    Thanks Tom. Yes, they would make great ones. :)

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  7. SAPhotographs (Joan)February 24, 2010 at 9:53 PM

    Thanks Becky. We have such interesting ones here and I am pleased to always get a series like this.

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  8. SAPhotographs (Joan)February 24, 2010 at 9:53 PM

    LOL!! We live and learn every day Michelle.

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  9. Bhavesh ChhatbarFebruary 24, 2010 at 11:56 PM

    Very weird creatures, and great photography :)

    Love Is In The Air, Love Is In Nature

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  10. SAPhotographs (Joan)February 25, 2010 at 1:00 AM

    Thanks Bhavesh.

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  11. UnknownFebruary 25, 2010 at 12:01 PM

    This is amazing!

    P.S.1 - Kalanchoes are african succulents, don't know any specific habitat though...

    P.S.2 - I did photograph the mosque windows, but pictures came out very bad...

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  12. Firefly the Travel GuyFebruary 25, 2010 at 12:22 PM

    I spent a week at Cannon Rocks feeding the antlions without them coming out their holes. Am actually going to post some antlion hole pics next week. I will have to link to this post to show how they look.

    I want to get your cell number to perhaps give you and Gaylen a call after she arrive. Won't you mail it to me? fireflyafrica@telkomsa.net

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  13. SAPhotographs (Joan)February 25, 2010 at 6:11 PM

    Thanks Jose. Much appreciate the into on the Kalanchoe too. I thought they might be but we have so many imported plants it is hard to tell which is native to SA nowdays.

    What a pity about the window pics. Is is most annoying when that happens.

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  14. SAPhotographs (Joan)February 25, 2010 at 6:17 PM

    You are welcome Jonker. They are quite easy to dig out but the problem is they are as sall as a match hed and look just like the soil so are VERY difficult to spot.

    I have sent you the phone number. Maybe we can do lunch if I get up there with her.

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  15. myonlyphotoFebruary 27, 2010 at 9:11 PM

    Joan there are so many bugs I have not seen yet, and probably wouldn't want the to visit me here in my house, lol. Thanks for taking me through your insect journey, it is real fun to learn more. Anna :)

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  16. SAPhotographs (Joan)February 27, 2010 at 9:29 PM

    You are welcome Anna. I am sure they are around your house you have just not noticed them yet. :)

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