#predatory insect

[nyurrwithcheese]

MY POND FINALLY HAS ATTRACTED A DRAGONFLY! IT'S OVER FOR ALL THOSE LEAF EATIN HOES

[drhoz]

#1371 - Fam. Therevidae - Stiletto Flies

Hels Mon down here in the SW found something odd in their garden, and put a video up for ID. It was a video I was quite pleased to see, because I’ve never seen the predatory larvae of a Stiletto Fly before.

The larvae, like those in the Robber Fly and other related families, are predators of other insects and generally found on dry, sandy soils and dry litter. We certainly have no shortage of the former around here. Some of the 1600-odd decomposing organic matter or under the bark of trees. They’re voracious and agile, with a stiff, segmented exoskeleton, and will try to bury themselves rapidly if exposed to daylight.

Adults are generally seen in daylight, feeding on nectar, honeydew, and pollen, but they occasionally feed on plant or animal secretions. In semi-arid areas they’re most often found close to water, since prey will be more numerous for their young.

[toddjdreyer]

Got hit in the face by a Tenodera sinensis sinensis / Chinese Mantis while doing some yard work this morning. No injuries for either of us.

[thebiglabluntski]

Possible Trichograma at first but the size and markings dont seem familiar. Looks to be more wasp family than fly family. Definitely predatory looking. Anyone have any input? Its not harming the plants any and seems more interested in my hood than anything.

[pragmaculture]

Spied this wasp guy sniffing round my kale, up to something nefarious no doubt. I kept hoping it would spot the massive caterpillar and get the old ovipositor out - it was definitely interested in something - but no such luck.