Very difficult to photograph as it doesn't hang around for long and is black and about a cm long. Does anyone know what it might be or even what it is doing there? I'm guessing it's laying eggs, feeding larvae or making a nest but I don't want plant nibbling larvae living in the compost. The compost is made up of orchid bark and coir.
Not the usual inhabitant
Forum rules
For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.
Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.
Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
-
MikeDom
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 508
- https://www.behance.net/kuchnie-warszawa
- Joined: 08 Jun 2018
- Branch: GLOUCESTER
- Country: England
- Role within the BCSS: Member
- Location: King Cod's Land
Not the usual inhabitant
I noticed a frequent visitor to my Myrmecodia beccarii - Ant Plant to those unfamiliar with this species. They are difficult to grow as it is, but there is a flying insect that visits every few minutes and appears to go under the plant, the same entry point every time and gets very annoyed if you turn or move the plant (much like leaf cutter bees). That is where the holes are for ants to live inside the plant but I would guess it would be too big to fit the holes.
Very difficult to photograph as it doesn't hang around for long and is black and about a cm long. Does anyone know what it might be or even what it is doing there? I'm guessing it's laying eggs, feeding larvae or making a nest but I don't want plant nibbling larvae living in the compost. The compost is made up of orchid bark and coir.
Very difficult to photograph as it doesn't hang around for long and is black and about a cm long. Does anyone know what it might be or even what it is doing there? I'm guessing it's laying eggs, feeding larvae or making a nest but I don't want plant nibbling larvae living in the compost. The compost is made up of orchid bark and coir.
Mike
BCSS member 39216
Active grower of caudiciform succulents and mesembs. I don't really grow cacti (very often).
BCSS member 39216
Active grower of caudiciform succulents and mesembs. I don't really grow cacti (very often).
-
Diane
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 5575
- Joined: 15 Jun 2007
- Branch: None
- Country: UK
- Role within the BCSS: Member
Re: Not the usual inhabitant
I'd guess it's a solitary wasp, whether or not it's a parasitic one, I've no idea.
Diane - member of Kingston branch
Growing cacti - balm to the soul!
Growing cacti - balm to the soul!
-
StevenT
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 100
- Joined: 20 Oct 2010
- Branch: NOTTINGHAM
- Country: UK
- Role within the BCSS: Member
- Location: Nottingham
Re: Not the usual inhabitant
How about contacting Buglife https://www.buglife.org.uk/bug-identifier-0
or the Amateur Entomologists Society? https://www.amentsoc.org/insects/what-bug-is-this/
or the Royal Entomological Society https://www.royensoc.co.uk/identifying-insects
Steven
or the Amateur Entomologists Society? https://www.amentsoc.org/insects/what-bug-is-this/
or the Royal Entomological Society https://www.royensoc.co.uk/identifying-insects
Steven
Cacti and succulents with data - especially clonotypes, topotypes, old clones, ISI introductions - basically plants with stories!