CLOSED: Hard to describe - Globes at the end of a hard stem? :)

mexifelio Jul 30, 2008

They look like some sort of eggs, I've never seen anything like this before. So far I have counted about 5 of them on my sunflower and basil plants.

Thanks!

Post #5343793

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suunto Sinks Grove, WV Jul 30, 2008

This could be an egg of a green lacewing (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) - see http://www.pbase.com/crocodile/image/80969061

Post #5344342

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mexifelio Jul 30, 2008

Wow, thanks Suunto! That looks exactly like what it is. I am reading that the larvae are pretty beneficial and eat a lot of pests:

"Lacewing larvae voraciously attack their prey by seizing them with large, sucking jaws and inject a paralyzing venom. The hollow jaws then draw out the body fluids of the pest. Of all available commercial predators, this lacewing is the most voracious and has the greatest versatility for pests of field crops, orchards, and greenhouses.

Each lacewing larva will devour 200 or more pests or pest eggs a week during their two to three week developmental period. After this stage, the larvae pupate by spinning a cocoon with silken thread. Approximately five days later adult lacewings emerge to mate and repeat the life cycle. Depending on climatic conditions, the adult will live about four to six weeks. "

I hope they don't mind the 105� afternoon heat :)