CLOSED: What is the insect bothering my V Frit?

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Sheila_FW Fort Worth, TX(Zone 8a) Apr 01, 2009

As I was watching my Variegated Fritillary I noticed the small larvae type insect trying to feed perhaps on it. The VF was really flipping and moving. After I pushed the insect away the thrashing stopped. What am I dealing with? Sawfly larvae?

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suunto Sinks Grove, WV Apr 01, 2009

It appears to be a larva of a lacewing (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) - see http://tinyurl.com/cgpzec for an image. These are predaceous, but they usually tackle much smaller, soft-bodied prey such as aphids.

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Sheila_FW Fort Worth, TX(Zone 8a) Apr 01, 2009

Thanks Suunto! I guess it was on a pansy that I put in the cage for food. It must have been disturbing the cat just enought for it to feel threatened. Poor thing must be exhausted it thrashed about for about 30 minutes; I was worried it was having problems making it's chrysalis until I saw the larva.

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