Hello all!
I am turning to you folks as I have had quite a time trying to Google this here thing. No one seems to comply with my keywords: clustered cocoons
I have found this same type of cluster on a tomato stake, on a blade of grass (as shown), on mulch and I think on a paver I use as a garden border. All but this one have had a wee hole in one end suggesting that, alas, I was too late to see if I needed to squash them or not. The cluster is moderately soft and soft and silky to the touch. They are not pure white, but more of an off white/linen color. Rather small in size, I'd say a grain of rice in shape and size. I am quite certain they are not eggs as I don't know of any critter that lays oblong eggs in individual cocoons in a cluster. But, I've been wrong about cooking times as well.
So, I leave this in your capable hands. Let me know if I need to smash them into goop or place them in a more advantageous place.
Cheers! Ana
CLOSED: Cocoon clusters - Do I squash them or not?
These likely are the cocoons of a small parasitic wasp in the family Braconidae, such as Apanteles congregatus. It attacks several kinds of caterpillars, including cutworms and tomato hornworms; masses of its white cocoons frequently are found on the ground in hay or grain fields.
wow, suunto, you are amazing!! Are you a Professor? Just letting you know how much we appreciate your help here on the Bug ID forum...
AnaM, If suunto is correct and I suspect so, then these are good guys who don't deserve to be squished!
this is so good to know. i see these once in a while (i'm only an hour from sanford) and i never did know what they were.
Wonderful! Thank you very much suunto. I put them in a jar with some paper towel on top just in case they "hatched" so I could provide pics that way, too. I will then transfer them to the back yard where they can do what they do - get the bad guys. Ummm, if they are wasp, I didn't realize that they are capable of spinning? such cocoons/egg cases.
Thank you for adding to my, and everyone else's, knowledge regarding 6+ leggers.
Thank you!!!
Ana
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