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Eucalyptolyma maideni
A curious waxy protective scale, it appears to be enlarging as the owner grows. I am suspecting a hemipteran bug like a scale insect or lerp but I'm uncertain.
Large eucalypt type tree in a suburban park
I've overturned one to show that the tenant seems to have moved out already. Overturning a smaller lerp revealed a green nymph (seen in pics 1 & 2). Research indicates that when adults, the winged bugs do leave home.
Yes, Leuba and Argybee I did notice the pairing and I have the same question. I would consider if they are male female pairs but I don't really know. I want to collect one about to mature so as to photograph the adult but haven't got back yet. I've never found such a concentration as this one on Durham Rd.
It could be just the logical result of the 'real-estate' selection process.
I just noticed that they are in pairs - intriguing - do you know why they do this, Martin ? they seem to line up with the veins for obvious reasons but why pair-up. I like pic #5 dissolving lerp- nice shot !
In that case, maybe you should hook up, I think you'd make a lovely couple ;0)
Here is the winged adult - I'll have to go and find one now. http://cmallorylife.blogspot.com.au/2010...
Brilliant!
btw Looking at your avatars, are you related Argybee & Leuba?!
Thanks Martin. They are fascinating and amazing creatures. It's going to make that nasty squish harder to perform when they're chowing down on something precious :(
Yes Craig. These guys have a gland similar to spiders and caterpillars which produce silk. This gland produces waxy protein substance that expands and hardens in air.
The mystery is solved. I've located the tenant and it is a green scale insect (lerp) as seen in these newly uploaded pics =) It looks like Glycaspis but its scale is very different http://www.flickr.com/photos/66925960@N0...
Spotted on Jan 29, 2012
Submitted on Jan 29, 2012
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