A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Aphis nerii
Oleander aphids, Aphis nerii, are thought to have been introduced throughout the world from the Mediterranean region, where oleander is native (the species name nereii comes from Nerium, the genus name for oleander). The aphids are now found over much of North America, where they also use milkweeds and a few related plants as hosts.Each spring, when the temperatures and other weather conditions are just right, winged females are blown long distances on the wind. When the air becomes calm, the aphids can make directed flights to host plants. Experts have failed to find male oleander aphids in North America, so they believe the winged females produce young without mating (called parthenogenesis). The first offspring are female aphids without wings. The aphids continue to give live birth to more aphids until conditions cause winged forms to be produced. The winged forms move on again. Unlike many other introduced insects, oleander aphids have a number of parasites and predators. You may have seen the results of tiny wasps (for example, Lysiphlebus testaceipes). The female wasp lays its egg by inserting its ovipositor within the young aphids. The wasp’s larva then eats the aphid’s insides. When the parasite goes through metamorphosis into a pupa inside the body of the aphid, it causes the body of the aphid to turn brown, tan or black, and stiffen. This immobile aphid is referred to as a “mummy.” When the wasp emerges from the pupa, it cuts a hole in the back of the aphid’s abdomen and flies away, leaving the aphid’s empty body.
Like the monarch and related butterflies, these aphids pick up the toxic cardiac glycosides from the milkweed in their bodies. Their bright yellow-orange color serves as a warning to anything that tries to eat them. The chemicals also are secreted from their cornicles (the tiny black tubes on their rear ends) http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES... http://blog.projectnoah.org/post/2969471...
Spotted on Aug 12, 2012
Submitted on Aug 12, 2012
11 Comments
I find it amazing how you can calibrate your eye to notice the smallest of insects! I can spot a tick on the end of an arching blade of grass. It's crazy!
Good luck with the amphibians! I looked all over for salamanders and newts with no luck. I saw a Bobcat the last time I went to Muir Woods! It was far away so my camera didn't capture enough detail but it was fun to watch hunting in a field. Keep looking!
BTW no luck with the monarch butterfly caterpillar either. I think it might be a good idea to visit an elemenatry school site. They do a project on Monarchs.
thanks! I was trying to pass by un noticed and it worked!!
Now a days i am noticing more insects though. It is a matter of tuning in I guess. I need to look for more fish in the wild and newts, skinks and salamander and the California Kingsnake. Also need to see the wild hogs ,skunk,oppossum and raccoons. Bob cat seems to be a little out of reach!
Currently trying to focus on the "Blue Bull Frog " on MT Diablo.
Congratulations on your 2,000th spotting!!! I have no idea how I missed it. Welcome to the club. Nice quick bio on the blog too!
i missed her to,after my discussion with her about gun pocession on USA,althougth we are in oposite sides,i liked her way of beeing and discussing,not populist,she based her ideas in studys,etc...,very passionate about everything,i'am hope she is doing well:)
i hope to be here to se your 3000 th :)
Antonio, I finished 1000 with pyoung and i waited to finish 2000 with aunt nance!
BTW where is pyoung? It was awesome to have her in PN. I prescribed to her you tube channel since she produces videos now. She is very passionate about wild life!
Emma,thanks so much for your words,i'am in a happy mode with my life and the friends i have are the cherry in the top of the cake,thanks for your friendship :) "Together we can save the world! " :)
i'am going to post that sentence in my facebook ,i'am also a dreamer and i'am not the only one,we are millions :)
Thanks Amrit!looks like you are new to PN! Welcome aboard!
Thanks for your encouragement and Kind words Antonio, They mean a lot to me!
Amazing counting skills my friend!
Hope to spot a cute Newt like the one in your spottings!!
For me this is just the beginning! It is an ongoing learning experience! Project Noah has literally been an "eye opener" for me in the true sense of the word!!
Thanks to Yasser and Peter and Karen for creating and maintaining this site.
It feels great to be a part of such a winning team and a part of such passionate and knowledgeable people!! Together we can save the world!
Replacing my equipment ,a trip to India etc etc are in the future for me.Besides i am just discovering Mt Diablo. i have to spot the " BLue Bull Frog" on Mt Diablo and of course the California " King Snake" ! Wild hogs,Raccoons,Oppossums ,skunks , and of course the Mountain Lion. So much to do and So little time!!
Antonio,you are a " Super " person. Thanks again my friend! Happy Spotting!
Emma my friend,awesome 2000th spotting,sorry to not comment it in time :) but i was without net from day 10 since now :( i was waiting for it since a few days ago :) well i have to congratulate you for this coloureful spotting,look's a impressionist painting(like you like :) and also by your fantastic spotting page,where i learn more than in many years of school,thanks for sharing the beautiful wild life of Tulare and specialy,thanks for beeing such a amazing person,allways prepared to elp others.allways with inteligent and funny comments,allways with great info's about all kind of creatures and some of the most artistic photos i saw in noah,we will keep following you Emma for ever
p.s.i hope i count well the spottings and this is the 2000th,correct me if i'am wrong:)
I like your picture