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Project Noah Nature School
Dioprosopa clavata
I often find these empty, so this was one of the first time I was able to photograph one before it emerged.
On an aphid-covered milkweed plant in a suburban yard
Spotted on Sep 25, 2017
Submitted on Jan 24, 2018
5 Comments
Thanks for explaining - I wasn't doubting the ID, just interested in how you came to it. I wouldn't have a clue and do have hoverflies in my yard so I will be on the lookout come spring.
I also have aphid-infested milkweed, but luckily these little guys are around to help clear them out! I'm pretty sure Machi's identification is correct; that teardrop shape is a dead giveaway. Great photo! I've never seen them in this much detail before.
Maria,
The only caterpillars that were on this plant were hoverfly larvae. It is possible it was something else, but I was monitoring them pretty closely from day to day to watch the monarch caterpillars and photograph their progress.
How did you know it was a hoverfly - did you see it emerge?
Two, very nice photos...