Posted by lagura on 28-12-2008 23:48
#1
Hi,
I have come across these funny looking insects a little here and there. Quite often on nettles. My very first thouhgt was "an Aphididae in need of a strict diet" :D
Can anyone please tell me what this is? Most of the specimens I've seen have been wingless, most of them this colour but a few have been shiny greyish.
Size no more than 2mm
Photo taken 30 June 2008 in a small forest (Helsingborg, Sweden)
Thanks!
Edited by lagura on 29-12-2008 00:58
Posted by Tony Irwin on 28-12-2008 23:59
#2
Aphids which are parasitised often look like this - the abdomen becomes smooth and swollen, and changes colour - usually ending up a shiny golden colour. Both winged and wingless adults are affected. The parasite is a small wasp.