the bug that laid the silver eggs
Last year, some of you may remember that I wrote a series of posts about a cluster or silver eggs found on a milkweed leaf on June 13th (see image of eggs below). About a week later, the eggs began to hatch, and several of us discussed the “blue lining” seen on some of those eggs. I wrote a follow-up report about the eggs here. As you will recall, the eggs were identified as being those of some species of predacious Stink Bug — a group commonly referred to as Spined Soldier Bugs for their pointed “shoulders”.
Yesterday, just by chance, I happened to catch sight of one of these Stink Bugs laying its silvery, spined eggs on a Solidago leaf along one of the trails in the poplar woods. These bugs aren’t that easy to ID to genus, but my guess is that it’s either a species of Apateticus or Podisus. Anyhow, it was neat to be able to link the insect to the eggs, and to be able to record this in photographs. So often, I find insect eggs, but am not able to figure out who they belong to unless I happen to find the hatchlings at a later date. However, the emerging larvae are usually so different from their adult form that I may still have no clue as to their identity. It’s always nice to be able to sort out that connection by capturing photos of the female laying her eggs. Now, I’ll try to observe them over the next while to learn how long it takes before the first of them begins to hatch.
By the way, for those who are new to reading my blog, one of my interests is phenology – the study of cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to insects and spiders. The above example of the Stink Bug eggs provides a nice opportunity to compare some observations from year to year. Last year’s eggs began to hatch on June 20th. I have a feeling that this year’s eggs may hatch a little sooner. I’ll try to provide an update when that event occurs.