This has to be some sort of cochineal.
Spent many time searching in the web but did not find anything similar.
Anyway it’s a plague infesting the escallonia around my place.
As I don’t have green grass since early June I need to diversify and look for other kind of subjects.
1.6 magnification with EL-Nikkor 50mm 2.8 N
5.1 magnification Nikon E plan achromatic 4x 0.1
a plague
Moderators: rjlittlefield, ChrisR, Chris S., Pau
Anything is possible, they could be some sort of thermoregulatory apparatus but I wouldn't bet on it, then again... I am just wondering what they are as it is. Pretty neat shotsYawns wrote:Thank you...Lou Jost wrote:Lovely creatures and photos.
now I'm wondering about those "blades" they have in the body.. looks like a "cooling" system, like the ones found in computer processors
- MarkSturtevant
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Projections
I suggest the white projections are waxy plumes, which these sorts of insects often have. The wax plumes are a kind of defense against ants. Odd how symmetrical they are, though.
Mark Sturtevant
Dept. of Still Waters
Dept. of Still Waters
I tend to agree with Mark. The bugs have just started the wax production. I am quite shure they will be completely covered with white fur after a few days.
Troels
Troels
Troels Holm, biologist (retired), environmentalist, amateur photographer.
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