Friday, 17 June 2016

Soloman's Seal Sawfly

Every year, on our Soloman's Seal plants, we get an infestation of wrinkly grey Caterpillars, that eat up the plant in under 3 months.
These are called the Soloman's Seal Sawfly, (Phymatocera Aterrima).

I have plans to take these in and raise them myself, and try them in different environments, for our school's annual Science Fair.
The pictures below are the adult Sawflies, because the Larvae have not hatched yet. I will update this post soon when they hatch!
Soloman's Seal
Photo by Alex Sidne 
Soloman's Seal
Photo by Alex Sidney
Soloman's Seal Sawfly
Photo by Alex Sidney
Soloman's Seal
Photo by Alex Sidney
Soloman's Seal Sawfly
Photo by Alex Sidney

Soloman's Seal Sawfly
Photo by Alex Sidney
Soloman's Seal Sawfly
Photo by Alex Sidney
Soloman's Seal
Photo by Alex Sidney

Woodlouse Spider

This is a commonly found Spider, which, as its name suggests, feeds on Woodlice and other small invertebrates. They tend not to spin webs, but instead chase their prey around, or creep up on them and pounce.

I'm still not sure about which species it is: Dysdera Crocata, or Dysdera Erythrina.
Both are very alike, with only the smallest differences. They are both Woodlouse Spiders, however.
Any ideas? Post in the comments below!

Alex

Woodlouse Spider
Photo by Alex Sidney

Woodlouse Spider
Photo by Alex Sidney

Woodlouse Spider
Photo by Alex Sidney

Woodlouse Spider
Photo by Alex Sidney