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Bug ID please - sweet peas

ChrisWMChrisWM Posts: 214
in Problem solving
Aside from an explosion of aphids on my sweet peas, these small, white bugs have started appearing.  I would be grateful for an ID please. Thanks. 


If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. Cicero

Posts

  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 9,893
    I'm pretty sure they're aphids as well but I can't see what sort sorry.
    Tradition is just peer pressure from dead people
  • ChrisWMChrisWM Posts: 214
    No problem! I appreciate your ID, as I’m keen to know what I’m dealing with, having next to experience. I’ve become adept at squishing aphids...
    If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. Cicero
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,391
    Those are actually 'mummified' corpses of ahpids.  They have been parasitised by a wasp.  Leave them alone so new wasps can hatch from inside the dead bodies and go on to kill more aphids!  Nature doing her finest work there!

    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • ChrisWMChrisWM Posts: 214
    That is so amazing, @BobTheGardener! Many thanks. Thankfully, I only took one off this morning to look at, but there are quite a few left. It’s a pity that ladybirds are in short supply here, otherwise the aphid explosion would be checked. 
    If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. Cicero
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,391
    :)@ChrisWM
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • ChrisWMChrisWM Posts: 214
    edited August 2018
    I spent some time today searching for the wasp @BobTheGardener, and saw one working in tandem with two ladybirds. I reckon its this one: https://www.defenders.co.uk/pest-solutions/aphid-control.html

    There are ‘mummified’ aphids on the flowers of the sweet peas now but I’m not fussed, as they’re past their best, and it’s amazing watching how prolific the wasps’ work is, and how ladybirds are also working alongside them. 

    Thanks again for the ID. They’re fascinating to watch. 
    If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. Cicero
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,391
    It really is quite amazing what goes on in our gardens, and mostly unseen.  I bought a 'trail camera' a couple of years ago and it's addictive watching clips of the local wildlife visiting when no people are around!  Which reminds me to get around to uploading some recent ones to YouTube again.  :)
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
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