Flatids

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 8:07 pm

Some of you may remember here a while back, I posted images of Flatidbug nymphs. While examining some of the lilac shrubs in the backyard, I noticed white splotches on the underside of the leaves. Bringing them inside for a closer examination, it revealed what may be the nymphs in what you might say is a first instar.

For those who did not see the orignial post of the Flatid Nymphs, an inset in the first image provides a look at what I am refering to.

Flatid Nypmph (Inset) and First Instars?
Sony DSC W5 @ 5mgp
1/8 sec. @ f/2.8 ISO 100
Meiji EMZ-13TR @ 10X
Halogen lighting with blue diffuser

Sony DSC W5 @ 5mgp
1/6 sec. @ f/2.8 ISO 100
Meiji EMZ-13TR @ 20X
Halogen lighting with blue diffuser

Bald Eagle · Post by **Bald Eagle** » Tue Jan 17, 2006 9:09 pm

Very Impressive Macro, detail is crystal sharp.

S. Alden · Post by **S. Alden** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 2:48 am

Great images Ken. Wonder what is on those leaves in my yard

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 3:49 am

Thanks Rick and Sue.

There were a few scattered pearlecent eggs here and there on the underside of the leaves also. I believe that these flattened orbs are the result of the hatch and this is how they winter over till spring. As to actually being flatids, this is only an assumption, because there are numerous flatids over these shrubs during the spring.

During the winter there are a lot of insects that are dormant, others have completed their life cycle and have left only eggs and larvae to carry on. The underside of leaves, bark, and the stems of weeds such as Goldenrod are winter harbors for some of these eggs and larvae or so it seems. Anyway I have realized that they are some good places to search for interesting subjects.

Kenv · Post by **Kenv** » Wed Jan 18, 2006 1:54 pm

Thats fascinating Ken.
Kenv

Lost in London · Post by **Lost in London** » Fri Jan 20, 2006 6:28 am

Nice observation - you could easily assume they were some kind of fungus, even on closer inspection. Never ceases to amaze me what is creeping around in peoples gardens

Great shots!

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Sun Feb 05, 2006 6:04 am

Lost in London wrote:

Nice observation - you could easily assume they were some kind of fungus, even on closer inspection. Never ceases to amaze me what is creeping around in peoples gardens

Thanks for the commet

I am finding out that there are a lot of things out there to photograph, it is just that you have to think a little bit differently as to where to look.

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 4:03 am

I have pulled this out of the archives to make a correction. I was assuming that these were Flatids. I was wrong.

With the help of the nice folks on www.bugguide.net, we have found that these are actually Citrus Whitefly nymphs. Just thought some of you might like to know. Thanks

S. Alden · Post by **S. Alden** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 4:33 am

Thanks Ken for the update. I still have not found anything on my leaves, but then again, I really do not have that many leaves in my yard right now

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 4:43 am

Well spring is just around the corner Sue, well at least for us down here, I don't know about up there or down under.

I was really glad to find out what these were though. They have been a curiosity to me for some time. Since there were so many Flatids around here I just assumed that was what they were. Now I will be on the hunt for Whiteflies soon.

MacroMike · Post by **MacroMike** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 10:23 am

Hello Ken.

Amazing exposure with lots of wonderful texture and sharp detail. Interesting information as well.

Sue wrote:

I still have not found anything on my leaves, but then again, I really do not have that many leaves in my yard right now.

But. we know you have all kinds of stuff growing inside the house. LOL.

S. Alden · Post by **S. Alden** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 10:38 am

MacroMike wrote:Hello Ken.

Amazing exposure with lots of wonderful texture and sharp detail. Interesting information as well.

Sue wrote:
I still have not found anything on my leaves, but then again, I really do not have that many leaves in my yard right now.
But. we know you have all kinds of stuff growing inside the house. LOL.