A Pretty Pest, Pt. 5 - _TNY_6385

This beauty on an aspen leaf is a small poplar borer (Saperda populnea).

 

The female makes a horseshoe-shaped cut, primarily on young aspen, and lays her egg in the incision. This develops into a gall from which the next generation makes an exit hole the next spring.

 

Part 1 here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/50172444078/

 

Part 2, another portrait shot at 3.9:1 magnification (and focus stacked), here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/50901693878/

 

Part 3 here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/51655620702/

 

Part 4 here: www.flickr.com/photos/tinyturtle/52052741230/

Done