Lace Bugs (Tingidae) on Phacelia
I found these mating insects on a leaf of Caterpillar Phacelia (Phacelia cicutaria var. hispida, Boraginaceae) in the woods last week. They are a tiny Lace Bugs in the family Tingidae. It's my impression that the different species of Lace Bugs are specific to their hosts, and I know we have one kind on Wild Sweetpea (here) and a different kind on Yerba Santa (here). My photo today might show a third kind, though I haven't found any mention yet of these bugs on Phacelia plants. Happy Hump Day! (San Marcos Pass, 21 April 2022)
Lace Bugs (Tingidae) on Phacelia
I found these mating insects on a leaf of Caterpillar Phacelia (Phacelia cicutaria var. hispida, Boraginaceae) in the woods last week. They are a tiny Lace Bugs in the family Tingidae. It's my impression that the different species of Lace Bugs are specific to their hosts, and I know we have one kind on Wild Sweetpea (here) and a different kind on Yerba Santa (here). My photo today might show a third kind, though I haven't found any mention yet of these bugs on Phacelia plants. Happy Hump Day! (San Marcos Pass, 21 April 2022)