Mealybugs and Jumping Plant Lice
Believing that Green Tree Ants farm aphids concealed under frass, as presented in the previous entry, I have now been corrected. My friend and entomologist, Dr. Jennifer Marohasy has advised,
“Neil, I am going to disagree and suggest your ant is acutally farming a mealybug, not an aphid. Also most of ‘the mass’ is the body of the mealybug - perhaps a third or fourth instar.”
I am always willing to learn, so thank you Jennifer for the correction.
Under higher magnification a cotton-like covering becomes more apparent, which reminded me of another image I captured several nights ago of what may very well be Psyllids or jumping plant lice.
