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Photo#537358
Larva with aphids farmed by ants on Ice Cream Bean Tree - Dioprosopa clavata
Copyright © 2011 Karen Anthonisen Finch

Larva with aphids farmed by ants on Ice Cream Bean Tree - Dioprosopa clavata
Sarasota, Florida, USA
May 30, 2011
Size: <2cm
Fed on aphids at an aphid colony, but ignored by ants that are tending aphids. Ants repelled an aphid lion at same colony, however. Could this be a lady beetle larva? (Have video of all encounters!)
Contributed by Karen Anthonisen Finch on 30 June, 2011 - 9:12am
Last updated 10 January, 2021 - 10:27pm

Moved
Moved from Unidentified Immature Stages.
… Even Dankowicz, 10 January, 2021 - 10:27pm

Moved
Moved from Unidentified immature stages.
… Beatriz Moisset, 27 December, 2012 - 11:10am

Moved
Moved from ID Request.
… v belov, 1 July, 2011 - 6:10am

Syrphid
This looks more like a syrphid fly maggot, similar to this one.
… John Stanard, 30 June, 2011 - 9:30am

 
Thank you!
I wonder why the maggot is not perceived as a threat by the ants?
… Karen Anthonisen Finch, 30 June, 2011 - 9:53am

 
There was a brief article about
how lady beetle larva avoid being attacked by ants here
… john and jane balaban, 30 June, 2011 - 3:50pm

 
Had read about lady beetle...
I had a suspicion it was similar to the lady beetle. Thanks for the note!
… Karen Anthonisen Finch, 1 July, 2011 - 7:34am

Looks more likely to be
a larva of a Syrphid fly
… john and jane balaban, 30 June, 2011 - 9:28am

 
Thanks!
The links to the photos were also helpful. :)
… Karen Anthonisen Finch, 30 June, 2011 - 9:53am

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