Junk Bugs

"Junk Bugs are cute, but the load they carry are gruesome."  That was the title of the article I found when I googled "Bugs that look like little piles of dirt".

A few times now, I've found on various surfaces, a little pyramid shaped pile of dirt. About the size of a pencil eraser.  These little things just seemed kinda out of place.  Surprisingly well attached.  And, were they moving?  Ever so slightly?  Turns out, probably yes.

When I arrived, I found one on the top tip of a chair back.  I looked at it fairly closely.  But I had lots to do, so didn't think too much about it. But when I found one on my Sudoku book.  That was really weird, and prompted me to ask Google.

The article says that, at the base of the pile is a Junk Bug, the larval stage of what will become "a green lacewing, a delicate and lovely flying insect".  Google says the Junk Bug is a voracious predator, common around the world.  They feed by stabbing their hollow horn-like mouth parts into other insects, and sucking out their innards.  Then they pile the dead bug carcasses onto their back, to create a portable camouflage that protects them from other predators.  Very clever!!!

Pictures

1) The Junk Bug on my Sudoku book.  Apparently, you can see eyes and legs at the bottom of the pile. I'll have to look more closely next time

2) A green lacewing, courtesy of google

3) A ridiculously cute tricycle!  I saw it, the little kid and dad in a local park.  I asked dad for permission to take a picture, when the kid was close to the bike.  dad said yes.  The kid walked away.

4) A piece of sargasso sea weed on the ground near a sculpture.  I love the texture of both.

5&6) While visiting friends, in their super nice house!  On the second floor of a building. This cat came in for a visit. He was actually one of 4 that come a go.  Fun! 

7) A tree dropping its beautiful flowers!