Silk-cocoon
Guides
Franklinothrips vespiformis
Vespiform Thrips, Vespiform Thrip
Franklinothrips vespiformis is a predatory thrips species in the family Aeolothripidae, notable for its ant-mimicking adult morphology and distinctive red, humped-back larvae. It is widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide and has been extensively studied as a biological control agent for various agricultural and greenhouse pests. The species exhibits myrmecomorphy—mimicking ants in appearance and fast, erratic movement behavior—which likely serves as a defense against predation. It is primarily parthenogenetic, with males being rare.
Lithurgus chrysurus
Mediterranean wood-boring bee, Golden-tailed Woodborer
Lithurgus chrysurus is a wood-nesting megachilid bee native to the Mediterranean region that has established adventive populations in North America. It is one of the few bees that excavates its own nesting tunnels in wood rather than using pre-existing cavities. The species is univoltine, producing one generation per year, and constructs distinctive silk-lined cocoons for overwintering larvae.