fisherwr2 > Eggplant lace bug, Garagaphia solani (Hemiptera: Tingidae) on an eggplant leaf
fisherwr2 > A couple of eggplant lace bugs, Garagaphia solani (Hemiptera: Tingidae) on an eggplant leaf.  The female of this species watches over her eggs and nymphs to reduce predatory attacks that could destroy the entire clutch.  When a predator approaches, she rapidly fans her wings to startle the intruder.  Half her adult life is spent protecting a brood.  That limits the time she has for additional oviposition.  As a result, these insects have evolved a strategy known as "egg dumping", or laying eggs among those of another female who is already guarding her eggs.  This allows protection for the "dumper's" eggs but doesn't require the dumping female to spend time protecting them.  Thus, she is able to go off and lay more eggs.  However, the dumped eggs may actually benefit the eggs laid by the female protecting them.  Dumped eggs are usually laid on the perimeter of the original egg batch making them more susceptible to any predation that may occur.  Thus, while the non-dumper may lay fewer eggs, she will have fewer of them destroyed by predators
Eggplant lace bug, Garagaphia solani (Hemiptera: Tingidae) on an eggplant leaf
fisherwr2 > Eggplant lace bug, Garagaphia solani (Hemiptera: Tingidae) on an eggplant leaf
Eggplant lace bug, Garagaphia solani (Hemiptera: Tingidae) on an eggplant leaf
See photo in original gallery.

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