🌲 Life on a Needle

Tracking Tracks on Needles

While Jay and I were examining a pine tube moth on a white pine, Jay noticed two neat rows of tiny brown barrels along another needle, each with a star‑shaped opening. At first, I thought they might be sawfly eggs, but quickly decided against it. Some searching suggested lacewings, but their egg structure and hatching openings didn’t match. On closer inspection, I think these are assassin bug egg cases. I have seen similar barrel‑shaped cases with coronate openings left after nymphs hatched. It’s a delight to spot such tiny patterns, chase false leads, and finally identify the maker.

Next time I’m under the pines, I’ll be scanning for more of these star‑crowned barrels.

📷 Assassin Bugs · Réduves (Family Reduviidae) | © Claire O'Neill, please credit accordingly.