A webspinner caught in a spider web more than 2 metres up a brick wall. Originally seen 21 Jan and then collected 10 Feb. When I tried to remove some web to photograph it, I saw what looked like a wing (images 3 and 4). What might be the same wing is also visible, before disturbance, at the bottom of image 2. Could this explain its height up the wall? Might wings be shed like those of ants? Image 4 includes another individual retrieved from another web, which is closer in size to all others seen (now 6). Graph paper squares are 2X2 mm.
The wing could be from the webspinner, but it is difficult to see the vein pattern that would confirm it as of this kind of insect. Only males have wings, and then not in all species. If you have seen six then you must have a colony there or nearby; they live under a sheet of silk, usually on tree trunks or rocks.
To me, the wing has neither the right overall shape nor venation to match that of an embiopteran. I suspect it is the wing of another insect that was caught in the web. But it's intriguing that you have such a noticeable population of embiopteran. Lucky you.
I see them quite often now, both inside and outside the house, day or night. I also find their silk tunnels under plant pots etc. I've even watched one spinning silk with its front legs. But I've never seen a winged one.
Describe how you intend to use these images and/or audio files and your request will be sent to the author for consideration.
Your request has been successfully submitted to the author for consideration.
2,153,636 sightings of 19,948 species in 6,489 locations from 11,437 contributors
CCA 3.0 | privacy
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land and acknowledge their continuing connection to their culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present.