New and Unread Tree-Mails
Views: 502, Replies: 11 » Jump to the end |
California  Inmygarden May 14, 2018 9:38 PM CST |
Hey so I am a beginner at composting this year and recently have found these small red pupae in my compost; at least that's what I think they are. I cannot find a definite answer to what they are from searching. Possibly flies? There was a point that my compost was getting to wet and sorta smelly, learning curve to composting. I realized I needed more air holes in my container I am composting in. But now my compost smells great and is looking awesome. I just want to make sure it's safe to use in my vegetable garden and the red things are not harmful. Also what are they? I have some in a container with compost and nothing has emerged.   |
Name: Big Bill Livonia, Michigan (Zone 6a) Orchids, peace and beauty              BigBill May 15, 2018 5:24 AM CST |
| I doubt that they are harmful. Might be some type of fly, little moth or beetle. But I would put my money on fly. Rodney Wilcox Jones, my idol! Businessman, Orchid grower, hybridizer, lived to 107! |
Name: Sue Ontario, Canada (Zone 4a)           sooby May 15, 2018 5:45 AM CST |
I would guess flies too but if you put some in a glass jar with a slightly damp piece of kitchen paper under them they may eventually emerge as adults so you can see what they are. Make sure to put the lid on  |
Name: Philip Becker Fresno California (Zone 8a)  Philipwonel May 15, 2018 8:21 AM CST |
| I've hatched them. There actually a cocoon. They hatch into a moth. There's lots of worms, grubs, and other buggers, that live in mulch piles. They help the mulch pile break down. They pose on hazard. 👍👍 Mulch Freely 🕺💃 😎😎😎 Anything i say, could be misrepresented, or wrong. |
Name: Mindi Hammerstone Tracy, CA (Zone 9b)  MindiHammerstone May 15, 2018 9:03 AM CST |
| Yeah I have those too. I find grubs and red pupae beneath the weeds I was pulling. Namely foxtails. What I saw reminds me of moth pupae. If you grow them out I'd like to see what they turn into. They are decent sized like the first digit of your first finger. They were found singly which makes me thing not flies. Plus fly maggots would be a lot smaller in my opinion. I think we have the same thing. You can make out wings. 😀 Mindi |
Name: Sue Ontario, Canada (Zone 4a) sooby May 15, 2018 1:10 PM CST |
| I don't think they're moth pupae, they're not pointy at one end nor are they contoured the same. Some pics of moth pupae: https://www.google.ca/search?q... I still think they're flies but there's really only one way to find out  |
Name: Sharon Rose Grapevine, TX (Zone 8a) Grace of the Lord Jesus be with all             Altheabyanothername May 15, 2018 1:53 PM CST |
| Just a wild guess, but could they be some type of cockroach egg casing? May everyone have a great week! One to take to heart....1 John 4 |
Name: Mindi Hammerstone Tracy, CA (Zone 9b) MindiHammerstone May 15, 2018 4:09 PM CST |
| Oh God please no. The possibility is there. Please don't be cockroaches!!! 😀 Mindi |
Name: Big Bill Livonia, Michigan (Zone 6a) Orchids, peace and beauty BigBill May 15, 2018 5:07 PM CST |
| Cockroach egg cases are flattened lengthwise down the long axis. Those appear to be completely round. Rodney Wilcox Jones, my idol! Businessman, Orchid grower, hybridizer, lived to 107! |
Name: Mindi Hammerstone Tracy, CA (Zone 9b) MindiHammerstone May 15, 2018 6:03 PM CST |
| Mine are round how about the OPs? 😀 Mindi |
California Inmygarden May 15, 2018 6:15 PM CST |
I looked up cockroach eggs and they don't look quite the same, the closest I was able to find was a fly. IF anything emerges from the them I will repost. Thanks for the help.  |
Name: Mindi Hammerstone Tracy, CA (Zone 9b) MindiHammerstone May 15, 2018 6:56 PM CST |
| BTW Inmygarden, Welcome!!!  😀 Mindi |
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