'Amazing' backyard discovery stuns Aussies: 'Very beneficial'
Locals were in awe of the usual find which turns out to be great for gardens.
An unusual discovery in an Australian backyard has stunned locals after photos of the baffling creature were shared online.
"Anyone know what this is?" asked the perplexed homeowner to Sydney residents on Facebook this week after noticing the "amazing" critter at her Drummoyne home.
The cluster, which many thought resembled a "hair accessory", appeared to be attached to the woman's doorframe. Meanwhile, another woman from Victoria spotted something similar attached to a peg on her clothesline.
Some said the U-shaped, rounded detailing mimicked the look of "pearls" or even "rice". While others said it was "pretty amazing" to see. Many were shocked to learn they're actually insect eggs and are "very beneficial" in your home.
Experts explain 'amazing' cluster of eggs
Several experts confirmed to Yahoo News Australia that the U-shaped cluster of eggs belonged to the native lacewing insect found in most parts of the country.
"The U-shaped cluster of single eggs, each on long thread-like stalks is characteristic of the Blue-eyes lacewing (Nymphes myrmelenoides) which is a common species on the eastern Australian coast," Dr Nicole Gunter, Scientist and Curator Entomology, Queensland Museum told Yahoo.
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"Fierce-looking larvae with elongate mandibles will hatch from these eggs, and eventually turn into winged adults."
'Great insects to have in your gardens
Thankfully they're harmless to humans and pets and are generally "great insects to have in the garden" said Simon Hinkley from Museums Victoria, as they are "predacious in the adult and larval stage, often feeding on what we consider pest species, including aphids".
Aphids are small sap-sucking insects and include the greenfly and blackfly which are often a nuisance to homeowners due to the sticky sap they produce.
Entomologist Dr Andrew Mitchell agreed they're "very beneficial" to have in your garden, so despite the woman's fear, she's lucky to have spotted it.
"The larvae are voracious predators. So much so that their eggs are laid on stalks so that the larvae can't eat each other alive," Dr Mitchell said. "Commercial greenhouses growing vegetables will often release then into the greenhouse. So it's great to see them in your garden."
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