1,000-Knock Drill to Overcome Fear of Insects, No. 110: Pea Aphids on Narrow-Leaf Vetch

I went to location M for the second week in a row. My goal was the Japanese skimmer dragonfly, but on the way there, I saw a lot of common vetch. I don't think there were any aphids on them a week ago, but this time they were packed.

After taking some photos of them, I realized, wait, this isn't common vetch; could it be narrow-leaf vetch? The leaf size was completely different, and when I looked closely, there were things that looked like flowers.

I see common vetch often, but I never really see narrow-leaf vetch. I've always wondered if maybe narrow-leaf vetch is mixed in with what I think is common vetch. I've been thinking that for over 20 years now... maybe!?

This time, I was able to clearly distinguish them. When I checked at home, it seemed correct that this was indeed narrow-leaf vetch.

Well, I took a few photos as evidence for that reason, but of course, I also took photos of the aphids attached to them.

Just before that, I had taken many photos of the ones on the common vetch, so I took photos of the ones on the narrow-leaf vetch while I was at it.

I see the aphids that cover the common vetch in large numbers every year, and from their appearance, I can immediately tell they belong to the Macrosiphini tribe. I thought I would be able to identify them quickly by checking the 'Introduction to Aphids' field guide.

Sure enough, I quickly identified them as pea aphids, but as I looked closely at the images, I realized, wait, the ones on the narrow-leaf vetch are different! That was my realization.

I felt something was off even while I was taking the photos.

There is always something behind a feeling that you can't put into words.

That must be why I took the photos as well.

Three photos, in the order they were taken.

I'm using a macro lens for shooting, but it's still difficult to photograph such tiny things.

The pea aphids on the common vetch have pitch-black legs, but these pea aphids here only have partially black legs. It's not just the legs; various parts of their bodies are pale, and at a glance, you can immediately tell the difference.

The pea aphids on the common vetch will be in No. 111.