By Sarasi ParanamannaAn unfamiliar breed of insects has been found in the garden of K. G. Somasiri of Pankolagolla, Galewela.The insect specie was initially found on a himbutu tree in a small cluster, but now it has spread to other trees, increasing its number manifold. The insect’s body is white, its length is about three quarters of an inch. This unidentified specie has multiple limbs and they emit a white powder into the air.
When disturbed they are able to leap about a one foot distance.
Botanical Gardens Director General Dr. Cyril Wijesundara believes that the insect might be a species of ‘woolly aphid’ commonly found in Sri Lanka. Speaking to The Nation he said that he has observed this kind of insects before.
“I believe this might be a ‘woolly aphid’ because looking at the photographs I noticed that I have seen this kind of creatures in Sri Lanka, in certain seasons. You can spot this kind mostly in the dry zone and they are sucking insects,” he added.
(Pix courtesy Kanchana Kumara)
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