Bugs

~ By Gardnbee ~

In the Realm of Insects there are two categories that function in two different ways. There are those who are "host-specific" seeking out the pests their existence depend on and there are those who are more generalized using a variety of pests for their needs.


Assassin Bug

Family: Reduviidae
Order: Heteroptera

Though not all that common in home gardens, thousands of different species of Assassin Bugs are found throughout Canada and the United States. They vary in size from around ½ an inch to 1 and ½ inches in length depending on their geographical location.

They feed on Caterpillars, Aphids, Mexican bean beetles, the Colorado potato beetle, Japanese beetles, Leafhoppers, Hornworms and the Honey Bee. If you come across this beneficial best leave it alone because if they are "molested" they will most definitely bite and bring a wince to the most seasoned of gardeners. They love Sunflowers by the way.

Damsel Bug

Family: Nabidae
Order: Hemiptera

Some Damsel Bug species are found in North America and are another predator that stalks ground covers and other low lying plants in hunt for its food. With long, slender hind legs and powerful grasping forelegs, the tan to reddish brown Damsel is a well-versed killer. Measuring only about ¼ inch in length, its streamlined body moves swiftly through the undergrowth seeking out its prey.

They certainly put away their share of Spider mites, Aphids, Leafhoppers, Larvae, and other small plant pests including some beneficials like the Big-Eyed Bugs. In-between hunting they may stop to munch on the odd plant here and there but cause no damage to them.

Soldier Bug

Family: Pentatomidae
Order: Hemiptera

These are brown ½ inch in length bugs, with snouts half as long as their bodies and stalk the stalks of your Broccoli in search of Cabbage loopers and imported Cabbageworms. Although most range throughout North America the spined Soldier Bug is somewhat rare to find in your garden, so if you come across one do be appreciative of its presence.

These beneficials also have an appetite for Mexican bean beetles, Armyworms and other soft bodied harmful insects, and Colorado potato beetles. The mercenary larvae are just as ruthless a killer as their parents, starting to hunt just days after hatching.

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Resource: Mother Earth News April/May, 1992
"Managing Beneficial Bugs in your Garden"

         

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