BENEFICIAL INSECTS FOR YOUR GARDEN

Contrary to what you may have heard some insects are actually good. Beneficial to the growth and well being of your garden. These beneficial bugs will help in reducing the spread of not so beneficial ones.

Below are some that Linsay Munoz of the examiner writes are important.

• The Assassin bug:
  A viscous-looking bug that measures from ¼ inch to 1-inch long, with a cone-shaped head and curving beak. Their bite can be painful to humans and some species squeak when captured. Females lay single eggs in cracks, under rocks or in other sheltered spots in the summer and the new adults emerge the following June. Assassin bugs prey on many garden pets including flies, mosquitoes, beetles and large caterpillars. Adult and nymph Assassin bugs stab their prey with a long, pointed “beak” that is held, folded under their bodies when not feeding.
• Lady Beetle:
  Most of us prize these gentle insects with protecting our roses from Aphids however, it is their larvae, which are most valuable. A soft-bodied, alligator-shaped bug with black and orange markings. Both the larvae and the adult Lady beetle feed on other soft-bodied insects like Aphids, Mealy bugs, scale insects, Spider mites and insect eggs. A note about purchasing and releasing these beetles into your garden; they don’t often hang around for long without the right plants.
  

Click here to learn about more beneficial insects.