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Integrated Pest Management

Bug ID good or bad

19 years ago

While inspecting some plants today, I noticed a slender dark/black bug with an orange colored head. There were 2 of them. One was about 1/2" long, the other a little smaller. I went inside to grab my camera, and when I went outside, the bugs were gone.

I just want to know what they are and whether they are good guys or bad guys. I looked for them on the internet and couldn't find them anywhere.

Thank You

Comments (5)

starla756
19 years ago
Sounds like fireflies,they're good guys.
AzDesertRat
Original Author
19 years ago
Thanks Starla, I am pretty sure they are not fireflies. Unfortunately, they don't seem to like our deserts down here. I remember them well when I lived in Michigan and Tennessee, though.

I want to add that they do fly, in a similar manner to lacewigs. Could it be a baby lacewig?
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jean001
19 years ago
Nope. Baby lacewings don't fly.
byron
19 years ago
Try Potato beetle/bug

Byron
AzDesertRat
Original Author
19 years ago
I think I have found it. I am almost 100% positive that it is a soldier beetle, which is one of the "good guys". Thanks for all of your responses.

Here is a link that might be useful: Soldier Beetle

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