skip to main content

New England Gardening

Insect Identification

13 years ago

My garden of raised beds has seen an influx of a new (for me)bug this year. It is about 1/2 inch long, black when viewed from the top but has a red spot up front and from underneath, they have a couple of lighter white stripes. They have antennas and are really easy to swat down. A check of my limited bug books has not resulted in an identification. I have seen little or no damage to my veggies which are doing great so far this year. Just wonder whether this very numerous critter is friend or foe.

Any help will be appreciated.

Comments (4)

NHBabs z4b-5a NH
13 years ago
It doesn't sound familiar, but a photo would be lovely.
terrene
13 years ago
Hi sconticut, the website at the link below has a fabulous database of insects. You might find it there.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bug guide
Related Professionals
Salisbury Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Allentown Landscape Contractors · Bethel Park Landscape Contractors · Firestone Landscape Contractors · Golden Landscape Contractors · North Ridgeville Landscape Contractors · Post Falls Landscape Contractors · Arlington Heights Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Bellevue Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Boynton Beach Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Crestline Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Fort Myers Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Green Bay Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Sugar Land Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures · Windsor Decks, Patios & Outdoor Enclosures
diggingthedirt
13 years ago
Does not sound familiar to me either, but I applaud you for considering the possibility that it's a friend, not an enemy.
aloha10
Original Author
13 years ago
Thank you all for your responses. Thanks to the link provided by terrene, I pretty much have it narrowed down to a type of Soldier Beetle which eats aphids. Hope to get a final ID soon with a bit more checking on the bug site. Glad I checked before wacking them. Also have lots of Lady Bugs this year.
Thank you all again and Happy Gardening.
Victor

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Steps to Creating Your Butterfly Garden

By Debbie Ballentine

Encourage these fanciful winged beauties to visit your garden while helping restore their fragmented habitat

PATIOS Patio Details: Covered Dining Area Extends a Family’s Living Space

By Annie Thornton

Large sliding glass doors connect a pergola-covered terrace with a kitchen and great room in Seattle

GARDENING GUIDES How to Find the Right Plants for Your Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Break free from choosing plants by cold-hardiness zones for a beautiful landscape that thrives year-round

GARDENING GUIDES How to Find the Right Native Plants for Your Yard

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Find plant maps, sale sites and guides that make going native in the garden easier than ever

GROUND COVERS Native Alternatives to English Ivy, Japanese Pachysandra and Periwinkle

By Curtis Adams

These shade-loving ground covers are good for the environment and say something about where you are

GARDENING GUIDES Top 10 Native Plants for the Pacific Northwest

More than just gorgeous and adaptable, these standout plants convey a sense of place

GARDENING FOR BUTTERFLIES A Quick-Start Guide to Bird-Watching for Fun and Learning

By Alison Hodgson

Set out some seed and grab your field guide. Bird-watching is an easy, entertaining and educational activity for the whole family

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Create a Home for American Kestrels

By Habitat Network

These copper-colored birds of prey can be found throughout North and South America and often find habitats near human activity

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Wild Birds Transform a Woman’s Garden and Life

By Mary Jo Bowling

How Sharon Sorenson created a wildlife haven and became the Bird Lady of Southern Indiana

GARDENING GUIDES Rocky Mountain Gardener's September Checklist

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Sharpen your spade and grab your gloves — warm days and cool nights in the garden mean it's planting time

Sponsored

More Discussions

David Austin roses in Massachusetts

46

Remember the Blizzard of '78?

10

Spring is happening eventually

4

Show Us Your Landscape and Gardens - A Photo Thread March 2024

13

Show Us Your Landscape and Gardens - A Photo Thread April 2024

6