Name that insect!

11 years ago

These things are all over my yard every year in hoards and I try to be as organic as possible with my vegetable gardening. I'm not sure if this is a beneficial or a problem insect or just something that I can leave alone(no harm, no foul).

The following pics are of the same insect species. The second pic is kind of obscure, but I wanted to show the thorax portion is solid red while the 1st pic shows just some red markings up near the head. I don't know why the difference in colorings. My guess is different stages of life or difference in sex.

Anyhow, can I please get some feedback on possible species and some input on whether I should try to control the population or just let them be. Organic solutions are the most welcome.

Thank you.

Kevin

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Comments (6)

woohooman San Diego CA zone 10a
Original Author
11 years ago
2nd pic. Note the red rear end.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
looks a lot like boxelder bugs.. w/o teh racing stripes ...

but i will let someone else ID it.

but let me help you understand.. that UNLESS YOU SEE DAMAGE .. then there is nothing need be done..

what you call .... no harm.. no foul ...

ken
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jean001a
11 years ago
Rather looks like red-shouldered plant bug, Largus cinctus. If so, around here many can be in a garden but without plant damage.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
11 years ago
ok jean.. you messin with me.. boxelder is largus cinctus ... whats that all about.. lol..

and what is with giving a bug on a plant.. the common name 'plant bug' .... what??? .. taking a day off in the nomenclature world??? .. lol ... not jean.. the bug peeps ..

ken

why can i find two different latin names for boxelder???? something stinks here.. [get it???]

Here is a link that might be useful: link
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
11 years ago
YOU can find two Latin names for Boxelder bug because that site you linked is incorrect/confused. Largus cinctus is not the Boxelder bug. Boisea trivittata is the correct Latin name for that insect.

Many insects that belong within the insect order Hemiptera are referred to as 'true bugs'. I'm sure that you really know that by now and are just pushing our legs.

For others, 'true bugs' include the stink bugs, assassin bugs, bed bugs, water bugs, etc. Hemiptera means 'half-winged'. The adults of many of the species look like they have an X on their back.

Here is a link that might be useful: Hemiptera....
woohooman San Diego CA zone 10a
Original Author
11 years ago
So, you guys/girls are pretty sure this bug is NOT an "unwanted?"

Are they beneficial at all? Do they "scare off" beneficials like ants do to ladybugs?