Bug Safari

16 years ago

No questions today just observations

I have the regular reoccuring critters plus afew new playas to my garden scene. No pics sorry.

Still battling the little caterpillars and my lady bugs are still hanging around eating aphids and such. Today I found a bright red bug with 6 black legs that I thought was a giant aphid. No idea what it is and they congregate together. When I put out my finger to squish they hurry away, course they can only go so far but still very aware of their survival. I also ran across a baby grass hopper at least it looks like one. This guy sat on the leaf eye balling me and wouldnt move even after I poked it. This guys badass I thought!!! He was bounced to put it politely. I am finding trouble finding these pests on the florida entemology identifier websites though. The plants seem to be tolerating the minor damage and the Bt has stopped any major eating problems.

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Comments (3)

eileen_nv
16 years ago
Those (giant aphid like) sound like nymphs of squash bugs or leaf footed plant bugs. They are quick! They are quite destructive - squish as many as you can. They can be killed with insecticidal soap and pyrethrin - IF you get them soaked. You have noticed - they don't sit still for you. I'm looking for some kind of control, but haven't found one I want to put on my veggies yet.

Maybe someone out there has a solution??

Eileen
organicislandfarmer
Original Author
16 years ago
They dont photo well with my camera and I havent found a pic online to post. Whats up with the bold grasshopper? He was just like what? I was hoping Bt was taking care of the little red guys since they seemed like plant juice suckers and not leaf eaters!
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ausbirch
16 years ago
Hey organicislandfarmer,
Just FYI, Bt won't do anything against your red bug - it's specific against the larvae of lepidoptera (moths and butterflies). At least it will get rid of the little caterpllars you also mention, though.