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Integrated Pest Management

Bug ID good or bad

22 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

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Comments (5)

starla756
22 years ago
Sounds like fireflies,they're good guys.
AzDesertRat
Original Author
22 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
22 years ago
Nope. Baby lacewings don't fly.
byron
22 years ago
Try Potato beetle/bug

Byron
AzDesertRat
Original Author
22 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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