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hilltopgarden

Need help identifying a garden bug

20 years ago

I'm having trouble getting an identification on some bugs in my garden. I don't want to kill them if they are beneficials, but don't want to leave them if they are pests. After consulting my pest book, I thought they might be assassin bugs, but after further web research, I don't think they are. These bugs are dark brown and about 1/2 inch long. There is no protrusion on the mouth as with assasin bugs, but they are similarly shaped. The back legs are flattened, and resemble the legs of a cricket or grasshopper. The bottom joint, just above the foot, is thin like paper, and is shaped somewhat like a tiny leaf. About half way down the back is a white stripe extending from one side to the other. It looks like it would be rather hard, maybe like a stink bug. I can't seem to see any wings on the one I have in a jar here, but I think I remember seeing them fly in the garden. They are pretty easy to catch. I have seen them on cucumbers, squash, and tomatoes. I do have aphids on the tomatoes, and a few cucumber beetles on the cucumbers, so that is why I wonder if they are beneficials. Any help would be so appreciated!

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