SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY

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Another soldier beetle, the Pennsylvania leather-wing (Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus ), is limited to eastern North America. They are golden with black markings and are also about 1/2" long. These feed on grasshopper eggs, cucumber beetles, and an array of caterpillars.

Tiger Beetles

While this species is found primarily in the West, similar species occur throughout North America. They are metallic blue-green and can grow up to an inch long. Both the adults and spiny, humped, curved larvae prey on a variety of small insects and spiders.

BUGS

Ambush Bugs

That wierd thing hiding behind that innocent flower blossom is an off-looking, though ruthlessly efficient hunter. When mites, scales, or thrips happen along his path, the ambush bug lives up to his name, and pounce! One less pest. Though only 3/8" long, he will sometimes take on wasps or bees and other beneficial insects.

Assassin Bugs

While not all that common in home gardens, hundreds of different species of assassins are found throughout the United States and Canada. Many a caterpillar, aphid, Mexican bean beetle, Colorado potato beetle, Japanese beetle, leafhopper, hornworm, and honeybee have met their fate between the bristly front legs of a hungry assassin.

If you find a couple of assassins in the garden, the best management practice is to let them be. They will tell you that themselves, for if molested, they bite, and it can bring a wince to the most seasoned hands. Sunflowers are good attractors for assassins (and other beneficial insects).

Big-eyed Bugs

This helpful predator scans Western gardens, searching for leafhoppers, aphids, Mexican bean beetles, and the eggs of various insects. The mere 1/4" long grayish-beige, oval-shaped, big-eyed bug is native to much of western North America. He boasts oversize "bug eyes" for which he is named. These bugs supplement their diets with various weeds and may be attracted to a patch of wild plants and flowers.

Damsel Bugs or Damsel Flies

Still another predator that stalks ground covers and other low plants is the damsel bug. Don't let the innocent-sounding name or their demure appearance mislead you. These bugs are well-versed killers. With long, slender hind legs and powerful, grasping forelegs, the dark, streamlined damsels grow only 1/4" long. Size is no handicap, however, as they put away their share of mites, aphids, leafhoppers, larvae, and other small plant pests. Some species are found throughout North America.

Soldier Bugs

Brown 1/2" long bugs, with snouts half as long as their bodies, stalk the stalks of your broccoli in search of cabbage loopers and imported cabbageworms. They also have an appetite for Mexican bean beetles and many other harmful insects. The mercenary larvae are just as ruthless killers as the adults, starting to hunt just days after hatching. They range throughout North America.

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