Good advice above. You can also narrow down possibilities by crop - "common bean pests", "common squash pests", etc. and use the images tab. With some time and research you can quickly learn about the bad guys. Normally it is the damage we note first rather than the actual bug so also noting the type of damage done - tiny holes, big holes, chewed edges, wilting, shape of leaves (rolled up, turned under, etc) will help narrow it down. How much damage indicates if it is just a few pests that can be hand picked or many that need pesticide intervention. And since many pests are regional, don't forget all the resources from your local county extension office. They are good at narrowing down pests specific to your area. Dave Here is a link that might be useful: Insect IDs (note all categories listed on left)

I vote crane fly. Should not be a danger - adults mate and die - don't even eat. Adult The main goal of the adult crane fly in the spring is mating. During the adult stage, the crane fly does not eat. For the short 10- to 15-day period, the adults mate on plants or in the air near the water. Afterwards, the female deposits her eggs. When mating and egg distribution is complete, female dies. The male only lives up to 15 days as well. It is true that the early stages of the creature's development can be a lawn problem: http://lakewhatcom.wsu.edu/gardenkit/unwantedpests/cranefly.htm Here is a link that might be useful: THE LIFESPAN OF A CRANE FLY

I had tried to link to my KodakGallery page but that doesnt seem to work for some reason. Here is the pic: Esh, thanks for the pillbug info, thats good to know. We have loads of them, but not all that many earthworms. Greenjean, I'm originally from the UK. I've been over here for 9 yrs (3 in minnesota, 6 in Atlanta), but sometimes I'm still not sure of the right word for things! Thanks for your help.

For over 5 years I have been inundated with Winter Moths (Inch Worms) I have tried all kinds of sprays and systemic treatments and each year it is like one of the plaques of Egypt around here. My deck is covered with worm poop and when I went out with my coffee this morning worm poop dropped in my coffee (YUK)How do I get some of those assassin beetles........oh, looks like a burying beetle to me. I did a little research and assassin beetles like sunflowers, parsley family plants and Queen Anne's Lace. I'm going to stop whacking the Queen and maybe plant some sunflowers. Jon