Stink Beetles (not stink bugs) harmful to garden plants??

16 years ago

Are stink beetles (Darkling beetles) harmful to garden plants? I caught one and don't know whether to let it go or to kill it. I have a California native garden and an orange tree. Thanks...

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Comments (6)

toyo2960
16 years ago
Stink beetles are common in CA. I believe like most beetles, the adults feed on both decaying vegetation and live vegetation. So I would consider it a pest. Im not completely sure on this, I know that weevils (a beetle) and Japanese beetles are extremely damaging, I think that most beetles are somewhat voracious. Check to see if you see damage to your plants. Usually Ortho Seven will kill most beetles and weevils.
wanda
16 years ago
According to this, Darkling Beetles are decomposers and generally considered fairly benign in the garden.

I've seen them around my yard and they don't seem to have done any noticeable damage to my plants, so I've never really been concerned about them.

wanda

Here is a link that might be useful: Darkling Beetles
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ccroulet
16 years ago
No. Assuming you're talking about Eleodes sp., they're harmless to plants.
jean001
16 years ago
It was said: "I know that ... Japanese beetles are extremely damaging, "

Yes, they are extremely damaging.

But, to set the record straight -- Japanese beetles aren't in CA. At least, not yet, mainly because agricultural agencies monitor for their presence yearly.
elladog
16 years ago
Darkling beetles are primarily scavengers, eating decaying plant (and animal) material, and helping to turn it to compost. Also, their larvae are mealworms, which are a favorite food of bug-eating birds who will help to rid your garden of insect pests. So even though stink beetles may occasionally eat a little live plant material, on the whole they are beneficial and help to maintain a balanced garden.
buddyben
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the info. I let the stink beetle go. After keeping him in a glass milk bottle for over a day, I felt sorry for him and returned him to the garden.

Now... I have removed over 80 GRUBS from my garden in the past few months. They have been in holes I've dug for planting. Do you know when the adult beetles (May beetles? June beetles?) are supposed to emerge? I'm in Southern California.

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Stink Beetles (not stink bugs) harmful to garden plants??

Comments (6)

toyo2960

wanda

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Stink Beetles (not stink bugs) harmful to garden plants??

Comments (6)

toyo2960

wanda

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ccroulet

jean001

elladog

buddybenOriginal Author

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buddyben
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