Is this a good bug or a bad bug?

mctavish6

9 years ago

Thanks

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Comments (6)

don_in_colorado
9 years ago
Don't see the orange on the antennae, but this might be it...

Here is a link that might be useful: Burying Beetle Link
User
9 years ago
I'm going to add another good bug picture. Last year I had these assassin bug nymphs on several of the fragrant hosta. The first one was Moonlight Sonata, picture taken in June 2013....so you may be seeing some of these guys too. They will eat stuff like cutworms. They do not bother the hosta. They don't bother the pollinators.
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bragu_DSM 5
9 years ago
assassins also munch aphids, if they be around ....

_~

dave b
Jon 6a SE MA
9 years ago
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
mctavish6
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you all very much. I now love these little guys and will talk nicely to them the next time one appears. I will encourage them to reproduce. Cutworms are my annoyance of the moment. The damage they do while it's too early to even be outside is very discouraging. This year I will just cut the damaged leaves off so I don't have to look at them.

'My' Bug doesn't seem to have the orange on the antenna at least as far as I can see but maybe I didn't take the picture from the right angle.
jimr66
9 years ago
It is a burying beetle.
Not at all interested in eating plants.
the adults (as this is) will find a dead bird or mouse etc. dig a pit under the carcass, as tit falls into the hole the beetles will cover it with dirt feed on it and lay their eggs nearby and the larva will have food source.
Cheers
James