Need help identifying this bug

6 years ago

I have seen this pest in my garden for the last several years. I'm not sure what it is. I assume it is an undesirable and should be killed, right? I figure Sevin (carbaryl) will do the trick.

This guy is on a watermelon leaf. In years past I have seen them on potato plants. Odd looking fellow.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

Labradors
6 years ago
Whoa!!!! I think this is a ladybug lavae. Try Googling Ladybug lifecycle. It would be a shame to kill a beneficial....

Linda
daninthedirt (USDA 8b, HZ9, CentTX, Sunset z30, Cfa)
6 years ago
If you don't get an answer here, try an ID Request at BugGuide.Net. You have to be logged in to do so.
Related Discussions
Need Help Identifying This Bug
Q
Comments (2)
Whoo Hoo! I am so glad to hear that! I do have in my garden and I started seeing these little bugs around lately. I am so glad I don't have to erradicate them!
...See More
Need help identifying tiny bugs
Q
Comments (2)
That looks like something I had several years ago. They were great for feeding my baby praying mantis, but never came back after that year. Didn't notice any damage from them (and there were LOTS of them!)
...See More
Need help identifying a bug
Q
Comments (1)
Carpet beetle, I think. Some species stay outside and are perfectly harmless and might happen to get indoors on accident, but then there are the actual carpet beetles which might be nibbling on your sweaters and wool suits in their larval form. (Google larva images, because the larvae are the ones you don't want inside and should be able to recognize.)
...See More
Need help with identifying bug and solution to eliminate
Q
Comments (1)
Leafminers. They pierce the leaf-surface and eat the goodies in between the top & bottom surface in patches as you show. As for control, I don't know. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leaf_miner
...See More
Jean
6 years ago
It's a lady beetle.

But not a larva.

Instead it's a pupa, the next step on the way to becoming a lady beetle. It goes like this: egg; larva; pupa; adult.

With time, the pupal case will split down the back and an adult lady beetle will step out.

Congrats. You have successful biological control going on at your place!
itsmce (zone 6b, Kansas)
Original Author
6 years ago
Yay, me!

I promise to keep my Sevin in storage. Love me some ladybugs!

Related Stories

EARTH DAY How to Help Your Town’s Beneficial Birds and Bugs

By Annie Thornton

Make a habitat using local materials to provide a home to the creatures that help our gardens

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Great Design Plant: Common Boneset Helps Good Bugs Thrive

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Support bees, moths and butterflies with the nectar of this low-maintenance, versatile and tactile prairie-style plant

Full Story

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Backyard Birds: How to Identify Two Common Woodpeckers

By Habitat Network

Downy and hairy woodpeckers have similar coloration and behavior. But there are two big differences that separate them

Full Story

PRODUCT PICKS Guest Picks: Decor to Make Your Eyes Bug Out

By Noelani Zervas

Insects are marching to a different tune these days, showing up on knobs, teapots and even tablecloths

Full Story

ORGANIZING 4 Questions to Help You Organize Your Favorite Photos

By Jennifer Phelps: Organize. Design. Reinvent!

Organize your keeper photos with a system that's just right for you, whether it's in the cloud or you can hold it in your hand

Full Story

ORGANIZING Get the Organizing Help You Need (Finally!)

By Laura Gaskill

Imagine having your closet whipped into shape by someone else. That’s the power of working with a pro

Full Story

STANDARD MEASUREMENTS The Right Dimensions for Your Porch

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Depth, width, proportion and detailing all contribute to the comfort and functionality of this transitional space

Full Story

199

DECORATING GUIDES Could a Mission Statement Help Your House?

By Laura Gaskill

Identify your home’s purpose and style to make everything from choosing paint colors to buying a new home easier

Full Story

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Porch Life: Banish the Bugs

By Becky Harris

Don't let insects be the bane of your sweet tea and swing time. These screening and product ideas will help keep bugs at bay on the porch

Full Story

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Bid Bad Garden Bugs Goodbye and Usher In the Good

By Matt Kilburn

Give ants their marching orders and send mosquitoes moseying, while creating a garden that draws pollinators and helpful eaters

Full Story

Need help identifying this bug

Comments (4)

Labradors

daninthedirt (USDA 8b, HZ9, CentTX, Sunset z30, Cfa)

Related Discussions

Jean

itsmce (zone 6b, Kansas)
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Need help identifying this bug

Comments (4)

Labradors

daninthedirt (USDA 8b, HZ9, CentTX, Sunset z30, Cfa)

Related Discussions

Jean

itsmce (zone 6b, Kansas)Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

itsmce (zone 6b, Kansas)
Original Author