A camera tip, I assume it's auto focus and wants to focus on a leaf or a branch that isn't where you're wanting. Try holding it away from your body/leg the distance you want to take the picture, press the button half way down, then put your intended item in the frame so it focuses and then shoot. That works with mine when it wants to be stubborn. For the bug, I think you're describing what I've been scratching my head over. I'm thinking maybe some kind of scorpionfly. The pictures I'm finding online are as close as I can get to what I'm seeing. Mine have bigger heads and the wings stick out more. I think whatever I'm seeing is beneficial, it looks like it's hunting for something alive rather than for food, mating or egg laying areas. Here is a link that might be useful: scorpionfly

Northerner, "Is it possible that the large plants are infected, but are too strong to show damage?" Yes. But aphids are visible to the naked eye, and a close inspection of those plants should find any aphid colonies. Obviously a single aphid could escape detection, and it could lay eggs to start a colony. "From the information you provided and thinking things over, I do believe that the present infestation is different from that which ailed the large pepper plant." It could be that more than one pest is involved here. It is hard to know what caused those two small pots of pepper plants to die. Perhaps their roots were physically damaged. Possibly a bacterial disease or a fungal disease or possibly even an invasion by nematodes. "The reason I can't take the seedlings outdoors to spray them is that they are edibles, and I live in a climate which is still very cold at that time. Any exposure would kill them off immediately. It's also quite a hassle as they are in large, ungainly trays under lights." I understand. It can be so cold outside that even a few seconds of exposure could kill small seedlings. I use rigid 11x22 PermaNest trays which are fairly portable, although they can be a handful when loaded with large seedlings in 3-inch square pots. I have been in that same situation, where I needed to spray some plants, but it was too cold to take them outside. I tried various workarounds, but none were too successful. Dabbing aphids with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab kills them, but damages the plant. I had a small hand-held computer keyboard vacuum cleaner that I used to suck up aphids from stems and leaves, but that was tedious and never got them all. For my zinnias, which are non-edible, I use a systemic drench. It is taken up by the plant roots to make the plant's sap toxic to any pests, and protects the new growth as well. Sprays don't protect new growth. The drench does need to be re-applied every few weeks. But, as I mentioned before, a systemic drench is not usable for edibles. "So perhaps my next step should be to get rid of the pot which contained the Mandevilla and all the decoys and hope for the best. In prior infestations of aphids they were white and clearly visible." Sounds like a plan. Full speed ahead. Watch for aphids and Damping Off. "Maybe I should invest in a top quality camera and get some good photos.- I just have the basic digital camera." I have been meaning to do the same thing for the last few years. Maybe this will be the year. Some insect pictures can be sort of artistic. Good luck with your seedlings. And keep us posted if you seem to be having any problems with them. ZM

Aphids can return quickly because, unlike most insects, they are live-bearers so they can skip an entire phase of development (Except in the fall when they lay eggs to over-winter). But, they are easily dealt; with you just need to be vigilant. Plus, if you rid the adults, there are no eggs lurking around to re-infest. Also, you do not have to resort to anything that might be unhealthy in a home environment. Personally, I would never treat a plant with cold water. Too much chance for shock and possible leaf damage to which some species are susceptible. If I am using a sprayer on my plants, I use hot water. By the time the water is sprayed through the air it is the perfect temperature for the plant. Under the hose or in the sink, I use warm water. Linda

thank you ... i have been wanting to know what this is ... get this... i saw one last week.. and tucked under it.. was a fly.. and it was literally ... sucking its life juices out of it ... and in my world .. that is one less fly ... see link .. i would call it a beneficial ... ken Here is a link that might be useful: link