Category Archives: Beneficials

Invertebrates that are usually beneficial.

Paper wasps

Posted on June 22, 2011 by Stalk of Fennel

Ahhhh my winged minions.  These are one of my favorite insects in the garden.  I’m sure it’s partially because they’re usually feared and misunderstood.  If they sting you it hurts, but unlike yellowjackets or hornets they’re usually fairly docile.  I … Continue reading →

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Parasitic wasps

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Stalk of Fennel

Parasitic wasps are a gruesome lot.  There are many types.  Some are parasites to specific animals (mostly arthropods) while others may parasite a variety of animals.  I think the parasitic wasp above is Anomalon ejuncidum.  It’s a parasite of caterpillars and … Continue reading →

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Wolf spider

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Stalk of Fennel

Wolf spiders eat all sorts of insects. They’ll eat some of your beneficials as well but since they don’t attack plants and are insect hunters… The effect of this drug performs differently in different people and the duration of this … Continue reading →

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Long legged fly

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Stalk of Fennel

According to Wikipedia there are over 7000 species of long legged flies. Almost all of them have a beautiful iridescent metallic blue green body. The adults are predators of small animals and they’re also scavengers. Today I caught a bunch … Continue reading →

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Praying mantis

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Stalk of Fennel

One of the best known predatory insects.  Praying mantids track the eyes of other animals, even large mammals like you.  You can see this praying mantis looking at me as I take the photo. For humans, it is much more … Continue reading →

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Assassin Bugs

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Stalk of Fennel

There are many different types of assassin bugs and most are considered beneficial insects. Some species of assassin bug can inflict a painful bite.  Some, especially the triatominae subfamily, also know as Kissing Bugs, can transmit a deadly disease known as … Continue reading →

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Ladybugs

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Stalk of Fennel

We plant lots of dill and treat it somewhat as a sacrificial plant.  It always starts out lovely and then as it gets to the end of it’s life I suppose it becomes weak and vulnerable.  Aphids love it and ladybugs love aphids. … Continue reading →

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