1. Bumblebee
An adult bumblebee can grow up to one inch in length and have a plump hairy figure. Their wing has a smoky colored appearance, while black and yellow striping covered their body. Because of the role they play in pollinating the flowers of many plant species Bumblebees are considered beneficial insects.
2. Ladybugs
Ladybugs are one of the more popular bugs with their distinct red, and black polka dots appearance. Their size ranges from 1/16 to 3/8 and may have other color combinations such as orange or yellow. Gardens with a large number of nectar-producing flowers and pollen are the preferred choice of ladybugs. Besides plant sources, ladybugs are fund of aphids, scales, mites, mealybugs, leafhoppers, and other small insects.
Another bug worth mentioning is the Mexican bean beetle, which strongly resembles the ladybug. Though they are closely related, the Mexican bean beetle is not beneficial like the ladybug.
3. Minute Pirate Bug
These bugs are attracted to gardens that have flowering and pollen-producing plants like yarrow, daisies, alfalfa, and goldenrod. They also eat thrips, spider mites, immature leafhoppers, small caterpillars, and insect eggs.
4. Aphid Midge
Their larvae feed on over 60 aphid species, including many of those from the garden. These insects look like a small, and delicate version of a wasp.
5. Mealybug Destroyer
As the name implies, the mealybug destroyer is a natural predator of the mealybugs. An adult mealybug is about 1/3 inches long with an oval-shaped body, black wings, and coral-colored abdomen.
6. Geocoris
Usually known as big-eyed bugs, because of their appearance, geocoris feeds on a wide variety of pests, making them a real asset to any garden. They have very large eyes and small black spots on their thorax. You can usually site these fast-moving bugs in orchards and field crops. They eat spider mites, leafhoppers, aphids, caterpillars, and plant bugs.
7. Assassin Bug
These predatory insects have a flattened look and extended heads. An adult assassin bug can grow up to 1 3/8 inches long. They prey on many common pests and prefer to inhabit any areas with a steady food supply.
8. Spined Soldier Bug
The spined soldier bug prefers to take refuge amongst perennials plants near a garden. Their pray of choice are armyworms, grubs, caterpillars, mexican bean beetle larvae, and sawflies. When fully matured an adult spined soldier can grow up to an inch in length. This insect is also characterized by its grayish-brown coloration, and sharp point extending from the shoulder of the thorax.
9. Tachinid Fly
These bugs can grow up to a length of 1/3 to an inch long and resemble a large hairy housefly. The adults primarily feed on nectar, but also enjoy parsley, dill, and sweet clover. The adult females are known to lay their eggs on or in many hosts such as armyworms, and gypsy moths. When the egg hatched the larvae feeds on the host, weakening or killing it in the process.
10. Tiger Beetles
Tiger beetles have bright colors and long legs. When fully mature an adult rage up to a length of ¾ inches. They ambush and consume a wide variety of small insects, spiders, and other arthropods.
Though insects may be an unwanted guest in your garden, it is very important to realize that not all insects in your garden are a pest. Many of them play a role in pest control and pollinating.
