Questions tagged [insects]

Six-legged arthropods

Arguably the most successful group of animals to have existed, and they will significantly out number all other groups of animal in your garden. Most insects are benign, although some (eg. aphids, and hornworm larvae) can be pests. Similarly, many are encouraged as predators to eat those that are considered pests (e.g. Ladybugs and lacewings).

Insects typically have six legs, although larvae are an obvious exception. Similarly, most are capable of flight although not necessarily in all stages of growth.

Use this tag for questions about insects in the garden or landscape. For an unknown insect, also add the tag and include a photo. For questions about controlling insects, add the tag.

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Do I have fava bean beetles?

I've noticed a beetle on our fava beans. They crawl out and fly away, leaving perfectly circular little holes. Any idea what they are and what they do? Besides the little hole, the beans seem fine. I can't post images but they're little dark…
ari gold
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Dots on lemon tree leaves

The leaves on my lemon tree have these small yellow and brown dots. I assumed these are some kind of pests or insects and have therefore been spraying them with neem oil every 8 - 10 days. I even removed some highly affected leaves, but they keep…
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Are all my praying mantis dead?

I purchased a praying mantis egg case and put it in my greenhouse to help get rid of an aphid infestation. Nothing seemed to happen for the longest time, but now it looks like there are hundreds of dead mantises attached to the egg case (and each…
statichippo
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Chrysanthemum flowers and buds turning brown and dying, leaves wilting and getting brown spots

I bought these mums less than a month ago and planted them in Miracle Grow Potting Soil. Kept them in sun for 3-4 hours and in shade for the rest. They were left in sun for a couple of days at around 90 degree F. After watering them in the evenings…
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Please identify this beetle (?) that has appeared in large numbers

This is a small insect/beetle that has appeared all over my decking today. The things are about 5-7mm in size. The decking is wooden, made from tropical hardwood (Balau if that matters). I am based in London, UK, and it has been unseasonably hot…
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What are these white insects on Areca palm? What should I do about them?

My first thought was mealybugs. But aren’t these too tiny to be mealybugs. I don’t see any big ones. I see them quite a lot on different leaves. What should I do about it? Is it best to throw the plant out to prevent it spreading to other plants?
ag14
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What are these little black bugs on my arugula in Denver CO?

There are little black bugs slowly eating away my Arugula. I live in Denver CO. The weird thing is, we have a pot of Arugula ~50ft away from where the other Arugula is planted and it's completely fine. The plants are watered using micro-sprinklers…
iloveitaly
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Why this plant attracts a lot of flies?

I have planted a few of these plants in front of my fence as hedge. However for some reason they attract a lot of flies to fly around and stop on the flowers. Why is it and how can I stop the flies? Location: Sydney, Australia
Anthony Kong
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What are these tiny reddish brown insects on basil leaves?

I have a basil plant. White tiny spots have started to appear on its leaves. On top of the leaves, there are also small reddish moving dots that appear to me as insects. Does anyone know what are these tiny reddish brown insects? Are these really…
joble
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Is there a plant whose odour repels wasps, but doesn't repel bees?

I hate wasps. I like bees. I live in southern England, so we're talking about plants that can grow in a maritime climate. Any ideas?
Ne Mo
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Need help identifing insect(s)

Trying to help a friend in New York City identify these insects on her Aucuba japonica. My girlfriend and i can't agree if there are 2 or 3 types of insects on the plants. We're thinking the brown ones might be scale and the white fuzzy things on…
Ben
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Beetles on my fruit trees

I have some plum and peach trees and have noticed several of these beetles on each one. There are also a lot of holes in the leaves which I assume are the beetles eating them. Now if that’s just cosmetic I don’t mind, but if not, should I get rid of…
brown thumb
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How to prevent midges proliferation on indoor plants?

I live at about 45° in the North hemisphere, and during winter I use to put my plants indoor. After some time, I start to notice a proliferation of midges, apparently from the soil. Is there a way to prevent this proliferation (possibly without the…
Starnuto di topo
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What is this small insect with a rounded brown head burrowing into my rhododendron?

I caught this bug burrowing into the trunk of my rhododendron, and I persuaded it to exit its home. Here's a close up of said worm. I can't imagine it being other than damaging to my tree. Anyone know what it is? The location is Wellington, New…
Graham Chiu
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What are these tiny animals on my oyster mushrooms?

Pleurotus ostreatus infested with tiny gnats. I can see them with my loupe but too hard to photograph even though I said cheese! They have prominent attenae, and segmented bodies - but I guess that describes most insects :( Using uv light as the…
Graham Chiu
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