Beneficial Insects

  • Aphid Midge (Aphidoletes aphidimyza)
    • Role: These tiny flies feed on over 60 species of aphids.
  • Assassin Bug
    • Role: They prey on various garden pests including aphids, caterpillars, and beetles.
  • Braconid Wasps
    • Role: Their larvae are parasitic, mainly on caterpillars and aphids, helping in pest control.
  • Damsel Bugs
    • Role: They feed on aphids, caterpillars, mites, and other pests.
  • Earthworms
    • Role: While not an insect, they improve soil health by aerating it and breaking down organic matter.
  • Green Lacewings (Chrysoperla rufilabris)
    • Role: Larvae feed on aphids, mites, and other small insects.
  • Ground Beetles
    • Role: These beetles consume a significant number of pests, including slugs, snails, and cutworms.
  • Honeybees
    • Role: Vital for pollination which aids plant reproduction.
  • Hoverflies or Syrphid Flies
    • Role: Their larvae consume aphids, and the adults help with pollination.
  • Ichneumon Wasps
    • Role: They parasitize caterpillars and other garden pests.
  • Ladybugs or Lady Beetles
    • Role: They consume aphids, mites, and other small pests.
  • Mantis (Praying Mantis)
    • Role: General predators that feed on a variety of pest insects.
  • Mealybug Destroyer (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri)
    • Role: They feed on mealybugs, which are common plant pests.
  • Minute Pirate Bugs
    • Role: They consume thrips, spider mites, and aphids.
  • Nematodes (Beneficial)
    • Role: These microscopic worms attack and kill pest larvae in the soil.
  • Parasitic Wasps (Trichogramma)
    • Role: They lay their eggs inside pest eggs, preventing them from hatching.
  • Predatory Mites
    • Role: They feed on harmful mites, offering a biological control method.
  • Rove Beetles
    • Role: These beetles feed on various pests, including aphids and mites.
  • Soldier Beetles
    • Role: They prey on aphids and other soft-bodied insects.
  • Spiders
    • Role: While not insects, many garden spiders feed on various pests, making them beneficial for pest control.
  • Tachinid Flies
    • Role: They parasitize various garden pests.
  • Tiger Beetles
    • Role: These beetles feed on a variety of smaller pests.