Beneficial Insects

Aphid Midges

Aphidoletes aphidimyza

Adults are delicate flies, 2-3 mm in length. They are nocturnal and rarely seen. They feed on aphid honeydew and lay their eggs near aphid colonies. Larvae are…

Aphid Parasitoids

Aphidius spp. and Praon spp.

Adults are black, 3-8 mm in length, stout-bodied wasps with long antennae. They lay individual eggs within aphids. Parasitized aphids are referred to as ’mummies’ and appear white…

Bumble Bees, Apidae

Bombus spp.

Bumble bees are stout- bodied, hairy, and black with yellow or orange markings. They are larger and rounder than honey bees. They build their nests in the ground,…

Caterpillar Parasitoids

Adults are brown, black or red, slender bodied wasps, 5-35 mm in length. Females have a long, needle-like ovipositor protruding from the end of their abdomen which is…

Green and Brown Lacewings

Chrysopidae and Hemerobiidae

Adults are 10-20 mm long, pale green or brown, with a slender body and lacy, transparent wings. Eggs are pale green or white, 1 mm long and laid…

Ladybird Beetles

Coccinellidae

Adults are 6-10 mm long, oval, orange or red with a variable number of black spots on their back. Eggs are 1-2 mm high, bright orange, oval shaped,…

Mason Bees, Megachilidae

Osmia spp.

Mason bees are black or blue and hairy. Adults are 12-14 mm long and resemble large flies. Adults are solitary bees which emerge in April and feed on…

Syrphid Flies

Syrphidae

Adult flies are 6-13 mm long, have yellow and black abdominal stripes and resemble honeybees, but are smaller and are not hairy. They can hover when they fly.…