Ladybugs and Asian beetles come in a variety of colors and spot patterns. Learn the difference between these two insects (one is beneficial and one is invasive) and how to tell them apart.
Praying mantises are carnivores. It is no wonder that many gardeners consider them a free source of organic pest control. Their flexible necks enable them to turn their triangular heads from side to side while remaining stationary, giving them an advantage as they search for prey. In addition, their large,…
The praying mantis is one of the most fascinating creatures in the insect world. It belongs to the genus Mantis and derives its name from the seemingly religious pose it strikes when its long front legs are folded as if in prayer. Mantis, which means diviner in Greek, was thought…
Marigolds are easy to grow, and their bright autumn colors make for a perfect addition to any floral garden. But this hardy flower also makes a great companion plant for your vegetable garden. Here are six ways this amazing flower can benefit the food crops you grow at home.1. Marigolds Attract…
Perhaps the last thing we would associate with the diminutive red beetle with the black spots is a sexually transmitted disease. But believe it or not, ladybugs, or ladybirds and lady beetles as they are also sometimes called, can contract a disease that is transmitted during copulation. As it turns…
Assassin bugs are not your average garden variety insect. Instead of eating plants, they feed on a wide assortment of garden pests and their larvae, including aphids, armyworms, caterpillars, mosquitoes, beetles, and leafhoppers. These fearless feeders will even attack bugs that are bigger than they are. The downside to their…
Green lacewings are beneficial insects that help control problematic pests in the garden and greenhouse. They measure approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inches in length (1 to 1.9 cm) and have long, translucent, lace-like wings (hence the name) that extend well beyond their bodies. Their long antennae and gold or copper-colored…
The Green Lynx Spider is a beautiful, bright green arachnid with long legs. It is found in the southern United States, especially in the Gulf Coast region, as well as some locations in Northern California. It also lives in Mexico, Central America, Venezuela, Jamaica, and the West Indies. The spider…
Mealybugs are common pests that plague both indoor plants and outdoor gardens. Nymphs and adult mealybugs equally pose a threat because they suck the sap out of plants via their needle-like stylets, causing leaves to turn yellow and drop off. Flower buds and fruit are also at risk. What's more,…
