Beneficial Insects for Your Garden: Meet the Good Bugs

Ladybugs

Everyone recognizes adult ladybugs, but few know their eggs, larvae, or pupae. Several species exist in North America; the imported Asian ladybug is now especially common. Adults are sold at garden centers but often fly back to their collection sites. Better to encourage local populations.

Predatory Mite

Not all mites are pests. Predatory mites move faster than their prey, have longer legs, and are more translucent. You might spot them during a “beat test” (shaking foliage over paper).

Syrphid Fly (Hover Fly)

Important aphid and mite predators. They mimic bees/wasps but have large eyes and only one pair of wings. Adults hover near daisy‑ or carrot‑family flowers; larvae devour aphids.

Aphidius Wasp

A tiny, gnat‑sized parasitic wasp that lays eggs inside aphids and scale insects. The developing larvae kill the host. Harmless to people.