Minute Pirate Bugs: Tiny Predators for Thrips & Mites

Pirate Bug Benefits

Eat thrips, spider mites, aphids, whiteflies, leafhoppers, caterpillars. ~1/20 in. long.

Life Cycle

• Eggs: tiny, white-clear, laid in plant tissue.
• Female lives ~4 weeks, lays up to 100 eggs (fewer in cool weather).
• Nymphs: 5 instars, yellow → brown. Adults have brownish wings.

Attracting Pirate Bugs

Plant nectar-rich flowers: marigolds, cosmos, yarrow, goldenrod, alfalfa. Check undersides for eggs/larvae.