Why Larvae of One Wasp Species Often Eat Their Siblings | Entomology Today

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Sibling rivalry takes a grim turn in the parasitoid wasp species Isodontia harmandi, as larvae commonly cannibalize their nest mates. A new study suggests the stronger larvae eat their siblings both to grab an easy meal and to reduce competition for the food provided by their mother.  

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Entomological Vase Earns First Place in Art Show at 2022 Joint Annual Meeting | Entomology Today

This post Entomological Vase Earns First Place in Art Show at 2022 Joint Annual Meeting appeared first on Entomology Today - Brought to you by the Entomological Society of America.

See the ceramic vase featuring dozens of insects that wowed attendees at the juried art show at the 2022 Joint Annual Meeting of the Entomological Societies of America, Canada, and British Columbia in November—and meet Sarah Ritchie, the artist behind the creation.

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How To Control Harlequin Bugs: 5 Ways To Get Rid of Them From Your Garden

Harlequin bugs are major pests of cruciferous and even other crop plants. Here’s how to control harlequin bugs and stop them from destroying your plants.

Harlequin bugs are common garden pets that prefer to feed on cruciferous plants such as vegetables in the Brassica family.

This includes cabbage, broccoli, mustards, and radish, to name a few.

These tiny bugs can be identified with their orange/ red and black patterned bodies. They can quickly wreak havoc if they find their way to your garden.

In this article, I will mention how you can control harlequin bugs and protect your precious greens.

Control Techniques

The Murgantia histrionica, i.e., harlequin bugs, are insect pests widespread in the southern and central parts of the United States.

They are also identified as broccoli or cabbage bugs, named after their host plants.

Harlequin bug eggs are laid in large batches and can quickly multiply their populations.

The adult harlequin bug population finds shelter among organic mush, such as plant debris and the underside of leaves.

However, worry not. There are some control techniques that you can use to manage these potential pest attacks.

You can opt for generic techniques, chemical treatments, or physical solutions. You can also choose to use other plants or animals to help.

Let’s take a look at these ways in detail.

Generic Techniques

The best way to keep pests away from your crop is to make your crop strong enough to be susceptible to pest attack.

You can do this by being careful with your plant’s soil and water needs.

Watering deeply to promote strong roots, running soil tests on potential new planting sites, and giving your plant the required nutrition will ensure it grows strong.

Immature Harlequin Stink Bugs

For instance, the plants of the Brassica family thrive on heavy calcium.

To keep the harlequin bugs away, make plenty of calcium available to your plant through eggshells, oyster shells and solutions, and other calcium supplements.

Maintain your plants by weeding them out regularly and checking for bugs or pests if you spot a handful of harlequin bugs, hand pick and toss them into garbage bins.

Chemical Treatments

The second major technique you can use to weed out your pests is chemical treatment.

Pyrethrin is an effective chemical to treat a harlequin bug infestation.

The chemical is derived from the seeds of the plant Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium.

This white daisy-like plant attacks the insects’ nervous system to incapacitate them.

You can use pyrethrin in an insecticidal soap solution with neem.

Sprinkling this solution directly on the eggs, nymphs, and even harlequin bugs in the adult stage early in the morning will ensure maximum results.

Mating Harlequin Stink Bugs

You can also make an organic pyrethrin pesticide at home. Dry and grind the flower heads of the fully bloomed Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium.

Add the powder to warm water and leave it for three hours. Follow by adding some dish soap and using the soapy water solution on the nymphs immediately.

You can repeat this process weekly on the newly hatching nymphs for the best results.

Polycultures & companion plants

Another effective technique to keep harlequin bugs away is to use companion plants for your main plant and intercropping.

Create a boundary of strong-odored plants like mint, rosemary, garlic, chamomile, or even chrysanthemum.

These plants will overpower the smell of your brassica plants and protect them.

Or you can grow them in a mix with your main plant to confuse and divert the harlequin bugs.

You can also use trap crops.

In this method, you attract and trap the pests by growing an initial batch of plants or crops and then discarding them. You can then plant your main batch.

Harlequin Beetle

Physical Solutions

Some individuals have also seen success using physical barriers such as row covers.

These work best for plants that don’t require pollination, such as cabbage.

You can also use white silicate clay spray on your plants to deter pests.

Predators

Beneficial insects like hymenopteran wasps and guinea fowls are great helpers in attacking harlequin bugs and other pests.

If you’re concerned about parasitic wasps, they are tiny and do not sting, which makes them perfect garden dwellers.

On the other hand, unlike chickens, the guinea fowl do not destroy plants and vegetation, making them an ideal flock to have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are harlequin bugs harmful to garden?

Harlequin bugs can be very harmful to garden flowers, vegetables, and fruits.
They suck the sap from plants, and their feeding damage sometimes goes unnoticed until plants are weakened or stunted.
Insecticides can be effective in controlling problem harlequin bug populations, but a better approach is to remove weeds.
These are a major food source for harlequin bugs and provide barriers such as mulching and dusting these areas with diatomaceous earth, which acts as a natural barrier between the harlequin bugs and their food sources.
 

Are harlequin bugs harmful to humans?

Harlequin bugs are not considered to be harmful to humans, as they feed mostly on plants, fruits, and vegetables.
However, these bugs can become a nuisance when they gather in large clusters. Large swarms of these bugs may cause allergies or skin irritation if touched.
In addition, the presence of the bug can contaminate the product that is being harvested from gardens or farms.
While harlequin bugs are not directly hazardous to human health, their presence could cause problems for farmers and gardeners who need to make sure that their crops are pest-free before the sale.

What is the lifespan of a harlequin bug?

The lifespan of a harlequin bug is roughly two years, with larvae emerging in the spring and first adults seen in late summer.
It typically overwinters as an egg on grasses, roses, or other low vegetation. The female adults lay their eggs in masses that are yellow or white when first laid but turn brownish-black as they mature.
The developing nymphs will molt five times before becoming adults. They feed on various plants, including crucifers such as radishes, cabbage, and mustard.

What eats the harlequin bug?

The harlequin bug is eaten by a variety of predators, including spiders, ants, frogs, birds, and beetles.
They will also be eaten by beneficial predator insects such as ladybugs and hoverflies.
In order to more effectively protect itself from these predators, the harlequin bug has evolved the ability to produce chemical defenses that are rather foul-smelling.
Many times a predator will pick up the scent of this defensive secretion before they ever get close enough to consume the harlequin bug.

Wrap Up

Harlequin bugs are common garden pests in Central America that usually feed on cruciferous plants such as wild mustard, cabbage, broccoli, etc.

They can often destroy the entire crop or garden if not controlled and managed.

Several ways, from generic management techniques to chemical treatments and even using companion plants and animals, can be employed to destroy these notorious pests.

Thank you for reading!

Reader Emails

The harlequin bug often gets confused for a beetle, because of its shape and size.

Go through some of the letters from our readers below to understand the various colors and shapes this bug can be found in.

Letter 1 – Harlequin Bug

 

Here’s my beetle!
Like others I have been searching to figure out what kind of beetles have been living in my garden all summer. They stay on one particular plant and have been there since July. I’m in SoCal if that helps.
Thanks in advance,
Richard

Hi Richard,
The flaw in your searching is that the Harlequin Bug, Murgantia histrionica, is not a beetle but a true bug. It can be found on cabbage, sweet alyssum and wild mustard among other plants.

Letter 2 – Harlequin Bug

 

Can’t find this bug’s info anywhere!
The attached photo shows the bug. He and his friends are located in a patch of flowers in our back yard. I believe they are eating the leaves. Let me know if you need more info on the location. Any help you can provide me in.

Hi there,
You have an immature Harlequin Bug, Murgantia histrionica. They have sucking mouthparts and are often pests on cultivated plants in the cabbage family as well as on Sweet Alyssum and wild mustard. They are colorful members of the stinkbug family Pentatomidae.

Letter 3 – Harlequin Bug

 

a nicer cabbage bug
Hi Mr. Bug Man,
Here is a “nicer” picture of what looks like a harlequin cabbage bug on your web site. You are welcome to use this if you care to. This one has been relaxing outside my house in Northern New Mexico for a few days on a tall weed. I think it’s charming, but then I’m not a gardener!

Thanks for the image.

Letter 4 – Harlequin Bugs

 

Harlequin bugs?
I think that these may be Harlequin bugs? By the way, the photos on your site are marvelous – what lovely bugs! I snapped these on an unknown plant in the field behind our house; possibly a mustard plant of some kind. Have been practicing taking pictures of small things like flowers, and am proud of this bug photo.
Liana

Hi Liana,
Our site does have many marvelous photos, all of which have been contributed by mostly amateur photographers like you. Not only should you be proud of your photo, you should also be commended for taking the time to properly identify your Harlequin Bugs, Murgantia histrionica.

Letter 5 – Harlequin Bugs

 

Orange and Black Beetles
Location: Point Mugu, Ventura County, California
April 15, 2011 12:08 am
Hello! Thanks for the great site. I have a question for you: I often go hiking in the hills around Los Angeles and I love taking photographs of plants and wildlife. I was intrigued by the clusters of orange and black beetles I found I found one day clumped on some sage plants off the side of the trail. All of the plants in that area were covered in these beetles- particularly the sages. I haven’t been able to identify them, but they remind me of beetles I used to hear people call ”Japanese beetles” as a kid- however, searching this term on google revealed a much different result. Any ideas of what these sage-loving beetles could be?
Signature: Sara

Harlequin Bugs

Hi Sara,
These are Harlequin Bugs, Murgantia histrionica, and we also commonly find them in the Los Angeles area, though in Elyria Canyon Park near our Mt. Washington offices, we notice them feeding on the introduced mustard.  In the vegetable patch, they feed upon collard greens and other members of the cabbage family.  We have never seen them feeding upon sage, so your excellent photo has us quite intrigued.  Harlequin Bugs are Stink Bugs in the family Pentatomidae, and unlike Beetles which have chewing mouthparts, they have sucking mouthparts.  True Bugs also have incomplete metamorphosis while beetles have complete metamorphosis.  True Bugs are often confused with beetles.

Letter 6 – Remains of a Cotton Harlequin Bug from Australia

 

Subject: Of the Strangest Appearance
Location: Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
May 24, 2016 5:27 am
Dear Bugman,
I was meditating on the porch today when I noticed a small orange object. It turned out to be the (exoskeleton?) of a strange little creature. I had simply never seen anything that alien looking in the insect kingdom so I thought it definitely necessary to send in a photo.
I’m on the Gold Coast, QLD Australia and it’s Autumn here at the moment.
Thank you very much, appreciate the site immensely.
Signature: Christopher Royce

Remains of a Cotton Harlequin Bug

Dear Christoper,
We can’t tell by the remains what killed this Hibiscus Harlequin Bug or Cotton Harlequin Bug, Tectocoris diophthalmus, but we believe it was eaten by something.  The Cotton Harlequin Bug is a highly variable species, and your remains, like this individual on Flicker, are mostly orange while other individuals have a preponderance of metallic blue-green markings.  According to the Museum of Tropical Queensland:  “The Hibiscus Harlequin Bug sucks sap from hibiscus plants, bottle trees and related species. Its main foodplant is the native Beach Hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus). It is also a minor pest of cultivated cotton, a member of the hibiscus family Malvaceae, leading to its other common name, the Cotton Harlequin Bug.”

Thanks so much for getting back to me, you guys run an awesome service!

Letter 7 – Harlequin Bug

 

Subject: Orange and Black Beetle
Location: Fairfax, Virginia:  Accotink Trail
June 10, 2016 1:27 pm
Hi, I have searched your website, my field guide, but cannot come up with an ID. It looks a good deal like a Willow Leaf Beetle, but not quite unless it’s a different subspecies? Perhaps you can shed some light on this? Thanks!
Signature: Seth

Harlequin Bug

Dear Seth,
This is not a Beetle.  It is a Harlequin Bug, Murgantia histrionica.  Harlequin Bugs are Stink Bugs.  According to BugGuide:  “hosts: primarily Brassicaceae (horseradish, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, mustard, Brussels sprouts, turnip, kohlrabi, radish); may also attack tomato, potato, eggplant, okra, bean, asparagus, beet, weeds, fruit trees and field crops.”

The post How To Control Harlequin Bugs: 5 Ways To Get Rid of Them From Your Garden appeared first on What's That Bug?.

Are Harlequin Bugs Harmful To Humans? What Damage Can They Do?

Harlequin bugs are bright and colorful insects often found near crop plants. They are renowned pests of cruciferous vegetables, but are harlequin bugs harmful to humans? Can you pick them up by hand and throw them away like aphids? Let’s discover more.

Harlequin bugs (Murgantia histrionica) not only have a rather interesting name, but their appearance makes them unique too. 

If you’ve spotted these bugs in your garden or suspect their presence, you might be wondering if it’s a cause for worry.

To answer your query quickly – yes, harlequin bugs are major pests and cause considerable damage to plants, especially vegetable crops. 

Let’s not beat around the bush and find out more about these bugs, what kind of damage they cause, and how to get rid of them.

Harlequin Stink Bug Nymphs

What Is A Harlequin Bug?

A common pest of cruciferous plants, harlequin bugs are native to North America. 

Note that these bugs aren’t to be confused with the harlequin ladybird. Despite the similarity in their names, they are two entirely different species of beetles.

So, harlequin bugs aren’t a ladybug species at all – they’re a kind of stink bug notorious for destroying vegetable crops. 

They are rather colorful, with varying patterns. 

Some look a lot like orange-tinted ladybugs with black spots, while others might look like black ladybugs or brown ladybugs. The nymphs may have stripe patterns instead.

Do Harlequin Bugs Bite Or Sting?

Before trying to touch or grab any insect, it’s always a good idea to check if it can hurt you. 

Harlequin bugs, for instance, possess piercing mandibles. These bugs are capable of both stinging and biting.

Thankfully, harlequin bugs usually aren’t aggressive and do not pose a serious threat to humans. 

You should still exercise caution while handling them and avoid direct contact with the skin, as they can inflict localized pain.

Are Harlequin Bugs Poisonous Or Venomous?

Insects of bright color are usually poisonous, with the colors acting as a warning sign to deter predators. 

Any toxic ladybug species, like larch ladybugs, would be a perfect example.

The harlequin bug, however, doesn’t have any poison. Instead, these bugs become extremely spicy due to the chemicals they consume from plants. 

This keeps them safe from birds, as birds typically avoid spicy food.

Are Harlequin Beetles Beneficial?

Harlequin beetles are disastrous insect pests and can cause extensive damage to vegetable plants. 

Piercing the plants in various places, they suck out the plant juices. The plants begin to wilt, turn brown, and eventually die.

So, Harlequin beetles aren’t exactly the kind of insect you’d consider beneficial. 

They are more of a garden and agricultural pest. 

However, they make it easier for gardeners to identify stressed plants, as those are the plants that usually get attacked by Harlequin bugs.

Harlequin Stink Bug Nymph

How Are Harlequin Bugs Harmful To Humans?  

These pests are particularly known to attack cabbage, which has also earned them the name harlequin cabbage bug. 

Other cruciferous plants like cauliflower, broccoli, kale, turnip, radish, etc., are at high risk around them too. 

If the usual preferences are unavailable, harlequin bugs turn to other crops like tomato, okra, squash, corn, and beans.

These bugs cause a great deal of damage and can destroy entire crops if left unchecked. 

They attack and feed on almost every part of a plant – the stems, leaves, fruits, and seeds alike. 

You may think of the kind of damage to be similar to that caused by Asian ladybugs, except it’s more severe for harlequin bugs.

How To Get Rid Of Harlequin Bugs?

Moving on, let us check out how you can rid your garden of these annoying and destructive pests. 

Depending on the stage of infestation and the relative effectiveness, you may try the following solutions.

Handpicking and vacuuming

If it’s just a small number of bugs, you can gently pick them off the plant by hand and throw them in a bucket of soapy water. 

Using warm water for this solution will make it even more effective.

Be careful not to squish harlequin beetles as they’re a kind of stink bug and can emit pungent odor as a defense mechanism. 

The other option is to take a vacuum cleaner and run it over the infested plants.

Parasitoid wasps

The use of natural predators is one of the best long-term pest-management techniques. 

Non-stinging parasitoid wasps are good at destroying Harlequin bug populations.

One can either buy the wasps online or plant companion plants that attract such natural enemies. 

You should note that the braconid wasps usually used in garden pest control don’t do much against these bugs.

Trap crops

Get a crop of cruciferous veggies early on before you grow the main batch of produce. 

The early trap crop will draw away most of the harlequin bugs and keep your main crop safe. 

You can dispose of the trap plant after harvesting the main crop.

Insecticidal soap

You can spray an insecticidal soap solution to effectively kill the bugs. The soap can penetrate their hard shells. 

However, it works as a direct-contact insecticide – you need to spray the solution directly on the adult harlequin bugs, nymphs, and eggs.

Harlequin Bug Nymph

Diatomaceous Earth

This reliable insecticidal agent works against a variety of pests, including Harlequin bugs. 

You can sprinkle diatomaceous earth over the bugs as well as apply it over the crops. 

It destroys the waxy coating on the bugs’ bodies and dehydrates them to death.

Should You Kill Them?

Unfortunately, you don’t have much of choice besides killing harlequin bugs that attack your plants. 

Unless you take the necessary steps to get rid of these bugs, they can cause extensive damage to your vegetable crops, fruits, and ornamental plants. 

Unlike the black and orange ladybugs that help gardeners by preying on harmful pests, the harlequin bug itself is a pest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What damage do harlequin bugs do?

Harlequin bugs are pests that cause serious damage to vegetable crops. They feed on various plants, including squash, cucumber, bean, and tomato plants. 
The harlequin bugs suck sap from the leaves of the plants, causing yellowing and wilting of the foliage. 
In some cases, the entire plant can be killed by this pest.

Are harlequin beetles beneficial?

Harlequin beetles are beneficial to their ecosystems because they feed on decaying wood, returning nutrients to the soil and encouraging new plant growth. 
They are also necessary as part of a food web, as they provide food sources for other animals such as birds, frogs, and lizards. 
Harlequin beetles also play an important role in controlling pest populations by preying on grubs and maggots.

Who eats harlequin bugs?

Harlequin beetles are a popular prey item for many different species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. 
They are also eaten by some ants, spiders, and even their own larvae. 
The beetles provide a good source of nitrogen and other essential nutrients to these predators. 
Additionally, Harlequin beetle cocoons are eaten by shrews, frogs, lizards, and other small predators looking for an easy meal.

How do you fight harlequin bugs?

To fight harlequin bugs, it is important to keep your garden clean of leaf litter and debris because this is where the harlequin bug lays its eggs. 
If you find any in your garden, you should remove them by hand or use a powerful vacuum. 
You can also try spot-treating the garden with an insecticide containing acetamiprid or neem oil-based products. 
You can discourage insects from entering your garden by covering any bare soil with mulch or cotton balls soaked in water.
Another strategy is planting companion plants such as marigolds and carrots that are unappetizing to harlequin bugs.

Wrap Up

The harlequin bug isn’t uncommon in the United States, so it’s best to watch out for them and take the necessary pest control measures. 

Avoid leaving plant debris in your garden, especially from cruciferous plants. 

Thank you for reading, and I hope you can eliminate harlequin bugs in your garden before the infestation grows out of control.

Reader Emails

Over the years, our readers have shared us a few images of these bugs in their gardens or around their yards and in trails.

While harlequin bugs are not immediately harmful to humans, they are certainly damaging to crops.

Read a first-person account of what damage they can do to cruciferous plants in the letters from the reader’s section below.

Also go through some of the pics of these bugs in various stages of their lives to identify whether they are breeding in your garden.

Letter 1 – Harlequin Bugs

 

Can you identify beetle
I hope you can identify this insect, I think beetle, but not leaf beetle. The above photo shows it to be 3/8 inch. The below photos shows a pair (mating?). My location is San Luis Valley, Colorado. 8,000 ft elevation. Very arid. I first saw them at our creek on tumble mustard. A couple a days later they arrived in the garden 500 feet away on the horse radish leaves (probably 100). There are only a couple on the potatoes which are next to the horse radish. None on any other garden produce. Any ideas? Are they harmful or beneficial? What can discourage them? Thanks,
Dave

Hi Dave,
These are winged adult Harlequin Bugs, Murgantia histrionica. They do feed on mustard in vacant lots and fields. When they move to the garden they infest cabbage, kale, collards and related plants. The best control is to locate the eggs which are barrel shaped and in rows. Hand picking will also do the trick. Also, when your crop is harvested, immediately remove any remaining plants that serve to perpetuate the infestation.

Letter 2 – Harlequin Bugs

 

Beautiful bugs
Hello! It’s me again with pictures of some insects I found on my jogging trail, on a hill near home (Ensenada, México) They were on this plant. The bugs are a little bigger than 1/2 inch. I have not a clue. Arent they beautiful? Their name must be Leopard-something. I’m sending this to you because I love to take pictures and I think your site is great. So, don’t worry, I can live with my ignorance a few more months
Antonio Carbajal R.

Hi Antonio,
These are Harlequin Bugs, a type of Stink Bug in the family Pentatomidae.

Letter 3 – Seed Bug from Portugal

 

What kind of beetle is this?
Location: Lagoa Azul, Penha Longa, Sintra, Portugal
January 20, 2012 5:33 am
Hello ATB.
I ran into this beetle and have searched along almost all of your beetles in WTB but didn’t found it.
Maybe you could help me identify what kind of beetle this is. It seems some kind of Longhorn Beetle.
This was taken near a lake in Portugal. It is very common beetle in here. It was taken in the winter and this beetle has about 5cm long.
Can you please help me identify this beetle?
Thanks,
Signature: Diogo Ferreira

Harlequin Bug

Dear Diogo,
We hoped you enjoyed browsing through all of our beetles, the most numerous category on our website, but alas, you were searching the wrong category.  This is not a Beetle.  It is a True Bug.  We quickly identified it as Lygaeus equestris and we found numerous photos on the FlickRiver page of the world’s best photos of Lygaeus equestris.  It can also be found on the Encyclopedia of Life website.  The genus Lygaeus belongs to the Seed Bug family Lygaeidae.

Dear Daniel,
Thank you very much. You were of great help.
I was indeed a little lost…
Thanks once again.
Diogo Ferreira.

Letter 4 – Harlequin Bug from Australia

 

Subject: Red and Black beetle in Melbourne Australia
Location: Melbourne Australia
January 17, 2013 10:28 pm
HI there
Just discovered your site, it is fascinating and I’ve ended up spending a few evenings looking at all these interesting bugs!
Haven’t quite found one that looks like these I found on my chilli plant the other day.I have never seen these before and have had my chilli plant for about 4 years. When I first noticed them they were all congregated on one chilli which was drying up- not sure if they were the cause of that though.Someone suggested they perhaps were attracted to it as it was the same colour as them and were having a bit of a party on it. What fascinated me was there seemed to be two quite distinct looks to the beetle- one was much smaller and rounder and almost looked like a lady bug-but there were only 2 of them like that compared to about 10 of the others.(unfortunately that photo of the smaller one is a bit blurry sorry).Are they the female ones or baby ones perhaps?
Have also noticed that they go into hiding somewhere when our temperatures get too hot eg yesterday when we hit 40 deg C, but they come out all over my chilli plant when the weather is a little cooler ( still summer here though)
Initially thought they may be blister beetles ( but the antannae look a little different to photos I saw?)and am worried they are around as have a little toddler who is curious about everything including bugs. So would appreciate your help in identifying these so that I know whether to try to get rid of them ( how?)or let them be!
Signature: Melbournegal

Harlequin Bug

Dear Melbournegal,
Our initial impulse, which proved correct, was that this is a Red Bug in the family Pyrrhocoridae.  Upon researching that suspicion, we found a matching image on FlickR that was identified as a Harlequin Bug or Fire Bug, probably Dindymus ventralis.  The common name Harlequin Bug is used for at least one other insect, a species of Stink Bug found in North America.  Firebug is a common name used for a European member of the family Pyrrhocoridae.  Your individuals are both immature nymphs.  Adults have fully developed wings.  The presence of nymphs in your garden is an indication that there is breeding activity going on.  When we searched the genus name provided by FlickR, we found a blog called A Year in a Gippsland Garden with an excellent first person encounter with the Australian Harlequin Bugs, here called Dindymus versicolour.  The site provides this information:  “For anyone looking at these little bugs in the garden and wondering if they are a potential problem or not the answer is a resounding ‘Yes!’  The Harlequin bug does not take great big obvious bites out of anything, it hides and sucks the life out tender stems (and fruit). Look for stem damage and wilting flower buds and fruit. In my garden I have observed them in greatest numbers on Callistemon, Australian native hibiscus, nasturtium, tomatoes, and hollyhocks. They have also been in numbers on sweetcorn, sunflowers, sage and roses.
These are one of the few bugs to actively hide from potential predators. If you watch them carefully you will notice that when they are not feeding they will stay in sheltered positions.  If they are caught out in the open they will dive behind leaves and stems as you approach. They don’t go far and sneak back out when you stop moving.  One or two bugs on their own won’t do much harm, but the sad reality is that this is often not a bug that comes in ones or twos. Not for long if you plant a tasty crop anyway. In numbers they can overwhelm tender plants, particularly nice juicy ones having a growth spurt.”  The PaDil Biosecurity Website has some information and photos.  Your dried chili is a sign that these Harlequin Bugs are feeding.  We don’t normally provide extermination advice.  This is a native species for you that has adapted to feeding on cultivated plants.  We would recommend hand picking to control them.

Immature Harlequin Bug

Wow that was a fast response- thanks so much for the ID. Good that they aren’t harmful to my little toddler, but a pity they are sucking the life out of my chilli plant…. Don’t really enjoy getting rid of bugs but looks like I might have to if I want to keep that lovely chilli plant…
Thanks again for spending the time to find this out for me, you’re fantastic!
Melbournegal
(Bianca)

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How To Get Rid Of Harlequin Beetles: 10 Ways To Control Harlequin Beetle Populations

Harlequin beetles can be voracious pests for your garden plants. Here’s how to get rid of harlequin beetles using both natural and insecticidal means.

Harlequin beetles (Marmolada peregrinus), also known as Asian lady beetles, can be a significant pest for gardeners and farmers.

These beetles are known for their voracious appetites and can quickly decimate a crop if left unchecked.

In this article, I will explore the various methods for controlling and eliminating harlequin beetles, including pesticides, handpicking, trap crops, natural predators, and cultural control techniques.

Whether you’re a professional grower or a backyard gardener, understanding how to deal with these pests is crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive garden.

Pesticides

I would advise against using pesticides yourself. They need a professional treatment strategy and experts to achieve the desired results.

Moreover, pesticides can be harmful to your crops and might kill off other beneficial insects in your garden.

If you must use pesticides, begin by applying systemic ones, such as imidacloprid or clothianidin, into the soil two weeks before planting.

Reapply them throughout the growing season to provide continual protection from infestations.

Handpicking

Handpicking harlequin beetles is an effective way to reduce their numbers in your landscape or garden.

But before you do it, you need to know that you are picking off the right insect and not a beneficial ladybug.

Asian lady beetles can easily be identified by the “M” mark just behind their heads.

When removing the beetles by hand, focus on areas where they tend to congregate, such as vegetables, flowers, and fruits.

Wearing latex gloves helps prevent direct contact with the beetles and potential bites.

Moreover, these bugs can stain your hands with a foul-smelling yellow liquid, so gloves will keep your hands protected.

Asian Lady Beetle

Trap Crops

Trap cropping is an effective method of harlequin beetle control.

This method relies on the beetles’ love for certain cruciferous plants such as kale, broccoli, and mustard.

You can start by setting up a plot with plants attractive to the beetle and trap large numbers of adult bugs in traps or fabric barriers.

Regularly scouting the trap plot will help identify problem areas and help monitor population levels.

Keep rotating the crops to prevent re-infestation by beetles attracted by the previous crops.

Natural predators

Ladybugs, ground beetles, fireflies, and tachinid flies all feed on the larvae of harlequin beetles.

Some of them prey directly upon adult harlequin bugs too.

Such natural predators can be an effective way to reduce harlequin beetle populations because they also avoid harmful pesticides.

But how can you bring such natural predators to your garden?

One way to attract and retain natural predators is to plant a diverse array of flowering plants.

Most of the beneficial insects we mentioned might be encouraged to visit your garden due to the easily available nectar from such flowers.

Cultural Control

Cultural control is an effective method of managing harlequin beetles and other garden pests.

Here are some practices that you can use:

1. Crop rotation
2. Early planting
3. Adequate fertilization and irrigation
4. Timely pesticide application
5. Proper crop harvesting

Following these methods can drastically reduce the number of harlequin bugs in your garden.

Growing crops less preferred by these insects, such as alfalfa, clover, or wheat, can create a ring fence and stop them from spreading to nearby vulnerable crops.

You can regularly clean plant debris and leaf piles. Do not allow standing water in your garden. All of this deters the harlequin bug egg population.

Regularly inspecting the plants to remove egg masses also reduces the likelihood of these bugs making your garden habitat.

Neem Oil

To get rid of harlequin beetles, neem oil can be an effective solution.

You can apply neem oil directly to the areas where the beetles are present in both concentrated and ready-to-use forms.

Before treatment, clean the affected area with water or mild soapy water.

Next, soak a cloth with concentrated neem oil and wipe down the surfaces infested.

Insecticidal Soap

Insecticidal soap is a safe and effective way of dealing with harlequin beetle infestations.

You can apply it directly in the late afternoon or evening to get the bugs off plants when temperatures are cooler and the amount of sunlight is optimal.

When using, spray the entire plant with a nozzle attachment or use a hand-held pump sprayer, making sure to coat both the upper and lower sides.

Pay special attention to areas where you know the harlequin bugs lay their eggs.

Remember, the effectiveness of insecticidal soap depends on thorough coverage since it is a direct contact method of eliminating these pests

Row Covers

In early spring, as soon as beetle activity begins, make sure to place row covers on top of the plants that require protection

Keep them on the protected plants until late in the summer.

Harlequin beetle populations will start to fall because these beetles need heat to develop and reproduce.

Make sure that you secure the edges of the row cover with soil or weigh it down with objects such as stones.

The beetles should not be able to make their way to the undersides of leaves.

Diatomaceous Earth

You can sprinkle this chemical near the host plants, in the plant beds, and create a boundary around the entire garden.

Diatomaceous earth is a natural compound; it is not like a harmful pesticide. It can be used without fear of any adverse reactions to either you or anyone consuming the plants.

Beneficial Nematodes

Harlequin beetles can be eliminated from residential areas using beneficial nematodes (Steinernema carpocapsae).

Beneficial nematodes, small soil-dwelling parasites, seek out larvae and larvae-infested sites while they freely move through the soil.

Once attached to the larvae, they release a bacterium (Xenorhabdus) which kills them within 24 hours.

To maximize effectiveness, dispense nematodes when the ambient soil temperature is between 68°F and 86°F.

Water thoroughly after application to make sure that the microbes stay in contact with the soil and can make their way into the harlequin beetle’s larval habitats for optimal results.

Multicolored Asian Lady Beetle aggregation

Proper Irrigation

Proper irrigation is very important for getting rid of harlequin beetles.

If a garden is located in an area that experiences dry spells, then introducing or properly utilizing an irrigation system will help to prevent harlequin bugs.

Reducing moisture levels can also deter the beetle’s egg-laying.

This helps to keep the damage under control and reduce the population over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What eats the Harlequin bug?

Several species of birds, such as meadowlarks, robins, and starlings, as well as a variety of insect predators, are known to eat Harlequin bugs.
Predatory ground beetles also feed on the harlequin bug larvae.
Natural parasitic fungi can also be effective in controlling Harlequin bug populations in certain habitats.
Some of these beneficial fungi include Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, and Isaria fumosorosea.
Additionally, predatory wasps will attack the harlequin bug during their egg-laying stage, but other predators tend to target the adult or pupa stages of growth.

Are harlequin bugs harmful to gardens?

Harlequin bugs can be harmful to gardens and crops.
They feed on a wide range of plants, including those grown in the garden, such as spinach, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower.
They suck sap from leaves and stems, often leading to wilting or discoloration of the plant.
Furthermore, they produce a foul-smelling secretion that can attract other pests and reduce the natural fertility of the soil.
To prevent further damage, it is important to remove any eggs spotted on leaf surfaces and control their population spread by hand removal or spraying an insecticide approved for use on these bugs.

Where do harlequin beetles come from?

Harlequin beetles are native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. They can usually be found living in rotting wood, stake holes, or leaf litter.
The adults typically feed on sap and pollen from active plants, while their larvae feed on fungi and decaying vegetation in the soil.
These beetles have bright colors with a very distinct white pattern that makes them instantly recognizable.

How long do harlequin beetles live?

The lifespan of a harlequin beetle varies depending on the species; some species may only live for a few weeks, while others can survive up to 2 years.
Generally, they live in a larval stage for 12 – 18 months.
Some harlequin beetles have been observed living up to three or four years in captivity and in ideal conditions.
Harlequin beetles go through 4 life stages: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult.
During their adult stage, they will feed on decaying matter, such as fallen logs and leaves that are rich in nutrients and minerals.

Wrap Up

To successfully control harlequin beetles, it is important to try and use multiple methods, including crop rotation, proper irrigation, trap cropping, beneficial nematodes, and more.

If the population is quite small, you can simply hand-pick them off your plants (remember to wear gloves!)

Neem oil or insecticidal soap and row covers also can help protect plants from infestations.

If nothing else works, use systemic insecticides on the soil before planting and reapply throughout the growing season.

By following these techniques, I am sure you will maintain a healthy and productive garden.

I hope you found this article informative. Feel free to drop comments below!

The post How To Get Rid Of Harlequin Beetles: 10 Ways To Control Harlequin Beetle Populations appeared first on What's That Bug?.

How One Early-Career Entomologist’s Path Led Him to the ESA Governing Board | Entomology Today

This post How One Early-Career Entomologist’s Path Led Him to the ESA Governing Board appeared first on Entomology Today - Brought to you by the Entomological Society of America.

Meet Scott O'Neal, Ph.D., research entomologist at Corteva, first electee to the Early Career Representative position on the ESA Governing Board, and subject of the next installment of our "Standout Early Career Professionals" series.

The post How One Early-Career Entomologist’s Path Led Him to the ESA Governing Board appeared first on Entomology Today.

What Do Harlequin Beetles Eat? Why Are They Considered Pests?

What do Harlequin Beetles eat? This article explores their diets, habitats, and how you can get rid of these plant pests.

As the name suggests, Harlequin Beetles are a type of colorful beetle found in the United States, all the way up to Uruguay.

These beetles feed on common garden plants (and are not picky eaters at all), causing considerable damage, despite their dwindling population.

While you can easily get rid of them with some soapy water, let’s delve deeper into what these tiny bugs are.

What Are Harlequin Beetles?

Harlequin beetles (Murgantia histrionica) are a type of longhorn beetle found in parts of the American continent.

While they were originally found along the coasts of the Atlantic and the Pacific Ocean in North America, they soon spread out further south into Mexico and Uruguay.

Their names come from the distinctive coloration that both sexes exhibit. Both sexes have wings that sport shades of metallic green, greenish-yellow, bright red, and black patterns.

They can grow up to 3 inches in length and have exceptionally long forelegs. These forelegs can be longer than the entire length of the beetle’s body!

Males have larger legs (a type of sexual dimorphism) with a curvature at the front that helps distinguish them from females – the latter having shorter legs with no front curvature.

Males that have longer legs typically also have better reproduction abilities. These legs help guard the female during copulation and protect them from other predators and beetles.

Cotton Harlequin Bug

What Do They Eat?

Harlequin beetles are vegetarian and feast on most types of fresh vegetable plants. They attack common garden plants such as corn, tomato, and asparagus.

A species’ favorite seems to be planted in the Brassica family (cabbage family). This includes vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, radish, cabbage, and more.

Because of the avid rate at which these beetles destroy plants, they are considered major garden pests.

These common pests feed by sucking out the plant sap, which destroys not only the fruits and vegetables but the plant itself.

The beetles inject a secretion into the host plant, liquifying its insides. They then suck on the plant juices. These insect pests can attack all parts of your plant, from roots to stems to veggies.

Young plants can die, and older plants can end with stunted growth. Adult harlequin bugs usually emerge during spring.

However, even the harlequin beetle larvae can cause considerable damage to plants. Infected plants will have discolored spots on them and eventually turn brown.

Harlequin Bug Nymph

Are Harlequin Bugs Harmful To Humans?

Harlequin beetles are not dangerous to humans (the same cannot be said for plants).

They are vegetarian and do not feed on flesh or other insects.

Moreover, they are not poisonous, and to date, there is no instance of them carrying or infecting humans with pathogens.

However, they have strong mandibles, characteristic of the beetle family. On facing danger, they can use this to clip onto the skin, which can be painful.

Sometimes, harlequin beetles can be carriers for some species of pseudoscorpions, which one should beware of.

Immature Harlequin Stink Bugs

How To Get Rid of Harlequin Bugs?

Large populations of harlequin beetles can damage your crops. Here are some measures you can take to control or eradicate their numbers:

• Opt for vegetables that are resistant to these beetles.
• Harlequin beetles are native to rainforest regions and thrive in bushy areas and plant debris. They are tree-dependent for their life cycle, hence keeping your garden well-weeded and clean will discourage beetle growth. You can also remove existing eggs from your plants by checking the underside of leaves and stems. If you find any harlequin bug eggs, kill them by drowning them in a soapy mixture or warm water.
• You can use insecticidal soap on your plants that are already infected. These insecticides remove the exoskeleton of the beetle, which will eventually cause them to die due to dehydration.
• An organic way to drive them out is to use onion or garlic-based sprays. The smell deters beetles.

Harlequin Flower Beetle

Having said this, the harlequin beetle population is slowly dwindling due to deforestation and natural predators.

The IUCN classifies their conservation status as ‘Vulnerable.’

Due to their interesting wing patterns, they are kept as pets and often collected by connoisseurs for taxidermy and display.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the harlequin bug eat?

The harlequin bug is a herbivore, and it prefers to feed on the leaves of cruciferous plants.
It primarily feeds on cabbage, broccoli, kale, turnip, kohlrabi, collards, Brussels sprouts, mustard greens, and radishes.
This pest also loves flower petals such as nasturtiums and marigolds.
The adults feed by sucking juices from tender foliage using their piercing-sucking mouthparts, while nymphs often eat through the crusty cuticles of larger leaves, leaving white patches.

Can harlequin beetles fly?

Harlequin beetles cannot fly due to the structure of their bodies.
The Harlequin Beetle has a large body and short wings, which would not provide enough lift for them to take flight.
They are, however, very good climbers, thanks to their strong legs and grip-like claws on their feet.
Furthermore, the Harlequin Beetle is light-sensitive, so it can be seen living in forested environments alongside other types of deadwood-dwelling insects.

What do harlequin beetles do?

Harlequin beetles are from the Longhorn beetle family and are known for their unique color patterns.
The Adult harlequin beetle has colorful scales that look like black, yellow, red, and blue painted glass.
The bright colors of these beetles may be intended to provide protection from predators or to attract mates.
They vary in size depending on the species but range from about 0.4 inches (1 cm) in length.
Harlequin beetles live around Europe, Asia, and North Africa and eat the leaves of willow trees, sweet gum trees, and tulip trees.
During their development, they also consume decaying wood and fungi that grow on the bark of these tree species.

How long do harlequin beetles live?

Harlequin beetles typically live for 1-3 years, depending on the species. During this time, they should have ample opportunity to mate and reproduce.
Typically, Harlequin beetles spend part of their life in their larval stage before morphing into adults.
In some species, they hibernate during the winter months, while in others, they remain active throughout the year, though some may enter dormancy during periods of extreme weather.

Wrap Up

Due to their appearance, people often mistake them for stinky bugs.

They are also distinct from the Harmonia axyridis or the harlequin ladybirds, which are ladybird beetles found in the UK isles.

But once you get familiar with their strange coloration, it’s hard to mistake them for anything else. Thank you for reading.

The post What Do Harlequin Beetles Eat? Why Are They Considered Pests? appeared first on What's That Bug?.

Do Harlequin Beetles Bite? Are They Poisonous?

Harlequin beetles are colorful insects that invite the eye. But is it safe to touch them or pick them up? Do harlequin beetles bite or sting? Let’s find out.

Harlequin beetles, also known as acrocinus longimanus, are known for their vibrant and striking colors and patterns on their bodies. 

These beetles are primarily found in South and Central America and are known to inhabit tropical and subtropical rainforests. 

They are not considered harmful to humans and are not known to bite. 

However, despite their benign nature, they may nip or bite when handled roughly as a natural instinctive response to danger. 

In this article, we will tell you more about harlequin beetles, their habitat, and how to keep safe from their bites.

Immature Harlequin Stink Bugs

What Are Harlequin Beetles?

Harlequin beetles are a jewel beetle species native to South and Central America. 

These striking insects can reach three inches, with spectacular metallic-green bodies featuring red, yellow, orange, or black spots. 

They are attracted to sap flows from certain tree species, such as burseras and palo santos. 

Although they primarily consume the sap, they sometimes nibble on the exposed tree bark when other resources are scarce.

The harlequin beetle is a keystone species in its habitats, dispersing pollen and helping shape the local ecological environment by aiding in the decomposition of woody material. 

In addition, their beautiful coloration has made them popular among collection enthusiasts who seek out specimens for personal displays or research purposes.

Do They Bite/Sting?

They possess the potential to bite or sting, but these beetles are typically harmless to humans. 

While the harlequin beetle does possess piercing mandibles, it is generally not aggressive and poses no serious threat when encountered by people. 

However, the species may be capable of inflicting localized pain should it come into direct contact with skin.

Are They Poisonous/Venomous?

Harlequin beetles are not considered venomous or poisonous. 

They feed on plant materials and fungi, which their larvae depend on for sustenance. 

The peculiar color patterns of harlequin beetles act as warning signals to predators, hinting at potential toxins or poisons that may be found in the beetles’ bodies. 

What To Do if Bitten by a Harlequin Beetle?

It is unlikely that a person would be bitten by a harlequin beetle, as they cannot bite. 

Harlequin beetles are not known to be harmful to humans and do not have any toxic or venomous properties. 

In general, if any insect bites you, you must seek medical attention as soon as possible. 

Wash the bite area thoroughly with mild soap and warm water for at least 10 minutes, and apply an ice pack. 

Depending on the severity of your symptoms – such as localized swelling and redness, nausea, headache, and fever, you should seek medicine.

Treatment may include antibiotics or other anti-inflammatory medications. 

What Do They Eat?

The Harlequin beetle is an extraordinary creature found in jungles, rainforests, and semi-arid grasslands and has a voracious appetite. 

This beetle consumes fruit, leaves, and petals with high water levels and carbohydrates to maintain a healthy diet. 

Cotton Harlequin Bug

To help the beetle build strong wing covers and other body parts, the harlequin beetle goes for sap produced by certain plant species and insects like ants, spiders, and cucumber beetles. 

These beetles sometimes feed on dead or rotting wood materials such as leaf litter or fallen branches from trees to provide variety in their diet. 

Floating plants are also part of its regular meals since they provide the beetle with much-needed minerals necessary for development.

Where Do Harlequin Beetles Live?

Harlequin beetles are active during the day and make their homes in rainforest canopies from northern Mexico to Brazil. 

This native beetle species relies on large trees for survival, usually seeking out those with high levels of rotting wood. 

They prefer warm, wet habitats for reproduction since they often congregate near rivers and streams in remote parts of the South American jungle. 

Harlequin beetles also have been spotted in various plantations where they seek places with an abundance of dead wood and decaying vegetation to feed on. 

The ability to change color makes these small beetles incredibly adaptive. 

Since they travel through different environments, they quickly adapt to the colors that match their surroundings. 

Are They Beneficial or Dangerous?

Harlequin beetles are beneficial insects to the environment due to their role in pollination. 

When they feed on native wildflowers, among other plants, they pick up and spread pollen from flower to flower. 

They also serve as food sources for predators that control populations of pests, which further helps to maintain balance in a given ecosystem. 

However, their larvae can damage fruit, vegetable, and foliage crop fields. 

As adults, these brightly colored beetles feed primarily on pollen and nectar from flowers, with the harlequin ladybird laying eggs in wood substrates found on the ground or beneath tree bark. 

While these exotic-looking insects are generally beneficial pollinators, their burrowing activities can lead to timber degradation and reduce revenue for commercial foresters. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Harlequin beetles poisonous?

Harlequin beetles are not considered to be poisonous, and they do not transmit any type of disease. 
They are known, however, for their incredibly bright colors, which can be striking when seen.
The colors are meant to warn predators away from the beetle due to their bad taste when eaten.
Their colors range from red, blue, yellow, and orange, with splotches of black, white, and other colors along the edges.

Do Harlequin ladybirds bite humans?

Do Harlequin ladybirds bite humans?
Harlequin ladybirds do not bite humans and pose no threat to our health. 
As far as we know, this species of ladybird does not consume human blood as nourishment.
Harlequin ladybirds are actually considered beneficial because they feed on a variety of pests that can harm crops and plants.
When disturbed, the Harlequin will emit a chemical defense secreted from glands located near its head. 
This insect has known to bite other insects, such as city bugs, aphids, and vegetable pests.

What happens if a ladybird bites you?

If a ladybird bites you, it is not likely to cause pain or death. Ladybirds have very small mouths, and they cannot harm humans.
In most cases, the ladybird will not even attempt to bite you – they are typically quite harmless.
However, if there has been significant irritation or swelling at the site of the bite, then it may be a good idea to seek medical attention or contact your local doctor for further guidance.

What kills harlequin bugs?

Harlequin bugs are killed by a variety of methods, including predators such as mosquitoes, lady beetles, and lacewings, microbial pathogens such as fungi and bacteria, and even their own parasites.
Additionally, certain chemicals, such as carbamate insecticides, also kill harlequin bugs.
The greatest danger to harlequin bugs is always the environment they live in; if an area gets too dry or too cold, then it is likely to be too uncomfortable for these insects to survive.
Finally, intense heat can also cause mortality in these bugs.

Wrap Up

In summary; harlequin beetles are a species of jewel beetle known for their vibrant and striking colors and patterns on their bodies. 

They are primarily found in tropical and subtropical rainforests in South and Central America and are attracted to sap flows from certain tree species, such as burseras and palo santos. 

They are not considered harmful and do not have any toxic or venomous properties. However, they may nip or bite when handled roughly as a natural instinctive response to danger. 

They are considered a keystone species in their habitats, helping to shape the local ecological environment by aiding in the decomposition of woody material.

The post Do Harlequin Beetles Bite? Are They Poisonous? appeared first on What's That Bug?.

Why Do Hoverflies Hover? And How Do They Do It?

Aerodynamically bumblebees aren’t supposed to fly, but they do it anyway. Hoverflies do something even more amazing: they hover! But why do hoverflies hover, and how do they do it? We explore the science behind insect flight in this article.

It is quite rare to come across phenomena that break the laws of science.

The flight of the hoverfly is one such case that defies the conventional laws of aerodynamics that holds true to flights, helicopters, and more.

How? Let us find out.

How Many Types of Hover Flies Are There?

Flower fly populations are abundant worldwide. You will be fascinated to know that there are approximately 6,000 species of hoverflies globally.

They can adapt well to various climatic conditions, which is why you can find them in all regions except Antarctica and deserts.

Also, 62 hoverfly species are found in America. You can spot them in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, West Virginia, and many other states in the US.

Adult hover flies prefer to be around flowering gardens as they are the ideal sites to provide primary food sources like nectar and pollens.

They like to lay their eggs in places that are infested with aphids, so if you have both things in your garden, then it is likely that you will find hoverflies.

Do All Species Hover?

Almost all hoverfly species can be spotted actively hovering over a wide range of flowers.

Since they are active flower visitors, they are often considered excellent pollinators.

Also, the hover fly larvae are ferocious predators of aphids, scale insects, and other soft-bodied arthropods.

Due to this, farmers use these bugs for biological control of aphid infestations. A bunch of larvae can comfortably eradicate entire aphid colonies in days.

No wonder why they are called beneficial insects.

Hornet Hoverfly

Why Do Some of Them Hover?

Hoverflies get their name because of their ability to stay suspended in the air during flight, like a drone. But not all of them hover.

There is a particular species of hoverfly that are called drone flies.

A drone fly is an excellent mimic of a Honeybee. They, too, have bee-like black and yellow stripes on the abdomen.

These drone flies hover around the flowers to be able to feed efficiently.

However, hovering also helps them attract mates.

Research has shown that the stability and duration of the hovering help to attract the female. The more steady they are in mid-air, the more the chances of impressing a mate.

Also, these insects will keep hovering around you if you are drenched in sweat.

This happens because hoverflies are particularly attracted to the salts in human sweat and fall on the skin to lick them.

How Do Hoverflies Fly?

The hovering ability of hoverflies is one of the most interesting facts about them.

These flies constantly keep adjusting the frequency of their wingbeats to the wind pattern to stay afloat during windy days. How amazing is that?

A strong gust of wind cannot blow away a skilled hoverfly.

On rare occasions, you can also spot them around flowers flying backward.

Hover Fly

Flexible Wings

The primary reason behind this is the flexible pair of wings. Hoverflies have one of the most flexible wings in the insect kingdom.

The versatile nature of their pairs of wings is off the charts; they can bend and twist these wings at a 45 degrees angle and at a frequency of 300 Hz.

These wings help to maintain the perfect angle to be able to hover.

Leading Edge Vortex

According to the laws of conventional aerodynamics, insects like bumblebees and hoverflies are not supposed to be able to fly.

The leading edge vortex is a process that allows these insects to fly. It is this process that helps these insects to defy the laws of aerodynamics.

As the name suggests, a vortex is created along the leading edge of their wings; This creates a low-pressure zone on top of the wings.

As per Bernoulli’s theorem, the low-pressure zone adds an upward lift that helps them fly.

Air Viscosity

Another reason insects like bumblebees and hoverflies can fly is because of the viscosity in the air.

Viscosity adds resistance when these insects beat their wings.

The dragging action involved sweeps more air which results in higher resistance.

The additional resistance gives a stronger push to support the weight of the insects.

Footballer

These observations were made by John Maynard Smith and M.J. Davies in the 1950s.

This was done through an experiment where they etherized a few hoverflies and pasted them on a pin.

Later they surrounded them with metaldehyde particles and conducted flash photography to record the length of exposure.

The resulting pictures were quite underwhelming according to modern standards but strong enough to record the above observations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are hoverflies attracted to?

Hoverflies are attracted to any area that has an abundance of flowering plants.
They hover around these flowers to mate and consume pollens and nectar.
Also, in the initial life stages as larvae, they love to be around aphid populations as they are the primary food source.
You can attract them to your garden by having bright-colored flowers nearby.

Why do Hoverflies hover around you?

Hoverflies are especially attracted to the salts present in human sweat.
If you are drenched in sweat, hoverflies will hover around you to lick and consume the sweat beads.
To avoid this, use sweat repellents that will keep you dry on hot sunny afternoons.

What is the purpose of a hoverfly?

In an earlier stage of the life cycle as larvae, these insects consume aphids, scale insects, and more to attain enough nutrition to transition into the pupal stage.
Once they grow up, they fall and hover around flowers to consume nectar and pollens and to find mates.

Where do hoverflies go at night?

Various species of flies and insects are usually attracted to bright lights at night. Once they spot a light source, they start flying toward it.
Also, some insects search for a safe spot to rest after the sun goes down. You can find them on twigs, branches, and on the undersides of leaves at night.

Wrap Up

Technically insects like bees and hoverflies should not be able to fly.

The experiments conducted by John Maynard Smith and M.J. Davies in the 1950s explained how these insects could fly despite the laws of physics being stacked against them.

We hope the article helped you get some insight into the amazing capability of flight that these insects possess.

Thank you for reading!

Reader Emails

Why hover flies hover is the subject of several emails that we have received over the years. While some were letters of wonder, others were all about disgust and fear.

Read on to find out more about the interactions of these insects with human beings and the varied reactions people have to their flying abilities!

Letter 1 – Corn-Tossel Fly? might be a Flower Fly

 

Hello Bugman!!
When I was a young lad I would often go fishing with my grandfather and in the hot days of summer we would often encounter "corn-tossel flies." In all actuality I have no idea what they are called, but I see them quite often and I have always been curious about them. I do not have any photos of them but I think I could describe them to you and you would be able to place them rather easily seeing as how they are a fairly common bug (in southern Illinois anyway).
The bug is obviously a fly of some sort that has an elongated and flattened body that is striped like a bee (yellow and black) and it has a head like a house fly (two large red eyes being the majority of its head). One thing I find to be very amusing is its behavior. The fly seems to hover much like a hummingbird, whereas your average fly would just zoom on by and land at its desired location, the "corn-tossel fly" (as my grandpa coined it) would hover over a certain location before deciding to land almost as if it were checking out the area to see if it would be ok to land on. Another amusing behavior it possesses is its way of landing on hand, arm, or leg and doing "the fly suck". Whilst doing "the fly suck" it will move about the immediate vicinity of where it decides to land and bob its little bee-butt up and down with every other step. When I first discovered these peculiar flies the motion of its butt reminded me of how a bee stings, and I used to think that it was in the process of stinging when this occurred.
If you could identify this bug and provide me with a little info on it I would greatly appreciate it!
-CTF guy

Dear CTF Guy,
We have never heard of a Corn Tossel Fly. It sounds like you are describing a Flower Fly, Family Syrphidae. The larvae eat aphids and other destructive plant pests. The adults eat pollen, which is why perhaps they are attracted to corn tassels. The only photo we have was sent by Daniel from Mexico City.

Letter 2 – 2 Alaskan Hover Flies

 

Yellow Jacket Hover Fly Here are some more pictures from Eagle River, Alaska. These are a hover fly that is an excellent yellow jacket mimic. Their front legs are black and they usually hold them out in front and wave them about like yellow jacket antennae. The other four legs are yellow like a yellow jacket. In these pictures, it is hard to see the front legs, as he is using them to eat. These are very hard to distinguish from the local yellow jackets. The only reason they are easy to spot this year is there are no yellow jackets near my house. We had a late, cold spring, followed by a hot dry summer, and all the yellow jackets and hornets seem to have died off. Last year, there were so many that my yard had a constant loud hum from the thousands of yellow jackets. Anyway, all the yellow jacket mimics really stand out this year (like the wasp moth I sent last month). Also, here is another hover fly. The color morphology was different from the others I have seen on your site, so I thought you would like to add them to your collection. Finally, here are two beetles on a wild prickly rose. I’m not really looking for an ID, I just thought it was a neat picture and figured you’d like it. (sorry about the black specks, the image sensor was dirty and I was using a very small aperture). I’m sure you are swamped with bug pictures right now, but would you be interested in a CD of some of the better ones from this summer? I could send you one this winter after things slow down a bit. -David ps. If anyone is interested, the camera used was a Canon EOS 5D with a EF – 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens and MT-24 Macro Flash Hi David, Yes, we really are swamped right now, but there seems to never be a slow time. Winter in US means summer in Australia, and we get many requests from Down Under. WE feel guilty when we do not respond to your letters, but we have a better request than you sending us a CD. A CD would not have an explanatory letter and we like having information. Please limit your submissions to one insect, or type of insect, per letter. It makes it so difficult to get your letters with four or five wonderful images that need to be posted on numerous pages so we procrastinate, then forget. Off the tops of our heads, we cannot even recall the Wasp Moth you mention in this letter. Did we post it? If not, please resend with information. Meanwhile, we are happy to post your unidentified Alaskan Hover Flies. The Yellow Jacket mimic might be the genus Chrysotoxum.

Letter 3 – Australian Hover Flies Mating in Flight

 

Hoverflys mating in flight Sun, Feb 22, 2009 at 9:43 PM Hi guys, Just spotted a hoverfly in the garden that was staying very much in the one spot so grabbed the camera and turned out to be this pair in mating flight.. Sorry the top guy is not real sharp around the head, ID is Common Hover Fly – Ischiodon scutellaris. Thought you might like them for the buglove pages aussietrev Queensland, Australia

Hover Flies Aerial Mating

Hi Trevor, What an amazing and romantic photograph.  Thanks for providing our readership with a species identification as well.

Letter 4 – Unknown Hover Fly from New Zealand might be Three LIned Hoverfly

 

What is this? December 25, 2009 We have never seen a bug like thin in NZ before. Any idea what it might be? It looks like a cross between a blow fly and a wasp. Any light you could share on it would be great. Thanks heaps Paulo the wonderer Auckland New Zealand

Hover Fly

Dear Paulo, The ventral view of your photograph is not ideal for identification purposes, and a dorsal view is much preferred.  We believe this is some species of Hover Fly in the family Syrphidae.  You might try comparing the images on the Insects of Brisbane Syrphidae page to see if any look close to your specimen.

Letter 5 – Flower Fly, we believe, from Kuwait

 

bee or fly March 8, 2010 Hello, I am writing to you from an American military base in Kuwait. I am in pest management and would like to calm the fears of my fellow military members. Recently we have had a large number of flying insects that appear to be bees but i believe they are flies. They have been hanging out on shaded walls to stay out of the heat. They do not behave like bees they only look similar to bees. They range in size from 1/4″ to 1/2″. Leslie B Kuwait

Flower Fly

Hi Leslie, We mean no disrespect in writing this, but we believe that there are far greater threats to our brave military men and women in Kuwait than either bees or flies, and we hope that there is a strong support system for calming their fears regarding bombs, missiles and bullets.  This is a fly, and we believe it is a harmless Hover Fly or Flower Fly in the family Syrphidae, a group that has numerous members that mimic stinging insects.  For the record, in the scheme of things worldwide, Flies would generally be a cause of greater concern than bees whose stings are temporarily painful, but cause no lasting harm except in the case of severe allergies.  On the other hand, Flies, which include Mosquitoes, often bite and they can be serious disease vectors, especially in warmer climates.   Malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever and sleeping sickness are all spread by the bites of mosquitoes and flies, and diseases like typhoid fever, anthrax, leprosy, cholera, conjunctivitis, tuberculosis, dysentery and diarrhea can be spread through contact with the Common House Fly.  Your Flower Fly, we are pleased to report, is benign and no cause for alarm. Daniel, Thank you so much for your quick response and your honest words.  Thankfully not many bombs, missiles, or bullets flying in Kuwait but yes we have support and preparation to face the human threat if it presents itself.  It is odd but true that some fear the insects so fiercely. After spending some time researching on your website I was able to form an educated guess that it was from the Syrphidae family, and indeed mimicking a bee.  I appreciate your email confirming my suspicions. I appreciate you stressing the medical importance of the fly as I have spent the majority of my time over the last 3 months battling the common fly and hope the upcoming 100 degree plus weather will greatly assist me in the matter of controlling the pest.  I may be the only one on base praying for higher temperatures. Thank you again for your assistance and no disrespect was taken.

Letter 6 – Flower Fly: Eristalinus taeniops

 

Bee/Fly with Yellow Striped Eyes? March 30, 2010 Saw this on the patio a couple days ago. Thought it was a bee at first, but the yellow striped eyes were pronounced. It’s about the size of a common bee or fly. Do you have any idea what this might be or what would cause the markings on the eyes? Kyle B. Long Beach, California

Flower Fly

Dear Kyle, Though it resembles a bee, your fly is not a Bee Fly.  It is a Hover Fly or Flower Fly in the family Syrphidae.  The species Eristalinus taeniops, is only reported from California on BugGuide.

Letter 7 – Common Hover Fly from Australia

 

Flying nectar loving bugs Location:  Sydney, Australia October 14, 2010 5:58 pm Two that I photographed yesterday around a flowering bush in Sydney, Australia. None of my friends can identify either of them and so far I’ve been unable to identify them on-line. Signature:  Mike Gordon

Common Hover Fly

Hi Mike, For classification purposes in our own confusing archives, we like to have each species of insect identified on its own posting.  The first image you have submitted to us we quickly identified on the Brisbane Insect website as the Common Hover Fly, Melangyna viridiceps, though in the photograph posted there, the wings are covering the abdomen of the insect and the markings are not as apparent.  We followed the link provided to the Csiro website, and the photo provided there indicates a much more obvious match.

Letter 8 – Hover Fly

 

Interesting Bee Location: Jaffery, NH, White Arrow Trail, Mt. Monadnock July 4, 2011 10:50 pm My cousin and I were walking down an access road from the main path (White Arrow Path) at Mt Monadnock, in Jaffery NH, When we spotted a bee, just hovering there. We walked past the bee, and it did not move, using quite a bit of energy to stand in one spot constantly. So we walked on, and there was another one, facing the SAME direction and hovering, this time I approached it and it moved in a triangle pattern and went back to the same spot, exactly the same spot, only this time its abdomen throbbed and a stinger emerged. At that point we moved on. Then we saw a third, then fourth… I took a photo by the 7th one, they were in 20 or so foot intervals all the way down the path, all facing the same direction and very determined to stay in their one by one inch spot at a specific height, very calculated seeming spot in the air. What kind of bee is this and what could it possibly be up to staying in one spot for this long, and this specific to that ONE one inch cube of airspace??? Signature: -Vaughn Saball

Hover Fly

Hi Vaughn, This is not a bee, but rather it is a Hover Fly in the family Syrphidae.  Many Hover Flies mimic bees for protection.  The behavior you described is very interesting.  We hope we are able to research a species name for you.  Alas, the photo you provided is an excellent action photo, but it doesn’t provide us with a view of the markings which may make species identification quite difficult.  Meanwhile, you can read some general information on Hover Flies on BugGuide.  We did locate this scholarly article published by the Cambridge Entomological Club in 1929 entitled Notes on the Syrphidae Collected at Jaffrey and Mount Monadnock, N.H., with a Description of a New Species by C. W. Johnson.

Letter 9 – Flower Fly, we believe

 

Subject: Large bee in North bay northern Ontario. Location: Calendor northern Ontario September 28, 2014 4:31 am We noticed lots of bees on this particular fall day. Cannot seem to find any similar to identify. Signature: Carol S Amour

Syrphid Fly, we believe

Dear Carol, This is not a bee.  If you inspect the image closely, you will see only one pair of wings, indicating that this is a fly, albeit one that mimics bees.  We believe your fly is in the family Syrphidae, the Hover Flies and Flower Flies, and many members in the family mimic bees and wasps as a means of protection.  Though we have not had any luck locating an exact match, we believe your individual most closely resembles the members of the subgenus Eoseristalis that are pictured on BugGuide.

Letter 10 – Hover Fly

 

Subject: What is this bee? Location: Sub alpine region of Colorado July 23, 2017 6:56 am Hey bugman! I snapped this photo of a tiny bee about to land on a flower for nectar. I am in Boulder County, CO and this shot was taken at or above 10,000ft. It was mostly black and when it wasn’t zipping around, it would hover. I’m stumped! Signature: He with the Bee

Hover Fly

This is not a Bee.  This is a Hover Fly or Flower Fly in the family Syrphidae.  Many harmless members of the family Syrphidae are effective mimics of stinging bees and wasps.

Letter 11 – Ambush Bug eats Flower Fly

 

Subject:  Found on Asters and it appears to prey on bees Geographic location of the bug:  Bloomington, Indiana Date: 10/16/2017 Time: 09:31 PM EDT I’ve seen a couple of these bugs. They are pretty small, only looking like a tiny piece of bark that fell onto the flower. They seem to park themselves on the aster and aren’t afraid of being photographed. Today, I got a shot of one sucking on the abdomen of a small bee. It looked like the bee wad dead. How you want your letter signed:  Teddy Alfrey

Ambush Bug eats Flower Fly

Dear Teddy, Your images are exquisite.  The predator in your images is an Ambush Bug, and though it resembles a bee, the prey is actually a Flower Fly or Hover Fly in the family Syrphidae.  Ambush Bugs are frequently found on blossoms where they ambush insects, many of which are pollinators.

Ambush Bug

Daniel, Thanks for the “exquisite” comment, and the quick reply!! My thought was that the prey was something like a Mason Bee, but of course, you’re right about the Flower Fly. I have quite a few insect photos on my Flickr page:  https://www.flickr.com/photos/teddyalfrey/albums And on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/teddy.alfrey Other than bees, my favorite insects to photograph are spiders, but I don’t get much love for my spider photos! Thanks again!!! Teddy. We have published your links so maybe you will get some additional traffic.

Letter 12 – Hover Fly from Hawaii

 

Subject:  Some kind of hoverfly? Geographic location of the bug:  Pu’u Wa’awa’a, Big Island, Hawaii Date: 01/25/2018 Time: 06:32 PM EDT Your letter to the bugman:  Greetings, I saw this fly on a mamane flower at around 4,000 feet, near the top of Pu’u Wa’awa’a. It looks like some kind of hoverfly. I thought the markings on the back end would make it easy to  ID, but I can’t find one that looks exactly like this. Any ideas would be appreciated. Mahalo. How you want your letter signed:  Graham

Hover Fly

Dear Graham, This is indeed a Hover Fly or Flower Fly in the family Syrphidae, a group whose members often impersonate stinging Bees and Wasps as protective mimicry.  Many members of the family closely resemble one another, so exact species identification can be difficult, and this is further exacerbated in Hawaii where many insects and other creatures are not native.  This FlickR image of  Allograpta obliqua looks very similar, and according to BugGuide data, it is a very far ranging species across North America, making it a likely candidate for its also living in Hawaii.  According to Phorid.net:  “This species is found from North America to Southern South America, and has been introduced in Hawaii. A few specimens were collected at both our Year 1 Malaise trap sites. The larvae feed on aphids, and were found to be a major component of the syrphid fauna of organic lettuce fields on the Central Coast of California.” Hi Daniel, Many thanks for the identification. That certainly looks like what I saw. Armed with that information, I found several other sites (scholarspace.manoa.hawaii.edu/handle/10125/14453, entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/hover_fly.htm, www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/rubinoffd/rubinoff_lab/projects/Pest_Fruit_Flies/Pest_Fruit_Flies.htm) confirming the presence of Allograpta obliqua in Hawaii. Keep up the good work. Graham

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