What is this? - Ask Extension
Hello, in my gardening I find this pupate stage of a bug. I’d like to know if it is good or not so good so I know what to do with them.
Thanks
...
Knowledgebase
What is this? #868912
Asked May 17, 2024, 2:42 PM EDT
Hello, in my gardening I find this pupate stage of a bug. I’d like to know if it is good or not so good so I know what to do with them.
Thanks
Melissa
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Melissa and thanks for your great picture of a pupa. Unfortunately, many pupae look similar at this stage, but I can tell you it is a Lepidoptera (moth or butterfly). If you want to really know, put it in a jar with a damp piece of cotton and wait for it to hatch. Sometimes I do that and sometimes I assume it is a cutworm (bad guy) and feed it to the chickens or squish it.
It's your call at this stage, but if you have a lot of trouble with cutworms cutting off your baby plants, it's probably OK to squish it.
It's your call at this stage, but if you have a lot of trouble with cutworms cutting off your baby plants, it's probably OK to squish it.
Thanks so much for your response. I think I'll go with your suggestion, with the next one I find!
Thanks for being available,
Melissa
On May 20, 2024, at 12:43 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
