Insect identification - Ask Extension
Hi! I see quite a few of these red-backed and winged critters among my Common Madia, Farewell to Spring, Oriental poppies and Sea Foam. I’ve never s...
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Insect identification #869962
Asked May 24, 2024, 3:08 PM EDT
Hi! I see quite a few of these red-backed and winged critters among my Common Madia, Farewell to Spring, Oriental poppies and Sea Foam. I’ve never seen it before. I don’t see obvious damage to plants. I’d like to know what this bug is and what it might mean for it to be so abundant in my garden.
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Matt and thanks for your great picture of a Podabrus pruniosus, or Downy Leather-winged Beetle! Lucky you to have so many of them, as they are a predator of other insects (like aphids) but also eat pollen and nectar. The red head and thorax warns would-be predators that they have defensive chemicals, so "don't try and eat me"!
It is probably abundant this year as you may have a good food source (like aphids?), or it is enjoying the nectar and pollen of your flowers. It also means you are doing a good job of not using toxic chemicals and you should be pleased to see so many. They are found March -July, so they may disappear as they complete their life cycle and prepare to over-winter.
Thanks again for the great picture!
It is probably abundant this year as you may have a good food source (like aphids?), or it is enjoying the nectar and pollen of your flowers. It also means you are doing a good job of not using toxic chemicals and you should be pleased to see so many. They are found March -July, so they may disappear as they complete their life cycle and prepare to over-winter.
Thanks again for the great picture!
Hey Rhonda,
Awesome! This is great news. I’ll continue to observe these beetles with awe and joy.
