Are these egg masses problematic? - Ask Extension
I noticed two separate egg masses on the seed heads and stem of one of my columbine plants. The one on the seed head looks like it could be beneficia...
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Are these egg masses problematic? #870925
Asked May 31, 2024, 11:33 AM EDT
I noticed two separate egg masses on the seed heads and stem of one of my columbine plants. The one on the seed head looks like it could be beneficial - butterfly or moth? The other has the tiniest black bugs on it. Not sure if I should let them be or cut the plant back.
Thank you!
Montgomery County Maryland
Expert Response
Insect eggs can be hard to identify with certainty, but the second photo appears to show stink bug (we can't tell what species) nymphs that recently hatched out of the egg cluster. The first photo might also be true bug eggs, but it's hard to tell. Some stink bugs feed on plant juices by sucking sap, but others are predatory, hunting other insects, so are beneficial to have in the garden. Even if these are plant-feeding bugs, they won't cause serious damage to the Columbine and can be left alone.
Miri
Miri