Identify Bug - Ask Extension
Hello! Can you please help me to identify this bug? The little ones are all over my nasturtiums in my garden and some on my astilbe and dahlia. ...
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Identify Bug #877586
Asked July 17, 2024, 9:57 AM EDT
Hello! Can you please help me to identify this bug? The little ones are all over my nasturtiums in my garden and some on my astilbe and dahlia. They bite and produce little red marks that sometimes itch. Help! Thank you!
Grand Traverse County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Shirley -
It looks as if it's a Spined Soldier bug. From what I have just read, it's a relative of the stink bug. It is sold, believe it or not, to farmers to eat caterpillars and other slow moving crop destroyers. https://entomology.ces.ncsu.edu/biological-control-information-center/beneficial-predators/spined-soldier-bug/
Spined Soldier bugs supposedly don't eat plants - it is possible yours is feeding on some other insect that is doing that damage on your nasturtiums?
I hope this helps.
It looks as if it's a Spined Soldier bug. From what I have just read, it's a relative of the stink bug. It is sold, believe it or not, to farmers to eat caterpillars and other slow moving crop destroyers. https://entomology.ces.ncsu.edu/biological-control-information-center/beneficial-predators/spined-soldier-bug/
Spined Soldier bugs supposedly don't eat plants - it is possible yours is feeding on some other insect that is doing that damage on your nasturtiums?
I hope this helps.
