benefical insects of new mexico

7/31/2019 Benefical Insects of New Mexico

1/28

1

Pocket Guide to the BenecialInsects of New Mexico

Tessa R. Grasswitz, New Mexico State UniversityAgricultural Science Center, Los Lunas, NM

David R. Dreesen, Natural Resources ConservationService Plant Materials Center, Los Lunas, NM


2/28

2

Contents

Introduction ...........................................................3Attracting and retaining benecial insects .................4Suggested insectary plants for New Mexico ...............5Other ways to conserve benecial insects .................7Common benecial insects of New Mexico

1. Beetles (Order: Coleoptera) .............................9(i) Ladybeetles/Ladybird beetles (Coccinellidae) .......9(ii) Ground beetles (Carabidae)......................11(iii) Rove beetles (Staphylinidae) .....................12(iv) Soft-winged ower beetles (Melyridae) .......13

2. True bugs (Order: Hemiptera) ........................14

(i) Big-eyed bugs (Georcoris species) ..............14(ii) Minute pirate bugs (Anthocoridae) .............15(iii) Damsel or nabid bugs (Nabidae) ..............16(iv) Spined soldier bug (Podisus maculiventris) ...... 17(v) Assassin bugs (Reduviidae) ........................18

3. Lacewings (Order: Neuroptera) .....................19

4. Benecial ies (Order: Diptera) ......................20(i) Hoveries (Syrphidae) ................................20(ii) Tachinid ies (Tachinidae) ......................21

5. Wasps (Order: Hymenoptera) ........................22(i) Parasitic wasps (various families) ................22(ii) Predatory wasps (various families) ..............24

Further reading ....................................................27


3/28

3

Introduction

There is a wide variety of naturally occurringbenecial insects that can help keep pest insectsunder control if they are given a chance. Sadly,however, these insects are often misidentied andin some cases are mistaken for pests, leading tounnecessary and counter-productive insecticide

applications. This publication, funded by theWestern IPM Center, is intended to prevent suchmistakes by highlighting some of the benecialinsects commonly found in New Mexico farmsand gardens. Tips and suggestions on how toattract and retain such insects are also included.

Spined soldierbug nymph (left)attacking squash

bug nymph.


4/28

4

Attracting and retaining

benecial insectsLike all insects, benecial species have three basicneeds food, water, and shelter. As far as food isconcerned, although these species are predatory orparasitic for at least part of their life cycle, many of

them need oral resources (nectar and/or pollen)at various times. Such resources can sustain theseinsects when prey is scarce, help them live longer,or lay more eggs. One way of attracting theseinsects to your garden or farm is therefore to planta mixture of so-called insectary plants, which can

provide nectar and pollen all season long if properlycared for. Since benecial insects differ in the sizeand structure of their mouthparts, not all owers areequally accessible to all insects. Hence, to benet themaximum number of benecial insects, the owermixture should contain a diversity of species withdifferent bloom periods, ower sizes, structures, andcolors. A basic core mixture of insectary plants forNew Mexico has been developed at New MexicoState Universitys Los Lunas Agricultural ScienceCenter and the suggested species are illustrated

on p. 5.


5/28

5

Suggested insectaryplants for New Mexico

The species above form asuggested core mix of quick-maturing annual plants thatare readily available andeasy to grow from seed. Withthe exception of the early-owering California bluebell,they should bloom for the

entire summerparticularly if dead

owers are removedfrom time to timebefore they set seed.Additional speciescan be added, buttry to avoid double-owered varieties,which can be hardfor insects to access.

Dill(Anethum graveolens)

Buckwheat(Fagopyrum esculentum)

California bluebell(Phacelia campanularia)

Plains coreposis(Coreopsis tinctoria)

Garden cosmos(Cosmos bipinnatus) Alyssum(Lobularia maritima)


6/28

6

Row of insectary plants in full bloom.


7/28

7

Water dish with pebbles.

In addition to providingoral resources, a number ofother measures can improve

conditions for benecialinsects. Remember thateven organically-approvedinsecticides can be toxic tosuch species, so minimize theirimpact by practicing integrated

pest management (IPM). Somesystemic insecticides (e.g.,imidacloprid) can move withinthe plant and reach damagingconcentrations in nectar, so tryto avoid such products.

Provide a source of clean water,for example by lling a shallowplant saucer with pebbles andadding water until they arepartly submerged. The exposedparts of the pebbles provide

landing sites for predatory

wasps and otheruseful insects. Toavoid encouragingmosquitoes, emptythe container everyfew days and allow itto dry out for severalhours before relling.

Other ways

to conservebenecial insects


8/28

8

Many benecial insects

overwinter in the adult stagein the top layers of soil, inplant litter, or under the roughbark of trees. The value ofproviding a permanent (orsemi-permanent) area of suchoverwintering habitat has notbeen extensively researched,but is something to consider. Astrip of clump-forming perennialclover (e.g., Trifolium pratense),perhaps in combination witha native bunch grass such as

sideoats grama (Bouteloua

Clump-forming redclover (Trifolium

pratense) can provideoverwintering habitatfor benecial insects.

curtipendula), could

be used to form sucha refuge. Benecialinvertebrates foundoverwintering in thistype of habitat includespiders, adult ladybirdbeetles, groundbeetles, rove beetles,brown lacewings,parasitic wasps, nabidbugs, and big-eyed

bugs.


9/28

9

Common benecial insectsof New Mexico

Adult ladybird beetles (left to right): Hippodamia convergens,

Hippodamia parenthesis, and Olla v-nigrum.

1. Beetles(Order: Coleoptera)(i) Ladybeetles/Ladybird beetles(Family: Coccinellidae)

Most people are familiar withthe adults of these beetles,particularly the common redand black convergent ladybeetle(above). However, the egg,larval, and pupal stages are lesswell known, and the larval stages

in particular are often mistakenfor pests. In fact, it is the larva that

is the most voraciousstage of the life cycle.Keep in mind, too,that there are manydifferent species ofthese beetles in NewMexico, with variouscolors and patterns.Most species will eataphids and othersmall, soft-bodiedpests, and somespecies are specialist

predators of spidermites.


10/28

10

Ladybird egg mass (left) and larval stage (right).

Flower head of dill withladybird larvae and pupae.

Ladybeetles (continued)


11/28

11

1. Beetles(Order: Coleoptera)

(ii) Ground beetles(Family: Carabidae)

These beetles are fast-moving,relatively large predators thatattack a wide range of insectprey; a few species eat seedsand play a role in reducing theweed seed bank in the soil. Theyare typically black in color, oftenwith a metallic sheen. Sincethey are nocturnal, they oftenpass undetected in the farm and

garden, even though they maybe present in high numbers. At

Adult groundbeetle. Note large

mandibles.

rst glance they maybe mistaken for thelarge, black darkling

beetles (Family:Tenebrionidae) thatare active during theday (particularly indesert areas), but differin having a muchatter abdomen. The

larval stages developin the soil (for up to2 years, dependingon species) and preyon other soil-dwellingorganisms, including

some pests.


12/28

12

1. Beetles

(Order: Coleoptera)(iii) Rove beetles(Family: Staphylinidae)

These insects are uniqueamong the beetles in having

very short wing cases(elytra) that leave most ofthe abdominal segmentsexposed. This allows them toex the abdomen upwardsand towards the head in

a defensive posture thatresembles a scorpion. They

cannot sting,

however, andinstead capturetheir prey with theirmandibles. Theyvary in size froma few millimetersto 1-2 cm and

consume a rangeof prey, includinginsect eggs, aphids,and small mothlarvae. The larvalstages live in the soil

and feed on otherinvertebrates.

Typical rove beetles. Note short wing cases and exposedabdominal segments. (Photos by Mick E. Talbot)


13/28

13

1. Beetles

(Order: Coleoptera)(iv) Soft-winged owerbeetles (Family: Melyridae)

As their name suggests, thesebeetles are often found onowers, although they arecommon and widespreadin other habitats, includingalfalfa elds. They are oftenbrightly colored, sometimes

Two species of soft-winged ower beetle.

with a metallic

sheen. As shownabove, some specieshave enlarged basalantennal segments.Both adults andlarvae are predatory,with the latter usually

being found in thesoil, in leaf litter, orunder bark.


14/28

14

2. True bugs(Order: Hemiptera)

(i) Big-eyed bugs(Geocoris species)

Small, inconspicuous insects

(approximately 5 mm long)that are very common in bothgarden and agricultural settings.Both adults and immatures(nymphs) are readily identiedby their broad head with large

eyes projecting from the sides(above); nymphs are similar in

Adult big-eyed bug.

shape to adults butare smaller and lackfully functional wings.Adults are usuallybrown or reddish incolor and the nymphsa paler brown/grey.

As true bugs, allstages have piercingmouthparts and feedby sucking the liquidcontents from theirprey (insect eggs,

aphids, small mothlarvae, etc.).


15/28

15


(ii) Minute pirate bugs(Family: Anthocoridae)

At approximately 2-3 mmlong, these are among thesmallest of our commonpredators. In spite of theirsmall size, however, theadults are easily recognizedby their black and whitecheckerboard appearance.The immature stages are

brown and orange. Bothadults and nymphs will tacklea variety of prey, includingwhiteies, mites, insect eggsand newly hatched larvae,aphids, and thrips. These

insects can sustain themselveson pollen when prey is scarceand hence are often foundin owers.

Adult pirate bug feeding

on thrips.


16/28

16


(iii) Damsel or nabid bugs(Family: Nabidae)

The nabids or damsel bugsare a uniform dull brown color(both as adults and nymphs)and are longer and moreslender than big-eyed bugs

(approximately 9-10 mm long).

Adult nabid bug. Theimmature stages lookvery similar, but lack fullydeveloped wings.

They are commonin both farm andgarden habitats, andare good generalistpredators, tacklinga variety of prey.They overwinter in theadult stage in cracksand crevices in thesoil or in leaf litter.


17/28

17

2. True bugs

(Order: Hemiptera)

(iv) Spined soldier bug(Podisus maculiventris)

Although many stink bugs are

plant-feeding pests, the spinedsoldier bug is an excellentpredator found in a variety ofcrop habitats, including orchards,vegetables, and row crops. Theadult (approximately 14 mmlong) is a drab brown color, with

characteristic pointed shouldersthat give the species its common

Spined soldier

bug immatures:1st instar (left)and older nymph(right).

Spined soldierbug adults.Note sharplypointedshoulders.

name. Newly hatched

nymphs are red andblack, superciallyresembling an adultladybird beetle, but withmuch longer antennae.As the nymphs develop,

they lose their red colorand become muchpaler (above). Thisspecies will attack abroad range of prey sometimes taking oninsects much larger

than themselves(see. p. 3).


18/28

18


(v) Assassin bugs(Family: Reduviidae)

This is one of the largestfamilies of true bugs, andincludes the blood-suckingkissing bugs (Triatomaspecies) as well as usefulinsect predators. Kissing bugsare not normally found incrop or garden situations,but even the assassin bugs

that prey exclusively on otherinsects can inict a painfulbite if handled roughly. Thebenecial members of thisfamily are quite diverse in size,color, and structure; some

have enlarged forelegs thathelp with prey capture, whilethe so-called ambush bugs(right) hide in owers (usuallyyellow ones, where theyare well-camouaged) and

capture other ower visitors.

Assassin bug withprey (top).

Ambush bug (bottom).Note front legs adaptedfor prey capture.(Photo by Alicia Lynn)


19/28

19

3. Lacewings(Order: Neuroptera)

There are two families oflacewings: green lacewings(Family Chrysopidae) andbrown lacewings (FamilyHemerobiidae). In summer,adult green lacewings willcome to porch lights, butbrown lacewings are muchmore reclusive and arerarely seen. Both groupslay their eggs on leaves,close to potential prey.

Those of green lacewingsare stalked and are usuallyfound on the undersidesof leaves, either singly orin groups, depending onspecies (right). In both

families, it is the larvaethat are the main predatorystage; they have large,sickle-shaped mandiblesthat are inserted into soft-bodied prey (e.g. aphids,

small caterpillars, etc),which are then sucked dry.

Adult green (top)and brown (bottom)lacewings.

Green lacewing eggs.(Photo by Whitney Cranshaw,CSU, Bugwood.org)

Green lacewing larva.

(Photo by Bradley Higbee, Para-mount Farming, Bugwood.org.)


20/28

20

4. Benefcial ies(Order: Diptera)

(i) Hoveries(Family: Syrphidae)

Adult hoveries can looksupercially like wasps, buthave only 1 pair of wingsand very short antennae.The adults feed on nectarand pollen, and so are often

seen on owers (or hovering

Adult hoveries. Note short antennae compared to wasps (p. 25).

Hovery egg onsnapdragon bud (left)and larval stage withaphids (right).

over them priorto landing). Thefemales lay theireggs close to aphidcolonies, on whichthe larvae feed.The pupal stage isimmobile, somewhatpear-shaped, andnormally found onthe same plant onwhich the larva

developed.


21/28

21

4. Benefcial ies(Order: Diptera)

(ii) Tachinid ies(Family: Tachinidae)

The ies in this family areparasitoids, i.e., the femaleslay their eggs on or in thebodies of other insects, andwhen the y larvae hatch, theygradually consume the hostuntil it dies and the y larvaepupate. Many tachinids attacklarval moths and butteries,

although some speciesparasitize other insect groups(e.g., cucumber beetles(right)). The adults oftenresemble large houseies, buthave a more bristly abdomen.

They sustain themselves onnectar and pollen, and so areoften found on owers duringthe summer.

Adult tachinid ies. Notebristly abdomen.

Mature tachinid larva

emerging from dead host(cucumber beetle) prior topupating.


22/28

22

5. Wasps(Order: Hymenoptera)

(i) Parasitic wasps(various families)

Like tachinid ies, parasiticwasps behave as parasitoids,i.e., the adults are free-living, feeding mainly onnectar, while the egg andlarva (and often the pupalstage) develop inside otherinsects, eventually killingthem. Since parasitic wasps

have to overcome their hostsinternal immune defenses,they are much more restrictedin the range of insects thatthey can successfully attackthan are predators. However,

they are extremely efcient atnding their hosts, and canbe very effective biologicalcontrol agents. Parasitic waspsrange in size from just a fewmillimeters (e.g., species

that parasitize the eggs ofother insects) to several

centimeters inlength. The females

of species that attackconcealed hosts(e.g., those livingdeep within planttissues) often havea long ovipositor(egg-laying tube)extending from thetip of the abdomen;although this issometimes mistakenfor a stinger, thesespecies are harmless

to humans.


23/28

23

Two larger species in

which the long egg-laying tube (ovipositor)is visible.

Hornworm larva that has been attackedby a parasitic wasp (top); the whitestructures are the pupal cocoons of theparasitoid. Pupal cocoons of a parasitic

wasp and the dead remains of thecabbage white buttery larva in which

they developed (bottom).

A minute parasitic waspthat attacks the eggs ofsquash bugs.


24/28

24

Left to right, Paper wasp colony, entrance holes to nests of solitary grass-

carrying wasps, and potter wasp larval cell.

5. Wasps(Order: Hymenoptera)

(i) Predatory wasps

(various families)New Mexico has a large anddiverse array of predatorywasp species, some of whichform colonies while others aresolitary i.e., each femaleconstructs her own individualnest, often in the soil, butalso in other habitats suchas plant stems or pre-existingholes in dead wood. Speciesin one sub-family construct

mud pots that they provisionwith prey items for their

larvae. Althoughwasps are viewedas pests by manypeople, they will

not normally stingunless provokedand are valuablepredators; differentspecies attackmoth caterpillars,scarab beetle larvae(white grubs),grasshoppers, stinkbugs, and variousother pests. Adultwasps will feed onnectar and hence

are often seen onowers.


25/28

25

Examples of predatory wasps found in New Mexico.

Predatory wasps (various families) (continued).


26/28

26

Predatory wasps (various families) (continued).

Examples of predatory wasps found in New Mexico.


27/28

27

Further reading

Flint, M. L. and Dreistadt, S. H. 1998. Natural enemieshandbook: the illustrated guide to biological pestcontrol. University of California. 154 pp.

Helyer, N., Brown, K and Cattlin, N. D. 2012.Biological control in plant protection: a colour

handbook. Manson Publishing Ltd. 160 pp.


28/28

New Mexico State University is an equal opportunity/afrmative action employer and educator. NMSU and the U.S.

Department of Agriculture cooperating.

Cooperative Extension Service

Agricultural Experiment Station

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

benefical insects of new mexico

Documents