Quick Facts...
� Beneficial arthropods can prevent or limit pest problems in nature.
� Arthropods predators or parasites: Biological Control
- Diptera: Tachinidea (parasites of other insects), Sirphidae,
Asilidae, Bombilidae etc�
- Aracnida:
- Hymenoptera: Brachonidae, Ichneumonidae wasps.
- Coleoptera:
- Neuroptera:
� When insecticides are needed, choose ones that are selective and less likely to harm insect predators and parasites.
Most arthropods found in the yard and Garden do not feed on or harm plants. Many of these are just passing through or have innocuous habits. Others feed on and destroy pest species. In many cases, the activities of these beneficial species can completely prevent or greatly limit pest problems. It is important to recognize these beneficial arthropods so they may be appreciated and conserved.
Beneficial arthropods are categorized broadly as either predators or parasites. Adult or immature stages of insect predators, or both, actively search out and eat prey insects. Insect parasites develop in or on a single host from eggs or larvae deposited by the adult parasite. Common insect parasites are tachinid flies and the braconid and ichneumonid wasps.
Purchasing Insect Predators and Parasites :
Several insect predators and parasites are available through Garden catalogs and other outlets. These include lady beetles; praying mantids, fly parasites, Trichogramma wasps, green lacewing eggs and others.
