from the wild side

Fiery searcher
Calosoma scrutator

IDENTIFICATION — Quietly going about the business of hunting insects, especially caterpillars, the fiery searcher is a helpful predator to have in the garden. The insect is colorful, with brilliant green ridged wing covers ringed in red. Its legs, abdomen, head and pronatum (the area behind the head) are shiny blue-black. Even though the fiery searcher has wings, it rarely uses them. It’s more likely to run for cover on its long legs than fly if it sees you coming near.

You’ll notice beetles emerging from their winter hiding places in spring to feed and mate. Eggs are laid singly in the soil and hatch into long, slender larvae with short front legs. It takes about a year for the beetles to mature. Juvenile beetles inhabit the soil and feed on a variety of insects, including caterpillars. Long-lived for insects, fiery searchers can reach the ripe old age of three or even four years.

Be careful if you handle these beautiful beetles. When startled, they release a foul odor as protection against predators, such as raccoons, frogs, birds, squirrels and other animals.

FAVORITE CONDITIONS — Found throughout North America, these ground beetles hide in leaf litter, under rocks or in decaying logs during the day and emerge at night to find a meal. One of the larger beetles, fiery searchers grow 1 to 1 1/2 in. long and have large mandibles for grabbing prey. They’re especially fond of tent caterpillars and gypsy moth larvae and will even climb trees to find a midnight snack.

HOW TO ATTRACT — You can’t buy these helpful creatures, but you can encourage larger numbers by providing hiding places, such as stepping stones, a compost pile or a rotten log. Also, avoid spraying insecticides whenever possible, since the chemicals will kill these beneficial insects along with the pests.

from the wild side

Spined assassin bug
Sinea diadema

IDENTIFICATION — Spined assassin bug may have a sinister-sounding name but it’s actually one of the good guys. There are more than 100 species of assassin bug. Although some species are pests, this is one of the most common beneficials in the family. It’s found in central and southern North America and Mexico. Adults are 1/2 to 3/4 in. long, and brown with long legs, a broad flat abdomen and a narrow head with large eyes.

The segmented beak is used to spear and inject venom into prey. When not in use, the beak folds away under the bug’s body. As you might guess, the spined assassin bug does have spines. You’ll see them on its head, thorax and front legs. This hungry predator eats a wide variety of pests, including aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers and larvae of all kinds. These bugs are generally harmless to humans but if handled roughly, they can inflict a painful bite.

LIFE CYCLE — Eggs of spined assassin bug that were laid in fall hatch as temperatures warm in spring. Nymphs, about 1/4 in. long, look like miniature adults and start looking for something to eat right away. After several molts, the nymphs mature and mate, then females begin laying eggs. The first generation lives about two months and then dies. The second generation follows the same cycle, living until late fall. Eggs laid by these females will hatch the following spring.

You may already have spined assassin bugs in your yard since they are fairly common. Give these hungry predators a variety of blooming plants to hide in and they’ll help you out by hunting for insect prey. To be sure they stick around, avoid using pesticides.

asian lady beetles

Harmonia axyridis

Multicolored Asian lady beetles, or ladybugs, are beneficial, but you might not think so when they swarm your back porch or come indoors for a visit. Like the many other species of lady beetles, they feed on aphids and soft-bodied insect pests that attack flowers and vegetables. The best way to identify a multicolored Asian lady beetle from other species is by the distinctive “M” marking on the back just above the colorful wings. These lady beetles vary in color, from green to orange. And the number of spots on their backs varies.

Asian lady beetles don’t feed on wood, fabrics or human food. Nor do they sting, carry diseases or bite, although you may get a startling pinch from one. This pinch does not break the skin and is usually only a problem when your skin is moist on warm days. When you handle Asian lady beetles or step on them, they release a yellowish fluid that’s harmless but smells awful. And it can leave a stain. Always sweep up and dispose of dead beetles. Particles from the dried and crushed bodies can affect people with respiratory problems.