The Insect Mall

Question: Farmer friendly insects are]?

(Posted by: ogbu on 2012-02-15 13:46:27)

Posted by: Avalon on 2012-02-16, 00:59:54

Bees, Butterflies, and Hoverflies all assist in pollination. Ladybirds and Lacewings eat aphids. Beetles not only eat Aphids but also caterpillars and bugs. The Devil's Coach-horse Beetle will even attack and eat slugs. Sadly many farmers use pesticides to wipe out the bad bugs and this also kills the good guys. Organic farmers encourage them.

Posted by: Denis Mitrowski on 2012-02-15, 13:50:38

Honey Bees, Butterflies,Ladybugs and Praying Mantis are beneficial to farmers.

Posted by: fluffernut on 2012-02-15, 13:51:20

There are quite a few. A wise farmer learns to inspect his crop, monitor insect activity as well as natural predators. The predator insects will never reach the full population compared to the problem insects (don't want to eliminate all their food!)........but the farmer will known threshold damage, at what point action need be taken. Often, by waiting, the good bugs will hold the bad bugs in check. Here is a partial list of good guys: uiweb.uidaho.edu/ so-id/ entomology/ Benefical_Insects.htm