Beneficial Insects & More

Beneficial Insects are those that feed on other insects. They can be predators or parasites. Predators actually eat other insects. Many also feed on the eggs of other insects. Parasitic insects (also called parasitoids) will lay their eggs on or in a host insect. When the egg hatches the larva feeds on the host insect killing it.

Some of the more common beneficial insects that you may recognize include the ladybug, praying mantid, dragonfly and ground beetle.

The following sites will provide you with information on how to identify beneficial insects as well as how to attract them into your yard and garden. Their life cycles and feeding habits are also discussed so that you will not mistake an immature beneficial insect for a pest.

O. Orkin Insect Zoo Student Resource Page ©:Copyright 1997 Mississippi State University
Beneficial Insects by Clemson University
Ladybugs
Praying Mantids
Ground Beetles
Predacious Ground Beetles ©:Copyright Washington State University Cooperative Extension
Beneficial Insects in the Home Garden ©Copyright University of Nevada Cooperative Extension
Attracting Beneficials to the Home Landscape ©Cornell University & New York State IPM Program
Insectary Plantings ©Copyright 1998 Integrated Farming Systems Oregan State University

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	Original document: 10 May 2003 Last updated: 10 May 2003