Beetle Identity and Control

[frjeff]

Fellow Chili Heads,

This is my first year growing peppers and I have just found this guy on many different types of plants in my garden. So far, I have no idea if it is beneficial or not (me thinks NOT).

Can anyone help ident this thing and if not beneficial, what can I do to eradicate him??

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/5963570613_6489dbbb66_b.jpg[/img]

 

[Indiana_Jesse]

It is actually some type of "true bug" not a beetle. It is likely a leaf/stem/fruit or seed feeder, not a predator. Do you have a lot of milkweed or boxelder around? It looks like a nymph of either a milkweed bug or boxelder bug. If that is the case, they shouldn't bother any of your other plants.

 

[frjeff]

It is actually some type of "true bug" not a beetle. It is likely a leaf/stem/fruit or seed feeder, not a predator. Do you have a lot of milkweed or boxelder around? It looks like a nymph of either a milkweed bug or boxelder bug. If that is the case, they shouldn't bother any of your other plants.

No real milkweed or box elder trees in neighborhood.
MSU Extension office locally is unable to identify, so I have emailed their "Ask the Expert".
May be 48 hours before reply. Looks lots like the Japanese potato beetle except for coloration.

 

[Indiana_Jesse]

After doing a quick search, I believe it is indeed a Boxelder bug. Harmless to your garden plants. Check out this link http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/dg0998.html

 

[frjeff]

Indiana Jesse,

You have saved the day!
Thanks for the hard research, I could not find a pic to identify.
Now, I've saved the link you sent and will use it again I'm sure!

Thanks again for the help.