insect id needed

[rds040800]

These things seem to be holding some sort of meeting on one of my plants, specifically on an ornamental pepper i really don't care too much for. Any ideas as to what they are?

 

[rds040800]

From what I have been able to find, they are milkweed bugs, and are of no concern unless I am growing milkweed.

 

[RichardK]

From what I have been able to find, they are milkweed bugs, and are of no concern unless I am growing milkweed.

Doubt it, this is a milkweed bug.

Your bugs look like giant aphids of some kind, very weird... I'd try posting the images at bugguide.net, you should get a reply in 10 minutes or less.

 

[rds040800]

That site is where I found out what they were. They are the young version of what you posted.

 

[sadams]

Here is the link that I posted, not sure where my OP went. I think what you have may be young assasin bugs, or at least it is another possibility.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassin_bug

Shane

 

[FiveStar]

Yup, they're milkweed bugs. They grow the wings over time, but start life looking like what you've got there. Maybe they think those pods are milkweed pods?! They'll soon find out different if they hit the placenta with those stilettes!

 

[Silver_Surfer]

I've had hundreds of those critters on my plants and they never caused any damage AFAIK.

 

[kilobit]

Maybe they think those pods are milkweed pods?! They'll soon find out different if they hit the placenta with those stilettes!

Only mammals have capsaicin receptors, so they wont notice a thing even if they chew on bhut/naga placenta.

 

[Nova]

Only mammals have capsaicin receptors, so they wont notice a thing even if they chew on bhut/naga placenta.

Boo you ruined my day dream! I had these critters doing cartwheels and stuff.