Bug ID

[helomech]

Not sure if this is the proper place for this, but maybe somoene can help me. What type of bug is this and is it good or bad for a garden.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii247/helomech1973/aquaponics/20120702_094605.jpg

[Vodin]

OK a can research it for ya. What type of plant is it on? Are those eggs and a 6 legged black critter?

[helomech]

It is on a Roma tomatoe plant, yes it is eggs. The bugs have a black head and a bright green abdomen. I can't figure out how to look them up.

Thanks.

[Vodin]

I believe they are a type of Aphid. Read this and try what he suggests for aphid attraction. : )

Jim Long's Columns: Tomato Beds (http://jimlongscolumns.blogspot.com/2011/05/tomato-beds.html)

[Sniper-T]

definately an aphid. an they will strip your plants bare. get some chemicals, or if you are adverse to that, Ladybugs.

[helomech]

Thanks guys, can't use any chemicals this is in the aquaponics system. Don't want to kill the fish.

[Grumpy Old Man]

Praying Mantis also work well, and they are fun to watch!

[helomech]

Praying Mantis also work well, and they are fun to watch!

Yeah, but they scare the sh8t out of me. I can handle all snakes, scorpion, spiders, anything but a praying mantis. I am sure they could kill me.

[carolinasurvivalist]

Soapy water sprayed from a spray bottle will give you some control. The soap strips the waxy outer layer(cuticle) off causing them to dry out. couple drops in an old windex bottle, fill with water, shake, let settle then spray those nasty critters down

[helomech]

thanks

[Grumpy Old Man]

Yeah, but they scare the sh8t out of me. I can handle all snakes, scorpion, spiders, anything but a praying mantis. I am sure they could kill me.

Helo that is too funny! After seeing you with that big copperhead I figured you were game for anything! You don't have to buy them grown, you can get the eggs and let them hatch, then you won't have to handle them. They can do their thing and you can do yours.

[helomech]

Helo that is too funny! After seeing you with that big copperhead I figured you were game for anything! You don't have to buy them grown, you can get the eggs and let them hatch, then you won't have to handle them. They can do their thing and you can do yours.

I know it sounds silly, copperhead no problem, praying mantis I run like a girl. I don't know why, but a critter should not be able to turn it's head around like that.

[Sniper-T]

And they'll watch you while you sleep!

http://i1213.photobucket.com/albums/cc473/loui1203/42-Praying-Mantis-Lres.jpg

Like all insects, they can crawl through some really small spaces, like that tiny little gap under your bedroom door; That opening within your vents into your vehicle; and even up the drain into your bathroom tub, sink and toilet.

And man, what a set of teeth they have! more for ripping flesh than cutting, and their saliva burns like an acid, killing everything it touches

*shudder*

Nasty things. I know of no other insect that is so hell bent on the wanton destruction of the human race! no matter what the cost! Single minded killers. It is almost as if they are organized into an army of sorts...

http://i334.photobucket.com/albums/m439/12thRecon/Praying_Manits_PMC.jpg

Oh, I'm just kidding... they aren't really watching you

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh216/Lone4eagle/prmantis1.jpg


http://i605.photobucket.com/albums/tt140/Sniper-T/nest.gif

[helomech]

Creepy things.

[Grumpy Old Man]

I heard they are all socialists and are actively working for a New World Order!

[bacpacker]

They kinda look like Reid, Pelosi, and MC Connell