CLOSED: ID help please: Bright red bugs killing bee

cedar18 Lula, GA(Zone 7b) Jun 12, 2009

I'm guessing some sort of assasin bug? But I did not see them in my favorite bug book (by Whitney Cranshaw). DH saw them kill a ladybug yesterday. So it's hard to like these guys. Ideas? Thoughts?

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suunto Sinks Grove, WV Jun 13, 2009

These are nymphs of the Florida predatory stink bug (Euthyrhynchus floridanus; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) - see http://tinyurl.com/nceed6. They are general predators on other arthropods and thus often considered beneficial. Unfortunately, they tend to be pretty non-discriminatory when it comes to potential meals.

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cedar18 Lula, GA(Zone 7b) Jun 13, 2009

Thanks suunto. You are amazing. I need you on speed-dial! :)
It's hard to know what to do with bugs like this and praying mantis. IPM is a good thing, but since these bugs' taste does not agree with ours, what to do?
I appreciate your help. Now the conundrum to deal with....

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trackinsand mid central, FL(Zone 9a) Jun 13, 2009

great photo!

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cedar18 Lula, GA(Zone 7b) Jun 13, 2009

Thanks trackinsand. I am not usually a good photographer; not steady enough. We have a new camera though and I think it is improving my results. I thought, while awful, it was cool to see such a thing in action. Poor bee. Without Suunto's help, I would never have figured out what the bug was since it's not the adult version.

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