CLOSED: red and black bug - friend or foe?

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sterhill Atlanta, GA(Zone 7b) Jun 21, 2006

This one is new to me. Good for my garden or not?
edited to say this is a little bit longer than a ladybug

This message was edited Jun 21, 2006 11:37 AM

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DrDoolotz Oxford, NS(Zone 5b) Jun 21, 2006

It is Asphaera lustrans. Also called the shining flea beetle.

Edited to add a link:
http://www.texasento.net/lustrans.htm

Not sure about what it might eat in your garden though. Flea beetles generally do some damage...

This message was edited Jun 21, 2006 12:54 PM

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sterhill Atlanta, GA(Zone 7b) Jun 21, 2006

Thanks very much - that is it. I did a google and did find it on lists but no informative material. I'll keep looking to see if it is a friend or foe...

Thanks,
Sterling

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DrDoolotz Oxford, NS(Zone 5b) Jun 21, 2006

I did notice in one spot that it said it was a beetle that occurs in Texas and South America, without mentioning any other states. I wonder if it is one of those insects that is "on the move" into new territory. Other beetles in that family include the leaf skeletonizing beetles. Keep an eye out for that sort of behaviour!

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ceejaytown The Woodlands, TX(Zone 9a) Jun 21, 2006

Well, according to your link, if you read further down, it eats things in the skullcap family....And it is in the south central states extending on up into the central central states, then over to Florida. Definitely a plant eater - of skullcap.

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DrDoolotz Oxford, NS(Zone 5b) Jun 21, 2006

Well there you go - always helps to actually read further down on the links that one posts!

(slapping myself on the forehead)

LOL

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ceejaytown The Woodlands, TX(Zone 9a) Jun 21, 2006

LOL!

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DonnaB Vancleave, MS(Zone 8b) Jun 22, 2006

really cool looking beetle

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