I have some bugs that keep showing up on some of my plants. They are small, black, can see you coming and will flip around to the other side of the plant stem lickety split. They also fly. Can't tell if they are doing any damage or not. I've tried to spray some of them and managed to get a couple but they are pretty darn quick. I should be able to try and get a pic tomorrow if they will hold still long enough. Does anyone have any idea what they might be. I was talking to one of the guys I work with and he has them all over his crape myrtles.
Weird Bug
Sharpshooters? They love Crepe Myrtles and are quick and shy. I have had them in McKinney. Here is a some good info on them.
http://citybugs.tamu.edu/IntheNews_Details.asp?ID_Key=389
Sweezel, it says that they really are not a problem to the myrtles. I have them on my gloriosa lilies and in amongst the margarita potato vine. Do you think they are doing any damage or just taking a break from the myrtles? There is a stand of myrtles just accross from where my plants are.
Not sure. They might be sucking the sap of those plants or just resting on other plants. I would not worry about it unless you see damage to those plants. Any damage they would do would probably be light anyway. They are more annoying than anything, because of the droplets they secrete as you are standing under the trees.
If you do start seeing damage, you could hand spray the ones you see with a pyrethrum based insecticide. Just be careful though because you could take out the good insects too.
I've seen those on my plumeria. Weird bug! No damage though to my plant.
Thanks, I'll keep an eye out for any damage but they are gonners if I catchem in a dark alley.
No problemo! I noticed you are new to Dave's scoolie, so welcome. It's nice to have another local around. :)
Thanks, I don't get to do as much planting as I'd like living in an apt. but I do more than most. I'll have pics of things to post this week.
This goofy bug just dances around the plant stem and I never can catch him. If I happen to get close he flies. He acts like he's playing peek-a-boo or something.
I have them on virtually everything- I thought they were kind of neat with that flipping around thing but then I remembered they were bugs! Even though I have them on lots of my plants I don't really see any significant damage that I can attribute directly to them- I have lots of different bugs.
I've had them for years but have never found anything damaged by them. (Unless I don't know what kind of damage they do) They aren't in herds like aphids, just lone ones here and there so I've really just ignored them. Maybe I should do some research.
Speak'n of weird bugs . . . I just posted a pic on the ID page of one of the strangest ones I've ever seen around here . . . anyone have a clue what the heck it is?
http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/617769/
GD I cannot tell you how much I hate bugs- I have been known to cut off an entire limb, branch, tomato just to get rid of a tomato worm! Please give plenty of warning next time you post such a picture so that I can avoid looking at it...you will have to excuse me now, I am going to down some valium and have my daughter lace up my straight jacket...I'll be back later.
This one did seem extra creepy with those big bulging eyes!
I am still in my straight jacket, typing w/ mouth and pencil- don't know when I will be able to come out after looking at that bug!
Poor april -- you'd better be nice to the frogs. they'll protect you.
Oh yes, I love frogs and toads, lizzards, anything that eats bugs!
http://bugguide.net/node/view/8565/bgimage
Lethocerus americanus
Giant waterbug
Quote "That insect is called Giant Water Bug, and it's nickname is called the toebiter. The front legs that's forward is like spears, because it could spear with it, and make you bleed, so don't touch it, because it'll spear you with the front legs. It's main prey is tadpole, other insect, and sometime small fish too."
OOOOOAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA It's gonna get ya, April!
Oh my woudn't that be fun a bug that will make me bleed! CeeJay you are just plain evil- tell you what, if I find one I am going to put it in a special box w/ it's own 02 supply and send it you special delivery!