CLOSED: an orange and black soft bodied bug that kills

mamajack Fate, TX(Zone 8a) Jul 02, 2007

black swallowtail caterpillars. i found this bug killing my cat today. where he bites the caterpillar, the cat shrivels and turns black like he is being burned. every cat i have had has been killed and i didn't know why until today. can someone please help me with this bug's i.d. and tell me how to get rid of them. the bug is orange and black. he appeared to be soft bodied and had the appearance of tiny grooves on his back. the bug is about the size of a lady bug but is a little longer and not as round.

Post #3684511

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OldNed Merritt Island, FL(Zone 10a) Jul 02, 2007

Maybe this one?

Podisus maculiventris
Spined Soldier Bug

It's one of the stink bugs and it does prey on swallowtail larvae

Post #3684911

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mamajack Fate, TX(Zone 8a) Jul 02, 2007

that is it. i am just going to squish them when i see them i guess. i have only seen that one but i know they are there as all of my cats have died so far. i am getting some fennel in the mail and i plan to move them all into my house on these new plants. thank you oldned.

Post #3685781

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mamajack Fate, TX(Zone 8a) Jul 02, 2007

i just looked this bug up. sounds like he is a "beneficial" insect at least to farmers. so maybe i just need to collect my swallowtail cats and let him be?

Post #3685814

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OldNed Merritt Island, FL(Zone 10a) Jul 02, 2007

Nah......unless your house is in the middle of a farm that grows crops that are eaten by caterpillars.

Squish -squish- squish-squish

They are stink bugs so be prepared (yuk)