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abl_newbie Spring, TX(Zone 9a) Oct 05, 2007

hi everyone,
can someone please identify these critters for me?
they are devouring my ornamental orange tree, there are dozens on my small potted tree...

how do i get rid of these?

thank you
-abl

Thumbnail by abl_newbie
Post #4052148
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wallaby1 Lincoln, United Kingdom(Zone 8a) Oct 05, 2007

The look like Assassin bug nymphs, they are beneficial and eat bad bugs. They appear to be some sort of leaf-footed bug. A few pics,

http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=assassin+bug&search=Search

Post #4052309
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abl_newbie Spring, TX(Zone 9a) Oct 05, 2007

thanks wallaby, that's it!
they might be beneficial to some, but they're destroying my fruit...
any ideas as to how i can prevent this?

Post #4052432
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wallaby1 Lincoln, United Kingdom(Zone 8a) Oct 05, 2007

It looks like the damage is already done, I don't know if they have done the damage or something else (which they may have then eaten!), they might suck plant juices as well. Someone else might know the answer to that.

Again, unless you want to hand pick them off and take them elsewhere (someone else's tree!) I can't say how you can deal with them.

Post #4052445
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wallaby1 Lincoln, United Kingdom(Zone 8a) Oct 05, 2007

I found this where they sell Assassin bugs for pets (some have strange pets!). It says small nymphs will need fruit flies for their first few weeks. Could they be eating fruit flies on yours?

http://www.easyinsects.co.uk/site/content/view/18/26/

Post #4052463
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fly_girl The Woodlands, TX(Zone 8b) Oct 05, 2007

I really think they are Leaf-footed bugs...see how the back legs are wide?

Here's a pic of a little older one:

http://bugguide.net/node/view/72103

Also, the Leaf-foots are gregarious whereas the Assassins aren't.

Post #4052748
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wallaby1 Lincoln, United Kingdom(Zone 8a) Oct 05, 2007

I would agree with that, this article gives more information.


http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/aimg65.html


Post #4052821
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abl_newbie Spring, TX(Zone 9a) Oct 07, 2007

thank you both for the excellent info...

-abl

Post #4057426
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