I think I've got asassin bugs on my maypop (and everywhere else). I still haven't figured out if that's what they are, or if they're the other bug that looks so much like them. Will either of them hurt the GF eggs or cats I hope to have? Bad enough between the lizards, the birds and the wasps!
Assasin bugs on maypop
Thea,
Those are bad bugs for eggs, caterpillars and butterflies. Kill 'em!
~ Cat
I agree...give em the ax! They are considered beneficial insects but why would they leave the plant when they can kill a slow defenseless cat?
Oh shoot, I'm not having a good butterfly season, between my garden parsley pooping out so early (and now loaded with eggs with no visible means of support), the local stores carrying poisoned parsley which has killed two batches of BST cats, and now assasin bugs. I'm getting so depressed. I had such a great year last year!
aw, Thea, even if you only rescue 1 of those babies, you have done a good job,
Elaine
Thanks Elaine!! I'm really trying to help them, but I admit, it's not just for them! I love taking care of them and seeing them in all their stages, and then letting them fly off: what a rush that is!!!! Next year I'll have to try growing fennel, so I'll have something else to offer them.
Did you ID your bug? Here is one of the ones in bugfiles.
http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/go/4725/
I carry a cup of soapy water around each morning during my monarch season. Thumping Milkweed bugs and the assissian bugs into to it. Kills them and keeps my fingers a little cleaner! LOL!