Milkweed Assassin Bug Nymph
Sometimes the creepiest garden bugs are the most helpful!
When you see a cluster of intimidating and brightly colored insects like these among your plants, it’s hard to resist the urge to run for for the insecticide! BUT, please leave them be. They are actually juvenille nymps of the beneficial milkweed assassin bug!
Milkweed assassin bugs are very beneficial insects in the garden. They take care of a variety of pests including aphids, armyworms, stink bugs, houseflies, and many more.
The adult milkweed assassin bugs will have a brightly colored red body with long black legs, wings and antenna. It can be challenging to distinguish the nymphs of assassin bugs and those of leaf footed and squash bugs, which are damaging pests. Pay close attention to the markings on the body, and color and placement of the legs.
