Predatory Assassin bug, Zelus renardii also called as a stink bug because they emit strong odor when disturbed. These predatory spined soldier bugs are considered as the most effective biological control agents because they can kill and feed on caterpillars, larvae and grubs of many insect pests (see below) that are responsible for causing a serious damage to many agricultural and … Soldier Beetle Facts: Attract This Bustling Beneficial Learn about soldier beetles, what they eat, where they live, and how to attract this beneficial insect to your organic garden. Latin name: Podisus maculiventris. A synthetic pheromone formulated from chemicals found in the airborne secretion of Podisus maculiventris, the spined soldier bug, was found to be highly effective in attracting P. maculiventris, a beneficial predatory insect, to desired areas for biological control of pests. Predatory spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris also called as a stink bug because they emit strong odor when disturbed. However, the costs of these efforts is still not competitive with chemical applications, and so more research needs to be done, particularly on rearing methods and release strategies. He has joined forces with the rest of my army in the vegetable garden. To tell the difference, look for spiny shoulders and legs. These cousins of stink bugs are a good addition to your garden because they eat Colorado potato beetle and Mexican bean beetle larvae and also caterpillars. Adult and nymphs stab their prey with mouthpart and suck dry. A female will lay up to 1000 eggs during its lifetime. Mildews . Synthetic pheromones for the spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris Abstract. Home Insects Spined-Soldier_Bug Insects Spined-Soldier_Bug Still, it is important to keep your plants watered well when you have the spined soldier bug. However, he’s very shy and would rather work undercover assignments than be out in the limelight. Most commonly about 1/2 inch in length, and 1/3 of an inch wide. The bug might suck on your plant to get water but it does no harm and does not transmit diseases. This bug has "piecing-sucking" mouthparts which it uses to impale prey and suck out their internal juices. Adult spined soldier bugs.. Kills Harmful Insects with just one spraying. Download this stock image: Spined Soldier Bug (Podisus maculiventris) - C7CBEC from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. Pictured above, a Mexican bean beetle larva, a devastating pest of snap and soybeans, becomes a meal for the spined soldier bug instead. The adult has a prominent spine on each "shoulder." This pest seeks out comfort – especially warmth – and knows when winter is coming. We get this question a lot, Dave. Cannabis Spined Soldier Bug. This valuable beneficial insect feeds by penetrating its prey with a harpoon-like proboscis and sucking out the insect’s body fluids. Eliminates Mildews on Contact. It is a great enemy of grubs, caterpillars and basically all soft bodied pests you might find in a garden. Thanks. You may shudder to hear that spined soldier bugs live in gardens around your home. But actually this is great news, not bad news. Click here for more information. Podisus maculiventris – The Spined Soldier Bug is a voracious predator of over 100 different insect pests, including the larvae of Mexican bean beetle, European corn borer, corn earworm, cabbage looper, cabbage worm, Colorado potato beetle and flea beetles. These predatory assassin bugs are considered as the most effective biological control agents because they can kill and feed on aphids, caterpillars, larvae and grubs of … The name alone should give you a clue about this bug. Size differs by species. Stink bug damage can render certain fruits and crops unfit for sale. Q. Dear Mike: Several years ago, someone told me that ladybugs and Praying Mantis were good for the garden. Beneficial insects are commonly used as biological control for pest insects in an Integrated Pest Management program.