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Syrphidae
Syrphid Flies
(Family: Syrphidae)
If you can get close enough, make sure to count the wings. Two wings, and you’ve got a fly; four wings, and watch out – it’s a bee or wasp!
Entomology
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Coccinellidae
Mealybug Destroyers
(Genus: Cryptolaemus)
The adults have the general shape of ladybugs but usually lack the bright colors and spots. The larvae are fluffy, white, and actually resemble mealybugs.
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Tachinid Fly
Tachinid flies are a family of parasitoids (parasites that kill their host). Though they sound a little scary, they’re actually great to have around!
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Mantodea
Mantids
(Order Mantodea)
Mantises are ambush predators are usually green, brown, or gray in color to camouflage from not only their predators but their prey! Mantises are known for their extra bendy forelimbs that give the appearance that they are praying.
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Tettigoniidae
Katydids
(Family: Tettigoniidae)
These cryptic insects are closely related to crickets and grasshoppers.
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Braconidae
Braconid Wasps
(Family: Braconidae)
Braconids are usually small wasps that are often black or brown in color. The antenna have 16 segments or more and the females generally have long ovipositors (egg laying organs).
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Araneae
Spiders
(Class: Araneae)
Though spiders are often feared by many people, they are quite beneficial in your garden! They are efficient predators and primarily feed on insects.
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Coccinellidae
Lady Bugs
Ladybugs, ladybirds, and lady beetles (Family Coccinellidae)
These beetles have been loved by gardeners for years.
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Polistinae
Paper Wasps
(Subfamily Polistinae)
Though these wasps can be known for stings, they are not usually aggressive unless they are protecting their nests. They are also not scavengers such as yellow jackets, so they are less likely to aggravate your next picnic. However, they are fantastic pollinators and predators.
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Chalcidoidea
Chalcid Wasps
(Family: Chalcididae)
Chalcids are parasitoids of several groups of insects including Diptera (flies), Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Coleoptera (beetles), and Hymenoptera (true bugs). Some deposit eggs inside their hosts’ eggs while others attack the nymphs.
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Chrysopidae
Green Lacewings
(Family: Chrysopidae)
Adult green lacewings are generally about ¾” long with light green bodies and delicate wings that are often the same color.
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Salticidae
Jumping Spiders
(Family: Salticidae)
Jumping Spiders can be distinguished from other spider families by their large eyes and quick jumping abilities.