Praying mantids are well-known predators we often see lurking around gardens, landscapes, and sometimes near porch lights, waiting for a tasty meal to arrive.

Praying mantid adults are 2 to 4 inches (5-10 cm) long and are usually yellowish, green, or brown. Mantids (often referred to as praying mantis) go through incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, adult) and have one generation per year. Overwintering eggs are laid in groups in hard, grayish egg cases which are glued to wood, bark, or other plant material. Adults and immatures (nymphs) have an elongated thorax and grasping forelegs, which they have the...

Last week, we discussed some common beneficial predators that help control pests on garden and landscape plants. One such predator you might find, is a lacewing. In fact, you may have seen adult lacewings on or near porchlights in the evening, since these insects are attracted to lights.

Green Lacewings

Green lacewing (Chrysopa spp., Chrysoperla spp.) adults are green, soft-bodied insects with golden eyes and four membranous wings. Their larvae are pale with dark markings and a tapered tail, and measure 1/8 to 4/5 of an inch long.

There are several species of green lacewings; some species have predaceous adults, while others feed only on...

Thanksgiving is a time to gather together with family and friends. The occasion is usually centered around a big meal followed by pumpkin pie, and hopefully some time to let each person share a list of what they are most grateful for that year.

Here at UC IPM, we are adding beneficial insects to our “thankful” list! These helpful invertebrates (also called natural enemies) are often overlooked for the contribution they make to gardens and landscapes.

Natural enemies, such as spiders and certain mites and insects, can help reduce the number of pests in your garden. It's possible that part of the reason they are overlooked is because...