Beneficial insects (a.k.a. natural enemies) are any of a number of species of insects that perform valued services like pollination and pest control.
Beneficial insects may sometimes appear as scary or ugly, but are indeed good insects to have in your yard. Do some research here on this page and learn more about the natural enemies in your yard.
Gardening for Pollinators Chart
UCD Arboretum & Public Garden-Gardening for Pollinators
Photos above by Jennifer Baumbach