Without the use of pesticides you’re likely to find more than just monarch caterpillars on your milkweed.  You’re likely to see things like milkweed beetles, ladybugs, lacewings, aphids, and more.  As unsightly as these creatures are, they are indicative of a healthy  ecosystem free of pesticides. Read on to learn more about these amazing creatures!

Milkweed Beetles

Milkweed beetles are there for the milkweed.  If left alone they can destroy a crop of milkweed in no time.  The best way to dispose of them is to pick them off and put them in a ziploc bag or bowl of water with dish soap.

Ladybugs

Ladybugs are beneficial insects, they’re there for the aphids and other soft bodied insects.

Lacewings

Green lacewing larvae, also known as aphid lions, are voracious predators that are known for their ability to consume large numbers of aphids and other small insects. They are generalist predators, which means that they will eat a wide variety of small insects, including spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, whiteflies, and other soft-bodied pests.

Aphids are the main food source for the larvae, and a single larva can consume up to 600 aphids in its development stage, but also consume other small insects as well.

The adult lacewing will feed on nectar, pollen, and other plant fluids.

In conclusion, Green lacewing larvae are voracious predators that feed mainly on aphids and other small soft-bodied insects and mites. They are generalist predators, which means that they will eat a wide variety of small insects and can be used as biological control agents against pests in agriculture. Adult lacewings feed on nectar, pollen, and other plant fluids.

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that are often green, but can also be brown, black, or yellow. They have a pair of tube-like structures called cornicles on their abdomen that release a liquid when the insect is disturbed. Aphids feed on the sap of plants by inserting their needle-like mouthparts into the phloem and extracting the sap.

They can be found on a wide variety of plants, including many ornamental and agricultural crops. Some species of aphids are specific to certain types of plants, while others are generalists and can feed on a wide range of plants.