What are these insects and are they good or bad for the plants - Page 2

tnkrer · July 5, 2013

I am seeing a lot of small black flying insects on the back of the chard leaves. They don't seem to be making any holes in the leaves. (Probably sucking on the sap). They look and feel like the fruit flies you find on the bananas. Are they the same? Should I bother treating the leaves with something to get rid of these?

Also, this year, I am not seeing any bumble bees in my garden. (Last year a few were doing the job of pollinating my cukes. this year, so far its just me.) However, last few days, I am seeing this insect. What is it? There are about 2-3 flying around. But they rest on the leaves more often than they go in the flower.

July 5, 2013	#16
tnkrer Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2013 Location: MA 6a/b Posts: 352	I am seeing a lot of small black flying insects on the back of the chard leaves. They don't seem to be making any holes in the leaves. (Probably sucking on the sap). They look and feel like the fruit flies you find on the bananas. Are they the same? Should I bother treating the leaves with something to get rid of these? Also, this year, I am not seeing any bumble bees in my garden. (Last year a few were doing the job of pollinating my cukes. this year, so far its just me.) However, last few days, I am seeing this insect. What is it? There are about 2-3 flying around. But they rest on the leaves more often than they go in the flower.