Is a bad bug or good?

Dewayne mater · May 23, 2015

I've been unable identify this bug. It has been around a couple of days, so possibly laying eggs? Last time it was on leaves, now closer to a small tomato. So, what is it and is it good or bad? Thanks.

Dewayne Mater

coastal bend · May 23, 2015

Looks like a assassin bug. There are several different types. A good bug. They like worms. The bigger the better.

gssgarden · May 23, 2015

Not sure what it is but I don't think it's an assassin bug. They are orange with black legs and a long needle for a nose. Lol

Greg

Patihum · May 23, 2015

It's a Crane Fly.

The common European crane fly, Tipula paludosa, and the marsh crane fly, T. oleracea, are agricultural pests in Europe. Crane fly larvae of economic importance live in the top layers of soil where they feed on the roots, root hairs, crown, and, sometimes the leaves of crops, stunting their growth or killing the plants. They are pests on a variety of commodities. Since the late 1900s, T. paludosa and T. oleracea have become invasive in the US.[10][11][12] The larvae have been observed on many crops, including vegetables, fruits, cereals, pasture, lawn grasses, and ornamental plants.

heirloomtomaguy · May 23, 2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patihum

It's a Crane Fly.

The common European crane fly, Tipula paludosa, and the marsh crane fly, T. oleracea, are agricultural pests in Europe. Crane fly larvae of economic importance live in the top layers of soil where they feed on the roots, root hairs, crown, and, sometimes the leaves of crops, stunting their growth or killing the plants. They are pests on a variety of commodities. Since the late 1900s, T. paludosa and T. oleracea have become invasive in the US.[10][11][12] The larvae have been observed on many crops, including vegetables, fruits, cereals, pasture, lawn grasses, and ornamental plants.

Definitely a crane fly or more commonly called a mosquito hawk....even though they dont eat mosquitos. Harmless if you ask me.

coastal bend · May 23, 2015

we have a winner. Good job.

brooksville · May 24, 2015

We call that a Gallinipper.

John

Dewayne mater · May 25, 2015

That is it! Thanks much. Doesn't appear to be surrounded by an army of family members, so he lives!

Dewayne Mater

dustee1 · May 26, 2015

I've always called them mosquito eaters, not even sure why.

Now I find they don't even eat mosquitos.

May 23, 2015	#2
coastal bend Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: south texas Posts: 114	Looks like a assassin bug. There are several different types. A good bug. They like worms. The bigger the better.

May 23, 2015	#3
gssgarden Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: N.C. Posts: 1,827	Not sure what it is but I don't think it's an assassin bug. They are orange with black legs and a long needle for a nose. Lol Greg

May 23, 2015	#4
Patihum Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Southeast Kansas Posts: 878	It's a Crane Fly. The common European crane fly, Tipula paludosa, and the marsh crane fly, T. oleracea, are agricultural pests in Europe. Crane fly larvae of economic importance live in the top layers of soil where they feed on the roots, root hairs, crown, and, sometimes the leaves of crops, stunting their growth or killing the plants. They are pests on a variety of commodities. Since the late 1900s, T. paludosa and T. oleracea have become invasive in the US.[10][11][12] The larvae have been observed on many crops, including vegetables, fruits, cereals, pasture, lawn grasses, and ornamental plants.

May 24, 2015	#7
brooksville Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2014 Location: South Georgia Zone 8a Posts: 179	We call that a Gallinipper. John

May 25, 2015	#8
Dewayne mater Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2008 Location: DFW, Texas Posts: 1,212	That is it! Thanks much. Doesn't appear to be surrounded by an army of family members, so he lives! Dewayne Mater

May 26, 2015	#9
dustee1 Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: North Las Vegas Posts: 38	I've always called them mosquito eaters, not even sure why. Now I find they don't even eat mosquitos.