Knowledgebase

Who's eggs are these? #749850

Asked May 13, 2021, 10:38 PM EDT

Hello,

My daughter found these eggs on the top side of a leaf on our butterfly bush.  She so wants it be some type of butterfly eggs... I'm worried they are stink bug eggs.  Can you help us identify these?

Wake County North Carolina

Expert Response

Great pics.  Thanks.  These are not stink bug eggs, which are usually laid in tight clusters, as are the eggs of other bugs.  Their ovoid shape suggests that they are beetle eggs.  Caterpillar eggs are typically fluted, so they are not that.  Although the color is not that of our native ladybug, which is usually more orange, the shape is right for this predator's eggs.  I suggest you watch them develop.  Good noticing on your daughter's part. 

You can submit your pics to NCSU's Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, https://pdic.ces.ncsu.edu/, for their free ID.  (It’s easy to set up an account there.)

Louise RomanowEntomologistMaster Gardener VolunteerExtension MG Program, Wake County Replied May 14, 2021, 10:36 AM EDT
Hello,
I just wanted to follow up... with what emerged from our eggs.  We do not know what these and I'm not sure if we should release them or otherwise dispose of them.  Are these friendly insects?  What might they be? We've ruled out assassin bugs, stink bugs and lady bugs.... I think?  
many thanks,
Melissa Hambleton

insect 1.jpginsect 2.jpginsect 3 eggs.jpginsect 4 eggs.jpg

On May 14, 2021 at 10:36 AM, "Ask Extension" <<personal data hidden>> wrote:

The Question Asker Replied May 25, 2021, 1:35 PM EDT

Definitely true bugs, and I think they are assassin bugs.  Not wheel bugs, but there are lots of Reduviids.  And color can change dramatically as they age.

Stink bugs have a much broader shape, so not them. Ladybugs are really beetles. Definitely not.

Louise RomanowEntomologistMaster Gardener VolunteerExtension MG Program, Wake County Replied May 25, 2021, 7:55 PM EDT

Loading ...