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Insects eating scarlet runner bean seedlings #873725
Asked June 18, 2024, 10:02 PM EDT
What is this bug? I found several of them around my bean and pea seedlings in the early evening that I assume have been destroyed by these bugs. They probably have infested my potato plants as well.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Gary,
Due to the photo resolution, I cannot be certain of the species. But I can tell you that this is in the family Rhyparochromidae (Dirt-Colored Seed Bugs). As per the name, these insects feed exclusively seeds. Once seeds have sprouted, these insects do not feed on them. So I suspect that a different insect is responsible for the damage to your plants. Feel free to upload pictures of any other insects you suspect as causes of the damage.
As a general preventative measure, I would remove any plant debris and weeds from the vicinity of your beans/peas/potatoes. This reduces harborages for pest insects. If they are more exposed, they are less likely to feed. It will also make it easier for you to observe/photograph them.