What are these gold bugs on my plants? Are they hurting my plants? Should I get rid of them? How?
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Michelle Powers on Jul 29, 2012In my minor state of panic, I finally figured out they are Soldier Beetles. Apparently they are desired by gardeners, they do not harm plants, but eat insects. However, one of the things they eat are caterpillars. I planted butterfly bushes on purpose... I don't want ugly beetles to eat my future butterflies. ???Helpful Reply
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Vicki on Jul 29, 2012They are fire flies or lighting bugs. They do like my fennel herb plant very much and of course, I welcome them cuz we do enjoy watching them at night time.Helpful Reply
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Douglas Hunt on Jul 30, 2012Soldier beetles do far more good than harm, Michelle. I think you should be glad you have them.Helpful Reply
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Michelle Powers on Jul 30, 2012okie dokieHelpful Reply
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Carol Brown on May 29, 2014Look like lightning bugs to me.Helpful Reply
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Beth on May 30, 2014Not lightening bugs. Soldier beetles for sure!Helpful Reply
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Connie S on Jun 03, 2014lightning bugs don't even look anything like this.Helpful Reply
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Tammi on Jun 04, 2014These might be what is on my Phlox. I thought they were Boxelder beetles, and eating them. I was going to try to find something to kill them, glad I saw this. I need to do some research and see if they are for sure.Helpful Reply
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Barbara Hansen on Jun 05, 2014Hmmm a Gold Bug? I think anything Gold is GOOD..but ask Edgar Allen Poe to be sure. Muahahahaha muhahahaha (evil laugh)Helpful Reply
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Vetsy on Jun 05, 2014Thank goodness you have posted it.... I don't like beetles because they are creepy, ugly and scary... But at least I know that this one is a good guy and I can just shiver and than leave it be....Helpful Reply
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Mary on Jan 10, 2015http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/iiin/soldier.html It's a soldier beetle. Information from Iowa State on its benefits. And, it does look like a lightening bug.Helpful Reply
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