It’s easy to misidentify insects, plants, structures or conditions and view them as harmful, when in fact, they are helpful, or completely harmless.
Making the distinction in the landscape regarding what is what, is important — because you don’t want to mistake a beneficial insect or harmless condition for a pest, disease or deficiency.
It’s important to know, too, that insects can look very different, at different stages of their life cycles. For example, the beneficial lacewing larvae look nothing like its egg or adult lacewing stage.
The vast majority of insects fall into the categories of harmless or helpful, with only about 1% considered to be pests.
At the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Cooperative Extension Service, we use integrated pest management (IPM) approach strategies. Our goal is to protect beneficial insects, consider the overall landscape and causes of plant problems, and reduce risks to humans and the environment.
Mistaken Identity #1: Stink bugs
Many stink bugs are pests of ornamental plants and vegetables, including tomatoes. But some are beneficial. The spined soldier bug and the giant strong-nose stink bug eat pests such as flea beetles and vegetable caterpillars. If you’d like to learn more about stink bugs, the “Ask IFAS” website has excellent publications including one about stink bugs and leaffooted bugs.
Mistaken Identity #2: Syrphid fly
We often underappreciate flies, including syrphid flies. Syrphid flies, also known as hover flies, are important beneficial insects. They are flies – not wasps – and they don’t sting. Adult syrphid flies feed on flower nectar and are instrumental in cross-pollinating some plants. Their larvae – which don’t look like the adult flies – appear as small slugs or caterpillars. However, these ugly-looking larvae eat aphids and other pests. The UF/IFAS Featured Creatures website explains that syrphid fly larvae may reduce aphid populations by 70% to 100%.
Mistaken Identity #3: Black soldier fly
Black soldier fly larvae are important decomposers. Home gardeners may find them in their compost piles or soil. They look like black maggots, but don’t be worried. These larvae help recycle waste. They turn compost into nutrient-rich soil.
If you find them in your compost pile, don’t be alarmed. Be glad. Appreciate their efforts to transform your compost into rich soil.
Read more about black soldier flies and how they’re used in animal manure management on the Featured Creatures website, https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/livestock/black_soldier_fly.htm.
Mistaken Identity #4: Flared roots on a palm
Some palms may develop a trunk that curls up from the bottom – out and over the roots. Although this may look like a disorder, it’s a natural part of the palm’s growth. As the palm roots grow at the root initiation zone, they may force the trunk outward. This is not a problem and control isn’t necessary.
Mistaken Identity #5: Lenticels
Lenticels are naturally occurring structures found on the stems and roots of some plants. They may be mistaken for scale insects or diseases. These pores are vertical or horizontal, appear as spots, or have rounded, oval or elongated shapes. Lenticels provide a means of gas exchange between the air and plant tissue. Not all plants and trees have them. You can look for them on ligustrum. The UF/IFAS publication, “How to Identify a Tree,” discusses lenticels and other features you may use for tree ID.
If you’d like to learn more about preserving beneficial bugs and helping your landscape to thrive, check the UF/IFAS Extension free online publications and feel free to consult with staff at your local county Extension office, at https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/find-your-local-office/.
For additional information in Hillsborough County, contact or 813-744-5519, ext. 54145.
Nicole Pinson is the Urban Horticulture Agent in Hillsborough County.
Published July 21, 2021
