3

I saw these taking over a balloon plant in the area of South Bay, LA (Redondo Beach, CA). Are they beneficial insects?orange bugs clustering around balloon plant enter image description here

Improve this question
1
  • I don't think these are beneficials but they need ID for sure before any treatment. Take a look at these guys, Stink Bugs. What do you think? images.search.yahoo.com/yhs/…
    – stormy
    Commented Sep 11, 2017 at 8:14

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
4

They're milkweed bugs, mostly immature ones in various stages. They're usually found on Asclepias - I'm not sure what you mean by Balloon plant, that common name is usually taken to mean Platycodon, but quite why they're on that plant I don't know. Milkweed bugs have piercing mouthparts and feed on milkweed, more information, and images of the bugs in various stages of development, here:

Milkweed bugs.

Improve this answer
2
  • Thanks Bamboo! I didn't know it was an asclepia. ID'd as Gomphocarpus Physocarpus / Balloon Plant after doing some search. There are tons of these bugs around here.
    – Greentina
    Commented Sep 12, 2017 at 7:48
  • Ah, right - Gomphocarpus being a type of milkweed, Well that explains the bugs' presence then!
    – Bamboo
    Commented Sep 12, 2017 at 11:40

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.