Help Identifying Bug

ralitaco 4/14/2016, 1:25 am

Ok all my super smart SFG friends...
I found several of these in my MM in my various beds...

So what is it?
Should I treat for it?
How do I treat for it?

Thanks in advance...

BeetlesPerSqFt 4/14/2016, 7:36 am

Lucky you, I think that looks like a baby soldier fly! cheers

(Check some soldier fly larvae photos online and see if you agree.) You should not try to eliminate them. They are quite beneficial and helping to process your compost. Below is what an adult in my area looks like. They aren’t very good flyers and they look a little wasp-y, so don’t be alarmed if you see one.

**jimmy cee** 4/14/2016, 8:06 am

I once thought all bugs were bad bugs...not so any more after reading some books..
I destroy nothing any more until I know exactly what it is.

No_Such_Reality 4/14/2016, 9:48 am

That's soldier fly larvae. I recognize them cause I get them every summer in my composter if i throw watermelon rinds in. Don't know why watermelon but I think it's just the over whelm of green material and water.

They're rather voracious eaters, wonderful for reducing compost to bug poo rapidly. Not sure if they're good or not in your raised bed.

**sanderson** 4/15/2016, 3:20 am

Ditto on soldier fly. How the larva got into the bed is a guess. Mine are usually from compost. Don't worry about them. If they eat un-composted material in the beds, remember, they still leave a good pooh behind. Besides, there shouldn't be a lot of un-composted veggies//fruits left in good compost.

ralitaco 4/17/2016, 12:14 am

Thanks everyone!!!!
Soldier fly larva it is. I am guessing it was in my compost that I made and ended up in the MM when I added it in.

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Soldier Fly Larva

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