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BIG-EYED BUGS |
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Although they are very tiny, Big-eyed bugs are mighty hunters. Both adults and nymphs eat a variety of insect eggs including those of mites, aphids, and leafhoppers. They also stalk other insect prey including: caterpillars, spider mites, and flea beetles. One big-eyed bug can consume dozens of spider mites in a single day. Big-eyed bugs have oval bodies and broad heads with distinctive, wide-set, bulging eyes. They have short antennae with an enlarged tip. Adults are usually gray, brown or yellowish in color. Nymphs look similar to adults but do not have wings. They are only 1/8 inch in length. Big-eyed bugs are attracted to potatoes, clover and green beans.
Big-eyed bugs live in the southern part of the United States and there are several species are found in Texas. Big-eyed bugs are some of the best friends a cotton farmer can have because the kill insect pests that destroy cotton plants. These predators are important in reducing infestations of the boll weevil, bollworms, bud- worms, and beet army worms.
BIG-EYED BUGS are loved by
gardeners and farmers - They live longer than most bugs, for three to four months.
The females produce eggs for most of their life, averaging two
or more eggs per day most of their adult life. Productive little creatures
to save your plants. Big-eyed bugs have a dramatically high tolerance to sprayable materials
such as insecticides. Both the males and the females are voracious killers of
harmful insects from the moment they hatch until their death several months later. |
