Ken:

Or anyone else that knows insects.

Does anyone know what this bug is. I noticed my alyssum was dying, I just thought it was the hot weather. Today when I pulled them up there were literally hundreds of these bugs under each one. I have never seen the bug before this year. I'm going to have to have a talk to the toads, they aren't doing their job very well.

That's an interesting little bugger. Is it attracted to a certain plant? I'm sure Diana will pop in at some point and positively identify it.

The Pond Digger

So far I've only found them under the alyssum. I pulled most of it out, they must have gone somewhere, but I've not located their new hiding place.

Did someone call my name?? I'm glad I'm good for something!

Not that I'm an expert, but it looks like an African Painted Bug, newly considered pest species in California. Read more on my favorite bug ID site: http://www.whatsthatbug.com/2009/09/11/african-painted-bugs-invasive-species-spreading-in-california/.

Diana

Thanks Diana

That certainly looks like them. I was afraid they would be invasive pesty bugs. I was hoping they would be like lady bugs. How are your caterpillars doing, so far I haven't seen any Monarchs around my milkweed plants.

I've been meaning to update my blog, but have been busy with other stuff so I only have pictures.

I got tired of watching caterpillars being eaten by preying mantises and wasps, so I started bringing some inside. I collected twelve over a couple of weeks. Of course, as soon as I did, we discovered a milkweed that we had written off as not being liked by monarch completely wiped out...by monarchs!

Anyway, I had all twelve raised to full size, develop their chrysalis's, and all but two have now eclosed. So it looks like we have another generation grown to full size. I actually managed to get all but three to form their chrysalis's where I wanted them too! One I've moved, one I am watching, and one I lost! I figure some day I'll see a monarch fluttering around the house, and I'll just try to get it outside.

I hope your butterfly laid lots of eggs, and you will get to see lots of caterpillars and butterflies soon! The season looks good!

Diana