Re: Armoured & colorful insects/predators

Greetings list,

I had two very informative responses and one set of directions to the archives.
Thanks to all respondents.

Here is a summary of responses so far.

The following links were provided. The pictures were excellent.
http://www.gaipm.org/top50/squashbug.html
http://www.umassvegetable.org/images/soils_crops_pest_mgt/insects/squash_bug2.jpg
http://www.ipm.uiuc.edu/ifvn/volume11/images/squash_bugs.jpg

For comparison this link was provided showing aphids.
http://www.vegedge.umn.edu/MNFruit&VegNews/Vol1/Aphid%20May%2010%20big.JPG

Clearly, I had seen adults and young squash beetles. Interestingly one of these links shows a photo of the blue/purple variety.
I thought folks would think I had been eating mushrooms.
An organic gardening company recommends mantis as a predator. If you have experience with this method, I'd like to here your interpretation of effectiveness. One of the links above suggested good cultural practices, such as ripping out decaying vines immediately. I did this heartlessly this evening, and squished all remaining young I could find. I am hoping this combination will prove sufficiently effective along with my future vigilance during vine inspection. I'm happy for any further suggestions.

Regards,
Curt
Albuquerque, New Mexico

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