Insects and Spiders in the Garden - May 2026

 I didn't see any ladybug larvae, which look like tiny dragons, but the adults are out and about doing their good deeds.

Seven-Spot 

Spotless (I'm not just calling it that because it has no spots, that's what it's actually named.)

Common Red Soldier Beetle 

These are often mistaken for red and black pests, so be careful before you rid your garden of these beneficial insects!

A spittlebug nymph at the half-way stage of development.  

At this stage spittlebugs actively feed on plant sap, but unless you have a lot of them the plant won't even notice.  The foam, called cuckoo spit, or spittle, is a moisture shield, and won't harm the plants either.  The adults are called froghoppers.  If the spittle is noticeable I remove it. 

Bold Jumping Spider 

I've posted about these geniuses of the spider world before.  Jumping spiders problem-solve, learn from experience, plan routes (short-cuts, detours), and explore just out of curiosity.  I had one living near the outdoor dog water.  Unfortunately I found it drowned yesterday when Mickey and I got back from our walk.  

A Mint Moth (a Small Purple and Gold, the common name for this one) on Juniper thyme flowers.  The do nibble herbs, but not to such an extent they are considered pests.  Mint moths are diurnal. 

I saw a Painted Lady butterfly, but it flew off before I got a picture. There are fewer butterflies around my garden than there used to be.