The pirate bug (Orius insidious), also known as flower bug, prey on small insects and their eggs, making them a gardener's best friend because they live on tomato plants, corn, soybeans, and flowers.
The tiny insect can grow up to 3mm long and be triangular or oval with black and white markings. The adult bugs are aggressive at attacking and killing aphids, moth eggs, spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies that can be deadly to the plants in your garden.
The adult female will lay two to three eggs a day, depositing them in plant tissue during her three four-week life cycle.
Once a nymph hatches, it goes through five stages in approximately three weeks before becoming an adult.
Nymphs are often clear in color, and darken as they mature into adults.
Both the adult pirate insects and their nymph young have tiny beaks that pierce their prey and allow them to suck them dry.
Pirate bugs are busiest during the spring and summer months, then hibernate once the winter season arrives.
While these bugs are very beneficial as a natural defense against other pesky insects, that are known for biting humans and animals during the late summer and fall months. Their bites are similar to mosquitoes, and while not dangerous can be a nuisance for anyone nearby. The best way to avoid a pirate bug bite is by wearing darker long-sleeved clothing since the insects seem to be attracted to lighter colors.
