Insect Problem

[miniedmo]

I don't see any damage to the plants but am curious to what they are? Could anyone tell me if they are friend or foe?

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[kimpossible]

To me, they look like those "mosquito catchers" - resemble huge mosquitoes, but by the name, I assume they eat them & are beneficial. I leave them be.

[Fert1]

Reminds me a little of a walking-stick insect, which is a beneficial. I don't specifically recognize it, but I would also tend to suspect it's beneficial. Is there just the one or lots? The reason I ask is that you usually see the beneficials in groups of 1 or 2. The bad bugs usually come in droves. When there are lots and lots, it's usually bad news. Makes sense though. The predator bugs also tend to eat each other, so you wouldn't see large groups of them.

[miniedmo]

I shake the cages of the tomato plants and you will see maybe 10 fly out of the plant. I have not seen any damage at all to the plants.

Thank you two for the info. I feel a little more relaxed about it now.

[Fert1]

If you're seeing them in groups of 10 or more, then it could be a problem insect. Maybe someone here will recognize what it is.

[westocast73]

Looks like a type of Crane Fly to me ( I assume this is the insect Kim was reffering too as well ). Crane flies don't eat mosquitos though that's just one of those urban legends ( and is why they are sometimes called Mosquito Hawks ). They are mildly beneficial & mildly nuisance. Mainly bad for lawns and golf courses as larva. Not bad for your average lawn though and cause little damage in small quantities. They are also known as Leather Jackets ( which is another misunderstanding as Leather Jackets are only the Larva not the adult but many refer to the adult by the same name )

http://whatsthatbug.com/crane.html

I am pretty sure that is what you have though and it should be harmless to your Tomatoes.

[melody]

I vote for Crane Fly too....and as stated harmless to tomatoes and veggies.

[kimpossible]

Yes - that's what we have - Crane Flies - but I do like that Mosquito Catcher name better!

[miniedmo]

Thanks for all the info you guys. I am learning slowly but surely.