Oregon is home to a diverse range of native insects that play important roles in garden ecosystems, including pollination and pest control.
Here are some native insects beneficial for gardens in Oregon, along with their sources of information:
1. Mason Bees: Mason bees are excellent pollinators and are more efficient than honeybees for some crops. They're solitary bees that nest in pre-existing holes. You can provide nesting sites by placing mason bee houses in your garden.
Sources:
Xerces Society's "Attracting Native Pollinators" Guide
2. Bumblebees: Bumblebees are essential pollinators for many plants, including tomatoes and blueberries. They're social bees that form colonies. Provide food sources and nesting sites to attract them.
Sources:
Xerces Society's "Bumble Bee Conservation" Guide: xerces.org/bumblebees
3. Ladybugs (Lady Beetles): Ladybugs are natural predators of aphids, mites, and other garden pests. They help control pest populations and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
Sources:
Xerces Society's "Conserving Ladybugs in Your Garden" Guide: xerces.org/ladybugs
4. Lacewings: Lacewing larvae are voracious predators of aphids, caterpillars, and other soft-bodied pests. Adult lacewings also feed on nectar and pollen.
Sources:
Xerces Society's "Beneficial Insects" Guide: xerces.org/beneficial-insects
5. Ground Beetles: Ground beetles are nocturnal predators that feed on a variety of garden pests, including slugs, snails, and caterpillars.
Sources:
Oregon State University Extension's "Gardening with Beneficial Insects" Guide: extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening
6. Parasitic Wasps: Parasitic wasps are tiny and often go unnoticed. They lay their eggs inside or on pest insects, such as caterpillars, aphids, and beetle larvae, eventually killing the pests.
Sources:
Oregon State University's "Parasitoid Wasps as Biological Control Agents" Guide: extension.oregonstate.edu/insects/parasitoid-wasps-biological-control-agents
7. Hoverflies (Syrphid Flies): Hoverflies are important pollinators and their larvae consume aphids. They resemble bees but do not sting.
Sources:
Xerces Society's "Gardening for Flies" Guide: xerces.org/flies
8. Native Bees: Oregon has a diverse range of native bee species that contribute to pollination. Encourage them by planting native flowers and providing nesting sites.
Sources:
Oregon Bee Project's "Oregon Native Bee Atlas": oregonbeeatlas.org
9. Spiders: Although not insects, spiders are beneficial predators that feed on a variety of pests. They play a role in natural pest control.
Sources:
Oregon State University Extension's "Spiders and Other Beneficial Arthropods" Guide: extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening
For more detailed information on each of these beneficial insects and how to attract them to your garden, contact Urban Rewilding.
Creating a diverse and pollinator-friendly garden environment with native plants and suitable habitats will help support these beneficial insects and promote a thriving ecosystem.
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