 Insects play a number of important ecological roles in gardens and landscapes. Some insects, like root weevils and aphids, are obvious plant pests. Some are beneficial as natural controls on the pest species. This group includes predators like lady beetles and the parasitic wasps. Insect pollinators are beneficial as well. But, many species have no specific role and may only be present incidentally.
Sorting out the good from the bad insects is difficult for most gardeners without the right reference material. When you select reference material choose books that make good use of photographs and drawings. Also, in many areas you'll be able to find local experts in the form of Master Gardeners, college and university personnel or agricultural field station researchers.
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