Beneficial insects are characterized as insects that destroy or feed on pest insects. They can limit or even prevent pest populations from becoming a problem on plants. Beneficial insects are typically placed in two categories: predators and parasitoids. Predators feed directly on pest species and parasitoids develop in or on pests.

Predators in Soybeans

Parasitoids in Soybeans

References

Cranshaw, W. S. 2009. Beneficial insects and other arthropods. Colorado State University Extension. Fact Sheet No. 5.550.

Information by R. Suits 2013