If you don't know what this monster looking bug is DO NOT KILL THEM> IT'S A BABY LADYBUG Nymph They will feed for a couple of week then turn into ladybugs. In this stage they will feed 24/7. This plant was covered with Aphids. It free now.

You are so fortunate to have such a healthy garden. Thank you for teaching others not to fear the ugly 'bugs'.

Thank you for posting these pictures. Wish I had seen them about 7 or 8 years ago when I destroyed a "herd" of them. Learned my lesson to search FIRST and destroy (or not) SECOND.

I have seen these! Never squished any, but had no idea what they were. Thanks so much for the information!

I haven't seen ladybug nymphs here since the Asian lady beetles were introduced a few years back...

I had an experience in the garden last year that I won't forget. Call this "I wish someone had told me".

When I saw a fuzzy white insect on one of my plants my brain said "Mealy Bug; Kill It" and I instinctively picked it off the plant and squished it.
Having second thoughts, I looked again at the plant. Oh, no, what have I done?
I killed a Cryptolaemus montrouzieri which is a 'Mealy Bug Destroyer'. I won't make that mistake again. Yep, I wish someone had told me.