Squash bugs did in the zucchini and flea beetles seemed to be everywhere. I once thought to pickle hibiscus buds. I d notice the cigar-shaped buds early in the morning covered with beetles. At noon the petals were unfurled with cigarette butt-sized holes all through them. It didn t matter how many beetles I picked off and killed, no flower went unmarked.
Aphids feed on a variety of flowers and vegetables.
I understand that ants sometimes place these bugs on plants and watch over them like shepherds. The ants then feed on a nectar the aphid produces. Obviously the aphids produce something useful to the ants. As a child I ate a bowl of homemade noodle soup that had weevils in it. I ate it because my dad told me to and he was eating it.