Beneficial insects are either predators or parasites. Common predators include lady beetles and green lacewings that feed on aphids, and spined soldier bugs and ground beetles that feed on soft-bodied insects, such as caterpillars. As a winged adult it searches for more hosts for its offspring. Common parasites include tachinid flies and various stingless wasps, often developing in caterpillars. These insects are usually more choosy about their host than predators are about their prey, often selecting only one species of insect to parasitize.
Natural control is an important but often overlooked form of pest control.
Although natural control is extremely important in keeping pest numbers below damaging levels, some pests still get too numerous by people's standards. Biological control is the intentional manipulation of natural enemies to limit pest populations. Collect and preserve adult parasites and predators to create a display of common beneficial insects in your area. Indicate which stages feed on the host. Insect pins can often be obtained from hobby stores.