Wasps are often seen flying in and out of the plant canopy searching for host insects on which to lay eggs. Larvae of parasitic wasps develop within the body of the pest insect, ultimately killing the host. The nymph is gray and wingless. Both adults and numphs have large, bulging eyes. Only the larvae are predacdous and may be found crawling on undersides of leaves.
Several species have numerous small iridescent spots on their backs.
Larvae are dark, wormlike, and have well developed legs and mandibles. Ground beetles are often active at night and may be numerous at times. Many are brown or black with bright colored markings on the back. Assassin bugs are seldom present in large numbers. They are slender and have long legs and beaks.