Insects that eat aphids are an essential part of natural pest control in gardens, farms, and ecosystems. Aphids, though tiny, reproduce rapidly and can devastate plants by sucking sap, transmitting diseases, and causing leaves to curl or yellow. Fortunately, nature provides a variety of insect allies that keep aphid populations in check without the need for chemical pesticides. These beneficial predators and parasites form a balanced defense system that protects crops while supporting biodiversity and soil health.
Among the most famous aphid predators are ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies. Ladybugs, both as adults and larvae, are voracious eaters capable of consuming dozens of aphids daily. Lacewing larvae, often called “aphid lions,” use their strong jaws to pierce and suck aphids dry, leaving behind only empty shells. Hoverfly larvae, meanwhile, are equally effective and commonly found in flowering gardens where adults feed on nectar.
Insects That Eat Aphids
Ladybugs (Coccinellidae)
Ladybugs, also known as ladybird beetles, are perhaps the most famous aphid predators. Both adults and larvae feed voraciously on aphids, with a single ladybug consuming up to 50 aphids a day. Their larvae, which resemble tiny alligators, are even hungrier and can devour hundreds of aphids before maturing.
Lacewings (Chrysopidae)
Green lacewings and brown lacewings are delicate-looking insects with transparent wings, but their larvae are fierce predators. Often called “aphid lions,” lacewing larvae use their curved jaws to pierce and suck out aphids’ body fluids.
Hoverflies (Syrphidae)
Hoverflies, or flower flies, are easily mistaken for bees or wasps due to their yellow and black markings. While the adults feed on nectar and pollen, their larvae are major aphid hunters. Hoverfly larvae crawl along plant stems and leaves, consuming aphids at a rapid rate—sometimes hundreds in their short lifespan.
Parasitic Wasps (Aphidiinae)
Tiny parasitic wasps lay their eggs directly inside aphids. The developing larvae feed on the aphid’s internal organs, eventually killing the host and leaving behind a small, dry shell known as an “aphid mummy.” These wasps play a vital role in long-term aphid control and are widely used in integrated pest management (IPM) programs.
Soldier Beetles (Cantharidae)
Soldier beetles are predatory insects that actively feed on soft-bodied pests, including aphids. Both adult and larval stages consume aphids by piercing them and sucking out their juices. Both the adult and larval stages are predatory and will happily feast on aphids, as well as other soft-bodied pests like caterpillars and beetle larvae.
Minute Pirate Bugs (Orius spp.)
Minute pirate bugs are small but powerful aphid predators. These black-and-white insects are relentless predators they attack a variety of small pests, pests much larger than themselves, including thrips and mites. Both the adults and nymphs use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on aphids, thrips, spider mites, and insect eggs.
Damsel Bugs (Nabidae)
Damsel bugs are slender, tan or gray insects that hunt actively among plant foliage. They prey on a wide range of soft-bodied insects, including aphids, caterpillars, and leafhoppers. Damsel bugs use their long, piercing mouthparts to suck the contents of their prey, helping to reduce aphid populations in crops and gardens.
Spiders
Although spiders are generalist predators and not specialized aphid hunters, many species capture aphids in their webs or ambush them on plant surfaces. Orb-weaving spiders and jumping spiders, in particular, are known to help control aphid outbreaks by reducing adult and winged populations.
Predatory Midges (Aphidoletes aphidimyza)
The larvae of predatory midges are small, orange maggot-like creatures that specialize in eating aphids. They inject a paralyzing toxin into the aphid before consuming it, often killing several aphids each hour. Predatory midges are used in greenhouses and outdoor crops as biological control agents due to their effectiveness and adaptability.
Ground Beetles (Carabidae)
Ground beetles are nocturnal hunters that patrol the soil and lower plant levels for prey, including fallen or slow-moving aphids. Although they primarily feed on caterpillars, slugs, and other pests, their broad diet includes aphids as a convenient protein source. Their presence in gardens enhances natural pest control, especially in mixed planting environments.
Assassin Bugs (Reduviidae)
Assassin bugs are stealthy predators known for their powerful, piercing mouthparts and ambush tactics. They lie in wait for unsuspecting prey such as aphids, caterpillars, and beetles. Once in range, they stab the aphid and inject digestive enzymes that liquefy its insides. Assassin bugs are highly effective in reducing aphid populations, though they can deliver a painful bite to humans if handled carelessly.
Bigeyed Bugs (Geocoris spp.)
Named for their large, noticeable eyes, bigeyed bugs are quick and agile hunters found on crops, grasses, and ornamental plants. Both adults and nymphs feed on a variety of pests, including aphids, thrips, and mites. They use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract the body fluids of their prey.
Robber Flies (Asilidae)
Robber flies are predatory insects that capture and consume other flying insects midair. While they are better known for preying on larger insects like beetles or bees, they also target flying aphids, especially winged adults. Their swift flight and strong mandibles make them efficient aerial predators.
Aphid Midges
The small, delicate adult aphid midges are harmless, but their larvae are specialized aphid predators. These bright orange maggots inject a paralytic toxin into an aphid, liquefy its insides, and then consume it. A single larva can kill dozens of aphids.
Predatory Stink Bugs (Pentatomidae)
Not all stink bugs are crop pests—some species, such as Podisus maculiventris, are predatory. These beneficial stink bugs feed on caterpillars, beetle larvae, and aphids.
Big-Eyed Bugs
These small, fast-moving bugs are often mistaken for pests, but they are fierce predators. As their name suggests, they have prominent eyes that help them hunt. Both nymphs and adults use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on aphids, thrips, spider mites, and small insect eggs.
Rove Beetles (Staphylinidae)
Rove beetles are small, slender beetles commonly found in soil, leaf litter, and decaying vegetation. Many species are predaceous, feeding on aphids, mites, and other soft-bodied pests.
Antlions (Myrmeleontidae)
While the adult antlion resembles a delicate dragonfly, its larval form is a voracious ground-dwelling predator. Antlion larvae dig small pits in sandy soil to trap unsuspecting insects, including aphids that fall or wander near the edge. Once trapped, the larva captures and devours its prey.
Spined Soldier Bugs (Podisus maculiventris)
A member of the predatory stink bug family, the spined soldier bug is particularly effective in controlling various agricultural pests, including aphids. They are recognized by the spiny projections on their shoulders and their strong predatory behavior. Farmers often introduce these insects to crop fields to maintain natural pest balance.
Syrphid Fly Larvae (Syrphidae family)
Although hoverflies were mentioned earlier, their larvae deserve special note. Syrphid larvae are blind maggots that rely on touch and scent to locate aphids. Once they find a colony, they pierce aphids one by one, consuming dozens each day. Their efficiency and non-destructive feeding habits make them one of the most effective aphid predators in vegetable and flower gardens.
Predatory Thrips (Aeolothripidae)
While most thrips are plant feeders, certain species are predatory and feed on small arthropods, including aphids. Predatory thrips are tiny but agile hunters that thrive in both outdoor and greenhouse environments.
Braconid Wasps
This group of parasitic wasps provides a different form of control. A female wasp will lay an egg inside a living aphid. The wasp larva develops inside, eventually killing the aphid and turning it into a papery, swollen “mummy.” The new adult wasp then emerges to parasitize more aphids.
Robber Flies
These large, aggressive aerial hunters are the “hawks” of the insect world. They catch other insects, including aphids, in mid-air. While they have a broad diet, their hunting helps keep flying aphid populations in check.
Damsel Bugs
These slender, predatory bugs are often overlooked but are highly beneficial residents in gardens and agricultural fields. They use their piercing front legs to capture aphids and other small insects, then suck them dry with their needle-like beak.
Tachinid Flies
This large family of flies acts primarily as parasitoids of other insects, particularly caterpillars. However, some species are known to parasitize aphids. The female fly will lay eggs on or near an aphid, and the emerging maggot will bore inside and consume it.