Here's a list of predatory bugs, their target food source and an attractant (courtesy of http://www.ommas-aarden.net/comp_plant.htm )
More info on the braconid wasp here at Brisbane insects
Assassin Bug -- Caterpillars, Flies
Big-Eyed Bug -- Aphids, Caterpillars, Leafhoppers, Mites;
attracted by: Clover, Goldenrod, Soybeans.
Braconid Wasp -- Aphids, Armyworm, Cabbageworm, Cornborer, Codling Moth, Elm Bark Beetle, Horn Worm;
attracted by: Dill, Parsley, Yarrow.
Damselbug --Aphids, Caterpillars, Leafhoppers, Thrips;
attracted by: Alfalfa.
Ground Beetle --Caterpillars, Cabbage Maggot, Colorado Potato Beetle Larvae, Cutworms, Slugs, Snails;
attracted by: Clover.
Honeybee -- Pollinator
Hover Fly (Syrphid Fly) -- the larvae eat aphids, various beetles and caterpillars, leafhoppers, mealybugs and thrips
-attracted by: chamomile, asters, cornflower, black-eyed Susans and marigolds.
Ichneumon Wasp --Beetle larvae, Caterpillars, Sawfly,
Lacewing --Aphids, Corn Earworms, Mites, Thrips
Lady Beetle --Aphids attracted by: morning glory vines, angelica, coreopsis, cosmos, sweet alyssum and tansy.
Minute Pirate Bug --Leafhopper nymphs, Spider mites, Thrips
Predatory Mite (persimilis) -- European Red Mites, Spider Mites
Praying Mantis -- Also predates beneficials
Rove Beetle --Aphids, Cabbage Maggot, Flies, Mites, Springtails
Soldier Beetle --Aphids, Beetle larvae, Caterpillars, Corn Rootworm, Cucumber Beetle, Grasshopper eggs;
attracted by: Goldenrod, Milkweed, Hydrangea
Spined Soldier Bug -- Caterpillars, Sawfly larvae
Tachinid Fly --Caterpillars
Tiger Beetle --General predator
Yellowjacket -- Flies, caterpillars
Beneficial Parasitoid Wasps and Hoverflies are attracted to:
Alyssum, Buckwheat, Cilantro, Fennel, Mustard, Phacelia, and Yarrow
Beneficial predator insects are attracted to these pollen and nectar plants :
Carrot, Catnip, Coneflowers, Daisy, Dill, Fennel, Goldenrod, Lemon Balm, Mint, Parsley, Peppermint, Spearmint, Thyme, Yarrow.
Good bugs can be purchased from The Beneficial Bug Coy or Bugs for Bugs
Thanks Les
