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About This Quiz
Can you tell your aphids from your armyworms or spider mites from squash bugs? Do your friends turn to you for gardening advice because of your green thumb? If so, you might have what it takes to ace our garden creatures quiz!
There's no question that gardening provides a variety of benefits. Sure, there's the obvious reward of saving money by growing your own produce or flowers instead of buying them, but that's not all. Gardening serves as a form of moderate exercise, which helps keep you fit and healthy. This hobby also provides a boost of happiness and sense of achievement as you watch seeds transform into healthy plants thanks to your hard work. Finally, gardening can be seen as a form of meditation, offering peace and tranquility in this busy modern world.
Of course, gardening isn't easy by any means, and if you're heading out to the garden-seeking solitude -- forget it. No matter where you live, your garden is surely occupied with countless creatures and critters. While many people are quick to spray insecticides to get rid of these pests, it's important to keep in mind that many garden creatures are actually pretty helpful to keep around. Not only can they help pollinate your plants, but many also chow down on the very pests that plague your garden.
Think you can name the most common garden residents from just a single image? Take our quiz to find out.
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Can you name this garden creature?
centipede
hornet
potato beetle
aphid
Aphids are a thorn in any gardener's side. These tiny insects feast on all types of plants and can destroy your garden haul despite your hard work. Even worse, they leave behind a residue known as honeydew which attracts ants. Keep them under control by squashing any you see, or spray them with a mixture of dish soap and water.
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Can you name this garden creature?
sowbug
armyworm
The larva of the armyworm moth, armyworms are an invasive species that cause lots of damage to crops and plants in the U.S. They get their name because they form lines of destruction, moving like an army across the battlefield. Some blackbirds and crows will feast on these pests.
mosquito
praying mantis
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Can you name this garden creature?
yellow jacket
earthworm
grasshopper
Grasshoppers nosh on everything from cereal plants to veggies and pasture grass. They have powerful jumping legs and are great at camouflage, which means they are hard for predators to catch, so you may need to use chemicals to control them in your garden.
tomato hornworm
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Can you name this garden creature?
centipede
root maggot
Root maggots feast on the roots of a plant, and look like small houseflies when they reach the adult stage. Keep these 1/4 inch flies under control using row covers to protect the base of your plants.
hornet
clover mite
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Can you name this garden creature?
corn earworm
Corn earworms are one of the biggest agricultural pests in the United States. Unfortunately, they're also resistant to most pesticides, and require advanced, multi-pronged management techniques to control their population.
centipede
mosquito
sowbug
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Can you name this garden creature?
yellow jacket
spider mite
Spider mites get their name from the fact that they spin fine silk webbing, similar to actual spiders. They're less than 1mm in size and prefer to hide under the leaves of plants, chewing holes that can destroy your garden. Fortunately, they and their eggs can often be removed from plants by using a strong spray of water.
ant
praying mantis
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Can you name this garden creature?
ladybug
clover mite
tomato hornworm
squash bug
Despite their name, squash bugs will not only feed on squash plants, but also pumpkins and cucumbers. These dark gray or brown bugs suck sap from leaves, leading to a plant that wilts or dies.
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Can you name this garden creature?
ladybug
yellow jacket
thrips
There are more than 6,000 species of thrips, each more annoying than the last. These 1mm insects are weak fliers, but that doesn't stop them from spreading disease to plants and feeding on their leaves. Luckily, many thrips are beneficial because they consume small mites and their eggs.
earthworm
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Can you name this garden creature?
whitefly
There are more than 1,500 species of whitefly seeking to build a cozy home in your garden. Despite their name, they come in various colors, including black ones that love to dine on citrus crops. The biggest damage from these tiny flies is a secretion called honeydew, which attracts other insects.
centipede
mosquito
stinkbug
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Can you name this garden creature?
wolf spider
sowbug
potato beetle
ant
There are an estimated 22,000 ant species living in colonies of a few dozen up to several million around the globe. While some are invasive, many are valuable to keep around because they control populations of other common garden pests.
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Can you name this garden creature?
ant
asparagus beetle
Asparagus beetles come in both common and spotted varieties. Common species are red with black backs dotted with white spots, while spotted varieties are all red with black spots. Both gnaw away at asparagus plants, causing then to wilt, brown or droop.
praying mantis
tomato hornworm
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Can you name this garden creature?
cabbage worm
Cabbage worms not only feast on cabbage, but also on broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. They pose the most risk while the plants are just beginning to sprout, and can be identified by their velvety green appearance.
hornet
mosquito
ladybug
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Can you name this garden creature?
earthworm
slug
Slugs may hang out with other garden creatures, but they are actually a type of mollusk -- like clams or the giant squid. These shell-less critters leave a trail of slime in their wake, and will dine on almost anything in the garden. Many gardeners rely on beer-filled traps to keep slugs from doing too much damage.
clover mite
grasshopper
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Can you name this garden creature?
ant
centipede
mealy bugs
It starts with "M."
mosquito
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Koppert Biological Systems
Can you name this garden creature?
leafminer
Leafminers are a threat to beans, blackberries, cabbage and many other plants. They look like small black flies, but its the larvae that really poses a problem. The immature leafminers leave white squiggly trails on leaves, but can be kept at bay by wasps, which feast on the larvae and eggs.
sowbug
yellow jacket
praying mantis
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Can you name this garden creature?
honeybee
tomato hornworm
mosquito
solitary wasp
Despite their stingers, wasps in the garden are actually a good thing. Sure they may sting, but are typically not aggressive, and they tend to feast on a wide variety of garden pests.
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Can you name this garden creature?
snail
sowbug
Sowbugs and pillbugs -- also known as roly polies because of their ability to roll up like a ball when threatened -- love hanging out in damp spots in the garden. Generally, they feast on dead plants and don't do a whole lot of damage.
earthworm
ladybug
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Can you name this garden creature?
clover mite
yellow jacket
mosquito
snail
Think of a snail like a slug with a shell on its back. Like slugs, snails leave a trail of slime as they travel, and tend to feast on many garden plants. Spread ashes on diatomaceous earth around the garden to keep snails under control.
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Can you name this garden creature?
tomato hornworm
centipede
grasshopper
cucumber beetle
Cucumber beetles not only dine on the roots of plants, but also transmit harmful bacteria. These come in both striped and spotted varieties, and can be recognized by their yellow and black color scheme.
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Can you name this garden creature?
leafhopper
The leafhopper, or hopper, is a fly measuring around 1/4 inch long. They suck the sap from plants, leaving ugly white specks and curled leaves behind. Use row covers and keep trash and debris to a minimum to help get rid of these pests.
hornet
yellow jacket
wolf spider
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Panchal Rahul
Can you name this garden creature?
praying mantis
European corn borer
The European corn borer was likely imported into the U.S. around the beginning of the 20th century, and has been destroying corn and other crops ever since. This tan caterpillar is best eliminated with beneficial insect populations, such as ladybugs.
centipede
sowbug
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Can you name this garden creature?
clover mite
mosquito
psyllid
Also known as plant lice, psyllids feast on fruit and tomatoes. They also transmit viruses and leave behind a secretion that may encourage mold growth. Get rid of these pests using pesticides, neem oil, or natural predators like ladybugs.
ant
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Can you name this garden creature?
wireworm
Measuring less than two inches in length, wireworms are yellow or light brown. They eat the seeds, roots and bulbs of plants, making them very unpopular among gardeners. Use potato traps or encourage birds to help keep wireworms under control.
yellow jacket
tomato hornworm
ladybird
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Can you name this garden creature?
aphid
earthworm
clover mite
Clover mites are tiny red bugs that look like miniature spiders. They are harmless to humans and pets, though they will leave an ugly red smear when squashed.
slug
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Can you name this garden creature?
sowbug
clover mite
centipede
cutworm
The cutworm is actually the larvae of a moth, and looks like a green or brown caterpillar. They feast on veggie and flower seedlings, but can be controlled using wasps -- their primary predator.
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Can you name this garden creature?
earwig
mosquito
praying mantis
wolf spider
Unlike most spiders, wolf spiders don't weave webs. Instead, these 8-eyed creatures use their natural camouflage ability to blend in so they can pounce on beetles, flies and mosquitoes. Despite their creepy-crawly appearance, this is one garden critter worth keeping around.
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Can you name this garden creature?
Mexican bean beetle
The yellow or copper-colored Mexican bean beetle is an extremely invasive species that feeds on leaves, giving them an unhealthy, lacy appearance. They can be removed by hand, but are also a favorite food for ladybugs.
tomato hornworm
ant
ladybird
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Can you name this garden creature?
slug
hornet
ladybird
Yup, ladybird is just another name for ladybug! There are more than 450 species of these creatures in North America, ranging from yellow to red. Most have the characteristic black spot with which you are likely familiar. Ladybirds are also one of the most helpful garden creatures to keep around because they devour a wide variety of pests.
clover mite
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Can you name this garden creature?
yellow jacket
centipede
Despite their creepy appearance, centipedes are helpful to have in the garden because they eat many pests. If centipede populations start to soar in your garden, try to eliminate moist shady spots where the insects like to hang out.
potato beetle
earthworm
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Can you name this garden creature?
sowbug
aphid
honeybee
Honeybees don't sting, and they handle around 80 percent of pollination in the U.S. That means they are one of the most beneficial garden creatures, and should be left in peace to do their job.
praying mantis
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Can you name this garden creature?
earwig
Earwigs are easy to spot because they have a spooky-looking pincer at one end. Though some can damage plants, they are natural predators and generally do more good than harm. And no, they don't crawl into the ears of sleeping humans -- that's just an old wives' tale.
aphid
mosquito
snail
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Can you name this garden creature?
tomato hornworm
earthworm
Worms are garden superheroes! Their constant wriggling loosens soil for better water and airflow. They also continuously produce secretions that add trace minerals and nutrients to improve soil quality.
sowbug
yellow jacket
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Can you name this garden creature?
honeybee
ant
lace wing
The bright green lacewing is just 1/2 inch long, but packs a lot of power. This large-winged insect eats mites, aphids and the eggs of many invasive insects.
potato beetle
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Can you name this garden creature?
praying mantis
The praying mantis gets its name from the way it holds its front feet together in a prayer-like position. This carnivorous creature is a welcome part of any garden, feasting on aphids, flies, spiders and other pests.
centipede
earthworm
tomato hornworm
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Can you name this garden creature?
earwig
clover mite
ladybug
Ladybugs have a characteristic red color with small black spots. They tend to feast on aphids, which are a problem in many gardens. These winged insects also come in shades of orange and red.
earthworm
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Can you name this garden creature?
flea beetle
Flea beetles get their name from the fact that they can hop from plant to plant like a typical flea. They'll eat almost any plant, and chew countless tiny holes in leaves. To keep these pests under control, remove debris, use row covers and consider adding sticky flea traps to your garden.
tomato hornworm
mosquito
ant
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Can you name this garden creature?
ladybird
praying mantis
hoverflies
Hoverflies look like a miniature version of a standard bee or wasp thanks to their yellow banding. These insects are natural predators of garden pests like aphids, so many gardeners keep them around to help protect plants.
earthworm
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Can you name this garden creature?
bollworm
The bollworm feasts on many different plants, but is often associated with cotton and corn crops. Wasps are a natural predator, and help control bollworm populations by feasting on the creature's eggs.
yellow jacket
ant
honeybee
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Can you name this garden creature?
snail
honeybee
potato beetle
The potato beetle has a unique appearance that makes it easy to distinguish from other garden pests. It's round, with a light orange color, and black spots on its head -- plus black stripes along its body. Ladybuys and lacewings can help control potato beetle populations.
praying mantis
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Can you name this garden creature?
honeybee
clover mite
centipede
caterpillar
Caterpillars love nothing more than munching holes into the leaves in your garden. Fortunately, wasps make quick work of these pests, so consider planting herbs like dill and parsley to attract more wasps.
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Can you name this garden creature?
mosquito
earthworm
cabbage looper
Cabbage loopers get their name from the way they draw their body up into a loop as they travel. Most are pale green with fine white stripes. If these pets are consuming your cabbage, plant herbs and install a birdhouse to attract predators like wasps and birds.
ant
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Can you name this garden creature?
stink bug
Stink bugs have a distinct shield shape, and love to chow down on fruit, flowers, corn and beans. Keep these bugs at bay by keeping your garden clear of debris, and encouraging predators like the praying mantis.
slug
yellow jacket
sowbug
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Can you name this garden creature?
tomato hornworm
The tomato hornworm is the largest caterpillar found in a typical garden, and can measure up to four inches long. This critter feasts on tomatoes, peppers and potatoes, but because of its large size, is easy to remove by hand.
praying mantis
ant
ladybug
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Can you name this garden creature?
honeybee
gnat
Clouds of annoying gnats can really ruin your time in the garden. To reduce the number of gnats in your yard, mow your lawn regularly, water early in the morning so the grass can dry out by midday, and remove any debris that allows moisture to build up in the yard.
yellow jacket
clover mite
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Can you name this garden creature?
centipede
potato beetle
mosquito
Mosquitoes buzzing and biting can keep all but the most avid gardeners from venturing outside. Eliminate infestations by getting rid of all sources of standing water in your yard, and make sure to cover your arms and legs when you're working outside to minimize bites.
ladybug
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Can you name this garden creature?
weevil
Weevils look like standard beetles, but can be distinguished by their pointed snouts. These pests eat everything from grains to flowers and fruits, but can be controlled using many pesticides.
sowbug
earwig
yellow jacket
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Can you name this garden creature?
earthworm
praying mantis
aphid
yellow jacket
Though they're often referred to as bees, those aggressive yellow and black stinging insects are actually wasps. While yellow jackets can be a nuisance, they are also natural predators to many critters that hang out in the garden, so consider whether the benefits outweigh the costs before trying to get rid of them.
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Can you name this garden creature?
tomato hornworm
aphid
potato beetle
hornet
Hornets are wasps that live in underground burrows. They look similar to yellow jackets, but are much larger. Best of all, they are unlikely to bother you if you leave them alone, and will consume many common garden pests.
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Can you name this garden creature?
ladybug
tomato hornworm
tarnished plant bug
The tarnished plant bug is bronze in color and around 1/4 inch long. It loves to chew on bulbs and flowers, and even injects toxins into plants as it sucks out the sap. To control these pests, remove the weeds in which they like to hide out.
mosquito
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Can you name this garden creature?
clover mite
earthworm
yellow jacket
blister beetle
The blister beetle is so named because it can leave a welt or blister on the skin if crushed. It's also very dangerous for horses and livestock if eaten. Steer clear of these bugs, and remove all sources of the pigweed and ironweed that tend to attract them to a garden.
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