When we think of insects in the garden, we often think of pests: aphids, slugs, flies... Yet a silent army works in the shadows to protect your plants, pollinate your crops and enrich the soil. These auxiliary insects are real living treasures that you need to learn to recognise - and cherish.
Here are 9 superheroes of the vegetable garden.
1. The ladybird: the terror of aphids
The symbol par excellence of the natural garden, the ladybird is a formidable predator. A single larva can eat up to 100 aphids a day. Both adults and larvae take part in this feast, on all kinds of plants, from roses to tomatoes.
Tip: To attract them, avoid pesticides, plant umbellifers (carrots, dill) and leave wild areas in the garden.
2. The hoverfly: the indispensable false bumblebee
Often mistaken for a wasp, the hoverfly is harmless to humans but deadly to aphids. Its larva is a gluttonous carnivore, while the adult, an unrivalled pollinator, feasts on nectar and pollen.
Why it's useful: It combines biological control and pollination.
3. The ground beetle: the soil cleaner
Black, discreet and quick, the ground beetle lives on the ground and comes out at night. It devours slugs, larvae, snails, insect eggs and even beetles.
Bonus: it helps maintain the natural balance and cleans the soil of pests.
4. The wild bee: the forgotten pollinator
Less well known than the domestic bee, the wild bee is nevertheless more effective on certain plants. Solitary, they nest in holes, hollow stems or old wood.
How to help: Install an insect hotel, avoid mowing too short, and allow clovers, dandelions and mints to flower.
5. The parasitoid wasp: caterpillar killer
This little wasp lays its eggs in the larvae of aphids or caterpillars. Once hatched, its young devour the host from the inside.
The result? Natural regulation of pest populations without human intervention.
6. The tachinid fly: the discreet assassin
Often overlooked, this hairy fly lays its eggs on caterpillars. Its larvae develop by devouring their host. It is one of the best natural regulators of caterpillar pests.
Major benefit: It acts where ladybirds do not.
7. Lacewings: the green fairy of the vegetable garden
Their larvae are real war machines: they attack aphids, mealybugs, thrips, whiteflies... you name it.
Good to know: They lay their eggs suspended from small filaments, a fascinating sight to behold.
8. The bumblebee: the tough pollinator
Less selective than bees, bumblebees can visit more complex flowers, including tomatoes, beans and squash. They start foraging earlier in the morning and in colder weather.
Why we love it: It's hardy, tireless and very effective for pot and greenhouse crops.
9. The millipede: the discreet composter
They live in the soil litter, under stones, dead leaves or piles of wood. They aerate the soil and feed on organic waste, accelerating decomposition and soil fertility.
Not so harmful: It may occasionally nibble tender roots, but the benefits far outweigh the risks.
In conclusion: the invisible heroes of the garden
In a world where insecticides are still too prevalent, these auxiliary insects play a vital role in the health and balance of our gardens. By learning to recognise them and adapting your practices (zero pesticides, varied planting, natural refuges), you can encourage a living, resilient and productive ecosystem.
And don't forget: sometimes doing nothing is the best way to help nature do the rest.