Question
Hello Mike,

On 8/8/05 Vanessa asked you about little red bugs on her tomato plants. We also live in Nothern VA, probably not far from Vanessa. We would like to know what these bugs are. We have them on our plants too. They do not do any harm, but they are quite interesting. They always stay in a formation of 10-15 as they would protect the spot or the leaf they are on. We have not seen them eating or doing anything. Next day they are moved to another plant, but same thing just sitting on a leaf in the same formation.

If you could help us to find out what they are, we would appreciate.

Thank you
Rudi Yvonne

Answer
Rudi, it's hard to say without actually seeing the insect. There are literally thousands of insects, many of them red. The most common red insects include Bean-Leaf Beetles, Harlequin Cabbage Bugs, and Spider Mites. There are also variations of lady beetles that have a predominant red to their shell.

Attached is good website that details the insects I've listed.  There are also many more out there that will give photographs for you to compare against.

http://www.thefarm.org/charities/i4at/lib2/gardbugs.htm

I hope this information helps.  Please write again if you ever need assistance.

Regards,

Mike