Courgettes - black bugs

[nuttyrockeress]

I went out to pick some of my Black beauties and when I went to do a bit of pollination I pulled off one of the flowers and it had quite a few small black bugs inside.

I didn't see any in the Solei but to be fair didn't have a good look.

Any thoughts please?

[Jeanied]

Pollen beetles - no real pest.

[nuttyrockeress]

Thanks for the swift reply. I've just had a.quick Google but read that they can eat away at flowers etc. Its my first year of growing flowers as well as veg - including the lovely dahlia and i'd hate to lose them!

[Jeanied]

As long as the courgette has been pollenated the flower has done its work - the key is to watch for the flower falling and the fruit behind forming.
As for dahlias the biggest pest is earwigs not pollen beetles who go for the more simple open flowers.

[nuttyrockeress]

Thanks jeanid!

What I meant was I've grown veg before but this my first at flowers from seed.

[Jelliebabe]

I've had those before and they did no harm at all! All fine! the courgettes didnt seem to mind at all!

[Two_Sheds]

Pollen beetles, horrible itchy little things. They love anything yellow. If you're annoyed at your hubby, get him to go on a bike ride in a yellow tee shirt heeheehee

[Aberdeenplotter]

Tssk. Tssk

[Two_Sheds]

^ Hey, if you had to live with him, you'd put him in a yellow tee shirt too

[Florence Fennel]

Have you one you could lend me for Himself TS? I'd never get him on a bike, but I could introduce the beetles while he's watching the box.

I noticed these on my courgettes last year, not harmful at all. I haven't got any flowers this year yet, I was a bit late starting them.