Anyone who has ever spent time in the garden is aware of calming affects gardening has on even the most stressful life. However, all gardening benefits go straight out the window when one comes face to face with a large unknown insect. While many of these insects are beneficial to the garden, one can’t help but notice the resemblance of many of these insects to alien creatures.  So here are the top 5 bugs that most resemble life from another planet.

1. Phyllocrania paradoxa - More commonly known as “ghost mantis.” While a variety of mantis had to top the list, I didn’t want to go with the well know green praying mantis. The ghost mantis is one of the smallest species of mantis and looks both like an alien and a leaf. The interesting shape of the head and large oval eyes resemble what we think aliens look like however the body is extremely leaf-like. The resemblance is not just in their appearance but also their movements. Especially when the male is in a fight stance. If you have ever had any doubt about the existence of alien life, take a look at a mantis my friend. The ghost mantis is an especially unique variety.

2. Podisus maculiventris - “Spined Soldier Bug”. This beneficial stinkbug actually makes the list not due to the adults’ resemblance to an alien but because of the offspring immediately after they hatch. It looks like an invasion of solider bugs from another planet. Luckily for us they grow into garden helpers by eating caterpillars and worms. 

3. Centipedes - They may be helpful around your garden but that doesn’t stop many people from jumping out of their Birkenstocks when they are greeted by one. With over 8,000 species worldwide they can range in both color and size. They also have an uncanny resemblance to an alien creature.

4. Assassin Bug - From the Reduviidae family, known to have over 3000 different species! While they all vary in size and color, they have one thing in common. All use their beak to suck out tissue from unsuspecting prey. They also have an uncanny resemblance to aliens. Considering they can be found just about everywhere in the world, taking a closer look at your garden might be prudent.  

5. Manduca quinquemaculata - Or the dreaded “tomato hornworm.” Any tomato gardener that has had the opportunity to meet these guys knows how destructive they truly are. The “hornworm” is actually a big caterpillar that can reach 4 cm in length. The caterpillar itself is quite alien like with a green body, white v shape marking and what appears to be “fake” eyes up and down the sides of the body. However, this guy starts to look really interesting when Mother Nature steps in. The braconid wasp will lay its eggs on the back of the hornworm. This paralyzes the hornworm. Just a word of advice to gardeners if you happen to see a hornworm in this state, doesn’t kill it. When the eggs hatch the wasps will kill the hornworm in your garden. While this is a beneficial process, it looks pretty alien.

So the next time you decide to step outside to relax in the garden, beware of what might be lurking in your plants!