Incidental Insects 

Bees: Different bee species have been observed collecting hemp pollen. However, hemp is wind pollinated and does not require pollinators for seed production. Because of this, bees are considered incidental insects - they are not harming or providing a benefit to the hemp plants.

Flies: A great diversity of flies can be found on hemp plants. In a two-year survey of insects on hemp plants in open fields and high tunnels in Indiana, flies represented the majority of incidental insects observed. Some of the most common flies included vinegar flies (Family: Drosophilidae), grass or frit flies (Family: Chloropidae), mosquitoes (Family: Culicidae), midges (Family: Chironomidae), and crane flies (Family: Tipulidae). Many of these flies are small in size, with the exception of crane flies, and most were observed resting on plants or hovering near the plant canopy.

Crickets: Many will recognize crickets as dark-colored, hopping insects that are knownfor “singing.” There are several species of crickets, but ground crickets, house crickets, and field crickets are some of the most common in habitat where hemp may be grown outdoors, including meadows, pastures, yards, wooded areas, and along roadsides. 

Other incidental insects: Many kinds of insects have been observed incidentally on hemp plants, and their presence is likely influenced by other crops in the landscape surrounding hemp plantings. For example, we have observed a variety of small moths, ants, spotted-cucumber beetles, striped-flea beetles, click beetles, katydids, and even milkweed beetles resting on hemp plants in the field.

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