Cluster of mating black and yellow bugs in Delaware
Mon, May 11, 2009 at 1:55 PM
I stumbled upon this mass of mating beetles (maybe they aren’t beetles) inside and on top of a rotting snake at Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Delaware. Just curious as to what they are since I’ve never seen them before.
D. Fiero
Delaware
Carrion Beetles
Dear D.,
While it is difficult for us to ascertain from your photograph that mating is occurring, it is very obvious that a group of American Carrion Beetles, Necrophila americana, is feasting on the dead snake. We will trust your powers of observation in the matter. Insects might be the original multi-taskers. While multi-tasking might not be terribly efficient for humans in the computer age as evidenced by the documented numbers of automobile accidents that have occurred during cellular telephone calls and texting, trying to compete more than one task at a time is here to stay. Getting back to the American Carrion Beetles, the rotting snake will also provide a food source for larval beetles, so mating while feeding would be a logical behavior. According to BugGuide, the American Carrion Beetle’s habitat is “marshy and forested areas.” BugGuide also indicates: “Adults consume fly larvae (maggots) at carrion, as well as some carrion,” which would be a good way to ensure that there is more food for the developing beetle larvae.
1
5″ wingspan moth
Mon, May 11, 2009 at 2:57 PM
Hi,
I chased this lovely beast out of my livingroom tonight with much screaming from my wife!
I’ve no idea what type of moth this could be, maybe you can help?
It was hiding behind the sofa and I had to use a biscuit tin to catch and release it.
Mick Holstead
Capljina, Bosnia Herzegovina
Giant Peacock Moth
Hi Mick,
This is a Giant Peacock Moth, Saturnia pyri, the largest moth in Europe. This moth was the subject of a Vincent Van Gogh painting, but the artist misidentified the moth as a Death’s Head Moth.
Red Beetle?
Mon, May 11, 2009 at 1:47 AM
Found this on my lily plant leaf. Would like to know about it, especially if it is harmful to my garden and greenhouse plants.
Katie
Leicester, UK
Lily Leaf Beetle
Hi Katie,
This is a Lily Leaf Beetle, Lilioceris lilii. This beetle is native to Europe and has recently been introduced into parts of North America. The larvae and adults feed on the leaves of true lilies, and can become so numerous they become a pest. BugGuide has a nice dialog about the Lily Leaf Beetle, including one person calling them the “scourge of Cambridge” and others recommending using black pepper to control their numbers.
Orange Bug
Sun, May 10, 2009 at 8:34 AMMany immature and adults seen on podocarpus in central Florida. This shrub has had a problem with aphids. The adults flew readily when approached. The immature just crawled around. Adults are about 3/4 inch long.
Eric
Central Florida
Milkweed Assassin Bug
Hi Eric,
This is an immature Milkweed Assassin Bug and it is a beneficial predator. The fact that the podocarpus has Aphids is a good indication that the Milkweed Assassin Bugs are feeding on the Aphids. Adult Milkweed Assassin Bugs have wings. We are very happy to have images of both immature and adult Milkweed Assassin Bugs to post with your letter. Handle Milkweed Assassin Bugs with care as they are capable of biting and will do so if mishandled.
Milkweed Assassin Bug
Black and White Moth
Sun, May 10, 2009 at 1:48 PM
I’m writing this for my 4 year of daughter who caught this moth and want to kn ow what it eats and what this moth’s name is. SInce last summer when I first started identifying bugs with this page my daughter and I are loving it. Thanks so much for doing this.
The moth was on the house during a chilly day (8 degrees Celsius) on May 10th. We live in Ontario Canada (Ottawa). Although we could not catch it with the camera when the wings are open there are two little blue spots that look like eyes on the under wings.
Sigyn
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
One Eyed Sphinx
Dear Sigyn,
Thank you for the wonderful compliment. This lovely moth is a One Eyed Sphinx or Cerisyi’s Sphinx, Smerinthus cerisyi . The best place to learn about Sphinx Moths of North America is on Bill Oehlke’s excellent website.
Beautiful moth
Sun, May 10, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Hello,
I discovered a beautiful, green moth near the front door this afternoon. I live in the Netherlands and I’ve never spotted a moth like this. Could you tell me what kind of moth this is? And is it common in the area I live in? Thank you very much.
Martijn Wagenaar
Harlingen, The Netherlands
Lime Hawkmoth
Hi Martijn,
This is the second photo we posted this week of a Lime Hawkmoth, Mimas tiliae. The first example was from England. You can read more about this lovely moth on the UK Moths website.
Beautiful Blue Bug
Sun, May 10, 2009 at 1:44 PM
These blue fellows showed up in late April, proceeded to make a love shack of my grapevines, and disappeared shortly after. A couple of weeks later my vines are covered with these cute, little yellow and black caterpillars. I’m assuming the two are related but I can’t seem to find them on any of the internet searches I’ve done.
Thanks for any info, Rebecca
Mesa, AZ
Western Grape Leaf Skeletonizer
Hi Rebecca,
We are so happy to have your photos of the adult moth as well as caterpillars of the Western Grape Leaf Skeletonizer, Harrisina metallica , in the same letter. According to BugGuide it is: “Native to southwestern USA and northern Mexico. Occurs from California to Texas, north to Colorado and Utah ” and “Larvae are a severe pest in some California vineyards.” A very similar species, the Grape Leaf Skeletonizer, Harrisina americana, is found in the eastern U.S.
Western Grape Leaf Skeletonizer Caterpillars
2
Huge creepy alien like bug
Sat, May 9, 2009 at 10:15 PM
This is the second time we found this bug in our yard. Last year the one we saw was more opague/and albino like than this one. We live in the hills of Los Angelels. Our zip code is 90065. We think that whatever it is it must be the queen of it’s species, if not, we would hate to see the dominant version. We hope that it is not poisonous (we have kids and dogs) and that it does not travel in large numbers and/or breed often. Any info you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Heebie Jeebie Having Goring Family
on our patio in Los Angeles, CA
Potato Bug
Dear HJH Goring Family,
The Potato Bug or Jerusalem Cricket is one of our top 10 identification requests, and it may be number 1 in Southern California. This subterranean dweller usually comes to the surface after a heavy rain, so its appearance right now is a tad bit uncharacteristic. The Potato Bug is not poisonous, nor does it travel in packs. It does have strong jaws and it is possible that a bite might draw blood in a thin skinned individual.
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