Is this a Four Spotted Fungus Moth?
October 10, 2009
Hello Bugman!
This little fella spread himself out all comfy and cozy on my dresser!
Is this a Four Spotted Fungus Moth?
And if it isn’t – do you know what it is?
Thanks in advance for your assistance, Kristina
Raleigh, North Carolina – Kristina’s Dresser
Geometrid Moth
Hi Kristina,
This is not a Four Spotted Fungus Moth. It is some species of Geometrid Moth, but we are uncertain of the exact species. It might be a Barberry Looper, Coryphista meadii.
Crawling green bug with yellow things growing on it
October 10, 2009
Photo taken 9/28/09 in the afternoon. He/she was crawling across the paved part of the Baldwin Rails to Trails from one side to the other.
Florida
Jacksonville, FL
Imperial Moth Caterpillar
Hi Florida,
This is an Imperial Moth Caterpillar.
Cocoons on my Mesquite tree
October 10, 2009
South of Tucson, Arizona. I have these cocoons all over one of my mesquite trees.
Pam
Rio Rico, Arizona
Bagworms
Hi Pam,
This is a species of Bagworm. Bagworms are caterpillars of moths in the family Psychidae. They are unusual in that the female never leaves her bag. The bag is formed from silk and plant material by a growing larva that eventually pupates inside its bag. Adult males have wings but females are wingless. The female emits pheromones and attracts a mate to her bag. Her eggs are also laid in the bag. BugGuide contains some wonderful information.
Bagworms
¶ Posted 11 October 2009 § Bagworm ‡ ° Orange-red bug with odd ridged tail
October 10, 2009
Dear Bugman,
I’m trying to help my son with a Science project, but can’t figure out what this bug is! We found this little critter scampering across the kitchen floor in our typical suburban neighborhood, Can you help?
Bug-ignorant Dad
Norman, Oklahoma, USA
Corsair Bug Nymph
Dear Bug-ignorant Dad,
This is some species of Assassin Bug, and it appears to be an immature specimen since the wings are not fully developed. We matched it to an unidentified Corsair Bug nymph posted to BugGuide, also from Oklahoma. The person who posted those images states: “Found under a rock. Hopefully these shots are better and maybe the ID can be gotten further. I know from past encounters with these that they are fairly quick and agile. So, when I turned the rock over it started making it’s escape. I didn’t have a container so I caught it in my hand and carried back to the house (a little over a quarter mile). I’m glad it didn’t decide to stab me with that proboscis!“ Members of this genus are reported to have a very painful bite.
Daniel,
Thanks so much for your help. It’s great to see that people with expertise in this field are willing to help those of use who are basically know – nothings.
Have a great day,
Kent
Grapevine beetle?
October 9, 2009
This beauty was clinging to our screen door early one morning last June. I have been trying to identify, and Grapevine beetle seems a possibility (we have 17 acres of grapes), but there aren’t noticeable spots. What else could it be?
Charlee
4 miles east of Lawrence, KS
Goldsmith Beetle
Hi Charlee,
Your guess that this is a Grapevine Beetle is well founded, though incorrect. This is a Goldsmith Beetle, Cotalpa lanigera, which is in the same tribe, Rutelini, as the Grapevine Beetle, Pelidnota punctata. You can see additional images and read more about the Goldsmith Beetle on BugGuide. Our favorite bit of trivia about the Goldsmith Beetle, is that it is believed to be the Gold Bug in the famous Edgar Allen Poe story.
Thanks so much for the info! We have lots of unusual (for this area) bugs, birds, and varmints visiting our farm, and I was having trouble trying to identify this beetle. It certainly was beautiful– the same morning I photographed this guy, I also got great shots of a pair of Io moths. Living in the country certainly has its perks!
Thanks again,
Charlee
Charlee Glinka Davenport Orchards/Vineyards/Winery
Black beetle with large orange spots
October 9, 2009
Date: 8Oct09
Found beetle wandering around the lawn near cedar trees on damp dreary day. Took pictures and when sun warmed the bug, he flew away. Pictures show bug held by pine needle and with one wing unfolding.
Size: 2 cm long
Peter
46° 12.496′N; 79° 29.539′W
Sexton Beetle
Hi Peter,
This is a Sexton Beetle in the genus Nicrophorus, possibly Nicrophorus orbicollis. Sexton Beetles are sometimes called Burying Beetles.
Robber Fly
October 8, 2009
I believe this is a robber fly but would like to get your expert opinion. I have not seen one with green eyes.
m zapata
Flower Mound, Denton County, Texas
Hanging Thief
Dear m zapata,
Yes, this is a Robber Fly. We are nearly certain it is a Hanging Thief in the genus Diogmites. Though it does not look like an exact match, it does resemble Diogmites discolor which is pictured on BugGuide. We will check with Eric Eaton to see if he can identify the species. Your photos are stunning and this is an exquisite creature.
Hanging Thief
Update from Eric Eaton
Daniel:
No, I don’t know robber flies that well, but if it is not a species of Diogmites then it is certainly a closely-related genus.
Eric
Terrifying Orange Hornet(?)
October 8, 2009
Hi Bugman-
I spotted two of these orange flyers today in my backyard garden in Austin, Texas. They were buzzing around my zucchini plant(hopefully pollinating it in the process). They seemed a lot more interested in the plant than in me, yet due to my wildly irrational fear of stinging insects, I was petrified. I only managed to get a few shots before the buzzed away for good. I tried to identify them online but haven’t had any luck. Any idea on the species?
John
Austin, Texas
Squash Vine Borer
Hi John,
This is not a hornet. It is a moth that mimics a hornet for protection. It is a Squash Vine Borer, and the larvae will bore in the stems of squash and pumpkin vines, causing the plants to wither.
Squash Vine Borer
Thank you so much for the heads up. Before I had only heard of the Squash Bug as a pest to look out for around my squash vine. After I got your email, I read up on the Vine Borer, went out in the garden and saw the telltale signs that of the borers inside. I did some surgery with a knife and tweezers and pulled out a big fat borer larva…it’s a fairly small plant so I’m hoping it was the only one. Thank you so much for your help, you’re a lifesaver! -John
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