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Monthly Archives February 2010

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs invade home

Identify unknown insect possibly beetle
February 17, 2010
Wehave thousands of these bugs on our screened porch, in the roof ridge and attic vents, outside walls, kitchen, bedrooms, living room, etc. They are very slow moving at any time of year and appear harmless to people. Mainly s curiosity.
Bob Weber KSQ
Kennett Square, Chester County, PA, USA

brown marmorated stink bugs bob 300x186 Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs invade home

Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs

Hi Bob,
You have Brown Marmorated Stink Bugs, Halyomorpha halys, a species that was introduced from Asia where it is an agricultural pest.  According to BugGuide:  “They sometimes invade homes in the winter by the hundreds!“  Here is a link to a fact sheet on Invasive.org that shows the entire life cycle.

Thanks a million Dan, you guys are the best – I don’t care what anybody else says about you. You are extremely timely, accurate and thorough and a fantastic service for us laypeople annoyed by invasive bugs.
I have read some of the literature you pointed to and it seems as though the synthetic pyrethroid insecticides indicated are not very effective due to sunlight deactivation in a few days.  I think BMSBs may be sensitive to Spectracide Bug Stop indoor plus outdoor insect killer which I have used during the past six months to reduce spiders, centipedes, thousand leggers , etc. which have profusely invaded our daylight basement by spraying all windows and doors perimeters as well as spraying the floor wall corners and joist wall corners throughout the basement.
I did notice masses of these BMSBs at the attic peak vents and ridge vents when I was exterior prepping and painting this past September/October.  I will try spraying these points from the outside and inside as well as the porch and attic.  I have also gotten BAYER Advanced Home Pest Control Indoor & Outdoor Insect killer which is supposed to have a 9 month residual – to keep killing throughout the fall and winter – however, I don’t see stink bugs listed on the label of either of these pesticides.  It seems as though there are numerous dead adult BMSBs on the basement floor and I thought the pesticide was the cause of mortality but it could have possibly just been their lifecycle.
I used to have the philosophy of not killing indoor bugs – especially spiders – since I felt the spiders would control all the others but the wife couldn’t stand all the creepy crawlies anymore and is deathly afraid of spiders so we took control action which has been extremely effective in the basement so far.
Best regards,  Bob

Posted 18 February 2010 § Stink Bugs and Shield Bugs ‡ Comments (3) ° Tagged: ,
What's That Bug? does not endorse extermination

Carpet Beetle

Concerned a little
February 18, 2010
Hi,
I’m not a bug enthusiast by any means so I have no idea what this bug is. It seems to look like a minute lady bug-like insect. Colors seem speckled with gray and dark red/brown with wings. Tentacles too.
It must have fallen on to me at some point during the day as it fell out of my hair when I rinsed my face. It fell into the sink. I have no idea how it got on to me. That day I was painting indoors and had a hat on most of the day except when I ran out, but was painting a very old dirty room, maybe it was in there.
this was 2 days ago.
It was below freezing.
This couldn’t carry a disease right?
Thanks for your help
nycreptile
NY/CT

carpet beetle necreptile 300x186 Carpet Beetle

Carpet Beetle

Dear nycreptile,
This is a Carpet Beetle in the genus Anthrenus, a common household insect.  It does not carry disease, but they may cause considerable damage to wool, fur, feathers and natural history collections.

Posted 18 February 2010 § Pantry Beetles, Grain Weevils, Spider Beetles, Meal Worms and Carpet Beetles ‡ Comments (0) ° Tagged:

Running Crab Spider

Spider
February 18, 2010
Hello,
I spotted this spider lurking on my bedroom ceiling this evening. My first thought of course was “Is it the dreaded recluse?” So I got on to comparing it to pictures on the internet. Since it was up on the ceiling it was hard to get a good look at it in detail without putting my face under it. Using my camera’s zoom function I managed to take a whole bunch of really blurry pictures, finally getting 2 decent ones before I ran down the batteries icon smile Running Crab Spider
For size reference the extents of its legs would poke just a bit beyond the edges of a half-dollar coin.
I read on wikipedia that recluses don’t have patterns on their abdomen/legs so I’m thinking it’s not one of those. Also his little head-crest looks like it is light on a dark background as opposed to the dark on light that I see in the recluse pictures. I wasn’t quite close enough to count the eyes in my picture so I’m not sure how it stacks up on that feature.
I just moved a bunch of empty cardboard filing boxes that were stacked up to the ceiling near the spot where I saw it so it may have been hanging out in those and got out in the open during the disturbance.
I am in central Texas and it is mid-February. We just had some cold-warm-cold weather transition which I think woke up all the bugs and then sent them indoors looking for warmth. A week or two ago I found a scorpion moseying across my bedroom floor a couple of feet away from my bed. I was able to catch/relocate him. This guy though will have to come down off the ceiling to where I can reach him. Hopefully I’ll be able to catch him.
I’m considering sleeping in the living room tonight though… icon smile Running Crab Spider
Thanks for sharing all the cool bug pictures you get, I learn something new every time I wander by this page.
prospective couch-potato
Austin, TX

dolomedes texas 300x261 Running Crab Spider

Running Crab Spider

Dear prospective couch-potato,
Your spider is a harmless Fishing Spider in the genus Dolomedes, probably Dolomedes tenebrosus, which is pictured on BugGuide.

Correction thanks to Eric Eaton
Hi, Daniel:
The “fishing spider” from Austin, Texas, dated Feb. 18, is actually a species of “running crab spider” in the genus Philodromus, family Philodromidae.
Eric

Posted 18 February 2010 § Crab Spiders ‡ Comments (0) °
What's That Bug? does not endorse extermination

Scarab Grub larger than human feet? or optical illusion?

large white grub
February 16, 2010
Hi, I found this bug at my parents house in Santa Monica, CA in the cement back yard. There is not much dirt around them although the house’s foundation sits directly on very sandy soil. It looks like a witchity grub (like the ones found in Australia) but I don’t think we have those in the U.S. Can you tell me what it is? Is it some kind of larvae.
Alex
Santa Monica, CA USA

grub feet alex 300x236 Scarab Grub larger than human feet? or optical illusion?

Scarab Grub

Hi Alex,
That white Scarab Grub, probably a June Beetle, looks like it is bigger than a human foot, but it is really an optical illusion.

Posted 17 February 2010 § Grubs § Scarab Beetles ‡ Comments (0) °

Ensign Wasp: Unnecessary Carnage

Can’t recognize that bug
February 17, 2010
Hi there,
First of all I got to say I had no idea such website existed. I found it very helpful although I dont know if I can recognized the bug I am looking for.
I moved into a new apartment last August and I have seen this bug couple of times already. Last time today, 5 minutes ago to be exact.Usually I see it flying in the kitchen or livingroom. It’s all black, it flies and has 6 legs I believe with 2 of them longer than the others. I have no idea where it comes from and how to permanently get rid of it. I’ve been seeing many bug in my life in many different locations in the world but never this. Does it cause any damage/ bites? Thank you
Kasia
Bronx, New York

ensign carnage kasia 300x226 Ensign Wasp: Unnecessary Carnage

Ensign Wasp dead from unknown causes

Hi Kasia,
Since your letter indicates that five minutes prior to writing to us, you saw the insect flying, and your photograph depicts an Ensign Wasp that is in no condition to fly, we are going to tag your letter as Unnecessary Carnage.  Ensign Wasps in the family Evaniidae parasitize the eggs of Cockroaches, so if the wasps are present in your home, it is a good indication that there are cockroaches as well.  The Ensign Wasp is beneficial in that it will reduce the number of cockroaches that plague you, and we would recommend allowing the Ensign Wasps to thrive.  Though they are wasps, they will not sting you nor harm you in any way.  You may search BugGuide for more information on Ensign Wasps.

ensign carnage kasia 2 300x170 Ensign Wasp: Unnecessary Carnage

Ensign Wasp

Posted 17 February 2010 § Parasitic Hymenopterans ‡ Comments (0) ° Tagged:

Seventh Recipient of the Nasty Reader Award Redeemed: Root Weevil

halifax nova scotia inquiry
February 17, 2010
I sent you a pic and question the other day before these ones you have been answering? Must be out of your knowledge or something? I have better things to do than check back here daily to see you skipped me and answered everyone else inquiring after me. How do you guys operate at this site anyways? Favorites first?
Mad in canada
nova scotia

granary weevil nasty 300x224 Seventh Recipient of the Nasty Reader Award Redeemed: Root Weevil

Granary Weevil

Dear Mad in canada,
We operate on a volunteer basis and we try to answer as many letters as possible, and we can’t imagine anyone having anything better to do than to visit our website multiple times each day.  We do not answer on a first come first served basis, and we randomly select from the numerous identification requests we receive daily to pick website content that we think will interest our readership.  Our time is also limited, and we are never able to respond to every request.  Though we have received much more vile letters that have earned their writers the Nasty Reader Award, your lack of patience and your presumptuosness have landed you spot number 7 on our list of Nasty Readers.  This is a Granary Weevil in the genus Sitiphilus which may be compared to images posted to BugGuide.  Use some of your free time now that you will not need to visit us any longer, and search your home for the site of infestation, which might be stored pet food or bird seed.

Thanks alot its about time. I personally run websites myself and you do see the people who are visiting and their ip where they are and how many times they been there. Dont blame your lack of proffesionalism on me.
As for infestation don’t you think it could be the indoor vegatation in my home? They were not anywhere near a kitchen. As for the nasty email I sent this morning I didn’t really think untill I read your disclaimer after it already went though. Now that you have helped a person in need with their home not just some random question thanks alot

Once more I would like to apoligize but your still wrong. It is not a granary weevil yes I agree it is a weevil but if you checked both pictures I sent you would see it does not have a snoutc

Here is a different picture where you can see the antanae are at the tip of the nose not halfway back

weevil canada 300x193 Seventh Recipient of the Nasty Reader Award Redeemed: Root Weevil

Root Weevil

Dear [no longer] Mad,
Thanks for the additional photo.  After posting three letters this morning, we must leave our home website office and go to work.  Weevils are the largest group of insects, and it may take time to correctly identify this species.  Our readership does post comments and you might want to consider checking back to see if someone has made an identification.  As far as our professionalism goes, we do not manage our own website, nor monitor its traffic.  Our web host does that.  All we do is post content and try to respond to our readership’s queries.

Dear Mr Marlos,
Thank you very much for your humble proffesionalism. I am sorry I was so upset >:[ These weeviles are turning me evil. I won’t be of bother to you anymore and will continue to check now and again to see if anyone else had clarified the identification. I am sure you all try the best you can and it is appreciated that you all do this volunteerly. One more time I extend my deepest apology. You do run a great website and I promise to never offend any of you again. Keep up the dedication to something you love and have a great day at work. Thank you very much
Your’s
NoLongerMad ^^

Dear No Longer Mad,
Your gracious subsequent letters have redeemed you, and though we no longer consider you to be a Nasty Reader, we are keeping the tag as a document of ironing out differences.

Update from Eric Eaton
February 17, 2010
Daniel:
Well, I can tell you that it is definitely not a granary weevil.  If granary weevils ever get that big, we are all going to starve.  LOL!  This is probably one of the “root weevils” in the genus Otiorhynchus, maybe the black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus, but I can’t be positive.
Root weevils are flightless, mostly nocturnal, and frequently invade homes while looking for mates and food.  I do not know if they overwinter as adults, but it certainly seems plausible.
Hope this helps you and the (former) “Nasty Reader.”  icon smile Seventh Recipient of the Nasty Reader Award Redeemed: Root Weevil
Eric

Posted 17 February 2010 § Weevils ‡ Comments (0) ° Tagged: ,

Chinese Junk Caterpillar from Australia

Caterpiller identify?
February 16, 2010
The photo attached was taken February 16th 2010, in Frankston (A suburb of Melbourne, Australia). Caterpillar was feeding on a Eucalypt flowering gum tree. When disturbed the spins quickly appeared and left a stinging sensation on the skin. Can you please identify it?
Thanks
Rowan Bravington
Melbourne, Australia

chinese junk australia rowan 300x258 Chinese Junk Caterpillar from Australia

Chinese Junk Caterpillar

Hi Rowan,
Your caterpillar goes by the colorful name Chinese Junk Caterpillar because, according the the Brisbane Insect website: “of their shape and their way of moving like ship at sea.“  The Chinese Junk Caterpillar, or Mottled Cup Moth, Doratifera vulnerans, is in the family Limacodidae.  The Brisbane Insect website has nice images of various instars as well as the cocoon, which looks like an empty cup once the adult moth has emerged.  The caterpillar is capable of stinging if carelessly handled, and apparently the spines are retractable.  Your image shows the spines extended in the defensive position.  This species was included in the 1913 edition of Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary under the definition for the word “sting” with this entry:  “Sting moth (Zo["o]l.), an Australian moth (Doratifera vulnerans) whose larva is armed, at each end of the body, with four tubercles bearing powerful stinging organs.“  The sting is reported to be quite painful, similar to nettles and leaving a rash.  The caterpillar is also pictured on the Botanic Gardens Trust website.  In North America, members of the family Limacodidae are known as Slug Moths or Slug Caterpillars, and many of them also possess stinging spines. We next searched the Australian Limacodidae page from an excellent Lepidoptera of Australia website which states:  “In Australia, they are also called ‘Spitfires’, ‘Battleships’ or ‘Warships’. This is because many species of the Caterpillars carry pockets of stinging spines, which are everted when the animal is disturbed, and sting anyone accidentally brushing against a tree leaf on which it is sitting. Their shape has also given them the common name ‘Chinese Junks’. The Caterpillars are inclined to sit by day happily exposed on the leaves of their foodplant, as they have a bright warning pattern or coloration. Their shape, coloration and perhaps their slow progression has led to another of their common names: ‘Bondi Trams’.”

Hi Daniel,
Thanks for your reply and information.
Much appreciated.
Cheers
rowan

Posted 17 February 2010 § Stinging Slug Caterpillars ‡ Comments (0) ° Tagged:

Black Soldier Fly Pupa

What is this?
February 16, 2010
We live in an apartment in Los Angeles, CA. It is February 16th 2010, This is one of third of the same bug we have found in our apartment. All of them located around 2-10 feet of the living room closet. We found them on the ground. We have hardwood laminate. They are slow crawlers, and act dead when touched. Could you please tell me what this is and where they are coming from?
Thank you,
Martin A
Los Angeles, CA

soldier fly pupa martin 300x206 Black Soldier Fly Pupa

Black Soldier Fly Pupa

Hi Martin,
This looks like the pupa of a Black Soldier Fly or Window Fly, Hermetia illucens.  We get numerous reports of countless Black Soldier Fly larvae in compost piles.  If there is a nearby compost pile, the larvae may be migrating to your apartment.  The Black Soldier Flies are neither dangerous nor pests, and according to BugGuide:  “larvae compete with house flies in manure, compost piles, etc., and may thus be beneficial. Adults are harmless and not known to carry any human disease.”  The Black Soldier Fly Blog has some good photos, and there is an entertaining video on You Tube of an adult emerging from the pupa.

soldier fly pupa martin 2 300x206 Black Soldier Fly Pupa

Black Soldier Fly Pupa

Posted 16 February 2010 § Maggots § Soldier Flies ‡ Comments (1) ° Tagged:

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