WTB?
Location: israel
August 23, 2010 7:25 am
hi in need help this bug to sting me
and send me to the hospital
Signature: email
Louse Fly
Dear email,
This is a Louse Fly in the family Hippoboscidae. Louse Flies usually prey upon birds. They land on a host and shed their wings after which thy look similar to a louse.
IDENTIFICATION
Location: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
August 27, 2010 11:51 am
This insect was seen flying in jewelweed beside a marshy area. It can be seen quite well in the photos, however, when in flight, this fragile bug is very difficult to focus on given how transparent it is. It was first spotted in July & was still in evidence in early August. We started to refer to these little creatures as ”the fairies” due to their ethereal appearance.
Anne
Phantom Crane Fly
Hi Anne,
It is believed that the markings and coloration of the Phantom Crane Fly enable it to avoid predation as it seems to disappear and reappear as it feebly flies through the sun dappled habitat it prefers.
Phantom Crane Fly
Daniel -
Thank you so much for this information. We were all quite intrigued by this dear little fellow and it’s kind of fun to be able to put a name to him.
Your prompt response is very much appreciated.
Anne
Orange Striped Oakworm
Location: Near Maumee, OH
August 27, 2010 8:13 am
While hiking on nature trails near Maumee, OH, we came across many dozens of these caterpillars on the ground. Most of them had been trampled by hikers, joggers, and Park vehicles, (ecchhhh–what a mess!), though some were still alive and crawling. This specimen was quite alive and about 2.5 to 3” long.
I had never seen this type of caterpillar before, and after investigating online, believe it to be an Orange Striped Oakworm. I am assuming that so many were on the ground at once, because it was time for them to burrow into the ground and pupate.
Many of the Buckeyes, Hickory and young Oak trees had their leaves decimated– and again I’m assuming it could have been a result of the Oakworm’s feeding. Interestingly, the mass carnage of both caterpillars and leaves was very localized, occuring in an area of about 100 yards.
Chris O.
Orange Striped Oakworm
Dear Chris,
We agree that this is an Orange Striped Oakworm, Anisota senatoria, and there is considerable information about the species posted on BugGuide. To the best of our knowledge, the caterpillars do not feed on buckeye or hickory, but your observation on the defoliated trees is very interesting.
Unknown Phasmid?
Location: Orlando, Florida
August 26, 2010 7:12 am
This insect was found on the trunk of a Starfruit tree. It’s about 2 inches in length. I haven’t seen one like it before around here, but maybe that’s because they blend in so well!
GrowerJim
Grizzled Mantis
Dear GrowerJim,
Your insect is a Mantis, not a Phasmid or Walkingstick. It appears to be a Grizzled Mantis, Gonatista grisea, a species reported on BugGuide from North Carolina to Florida. According to the information page on BugGuide, it is: “Mottled gray, green and brown and overall body shape is broad and flattened. Pronotum not narrowed ahead of point where frong legs attached. Female has short wings, abdomen lobed on side. In male, wings cover abdomen at rest“. Your individual fits the description of a female.
dragonfly like thing.
Location: Greenpoint, Brooklyn
August 26, 2010 2:10 pm
August 26th, 9-10AM
Sunny day after a previously rainy one.
From a distance it looked like a squished flower but as I got closer I noticed the wings and the vivid colors which did not photographed as bright.
It was very still on the pavement for awhile and did not fly away when I touched it.
doe
Black Saddlebags
Hi doe,
The reason you think the Black Saddlebags is like a Dragonfly is because it is a Dragonfly. You may read more about the Black Saddlebags, Tramea lacerata, by going to BugGuide.
caterpillar
Location: northeast Pennsylvania
August 26, 2010 5:00 pm
I’m looking for the identity of these caterpillars. They were feeding on a blueberry bush. They fed in bunches at the end of a branch and raised their head and tail when disturbed. Seen in mid- August.
Angela H.
Drexel's Datana Caterpillars
Dear Angela,
The defensive posture you have described and photographed is consistent with the Prominent Caterpillars in the genus Datana, and the food plant and the coloration indicate that your specimens are Drexel’s Datana, Datana drexelii, which is described on BugGuide.
Thank you!! I’ve been trying to find out what tese are ever since I first saw them! I really appreciate your help.
What’s This Bug?
Location: Charlottesville, Va
August 26, 2010 7:18 pm
Hi there – Love your sight. Can you tell me what this creature is?
Kate
White Marked Tussock Moth Caterpillar
Dear Kate,
This is the caterpillar of a White Marked Tussock Moth, Orgyia leucostigma. According to Bugguide: “Caterpillars are recognized by the bright red head and broad black stripe along the back flanked by a yellow stripe each side. Two red glands on sixth and seventh abdominal segments, and four tufts of hairs (which may be white, gray or yellowish) on the first four abdominal segments are common to several members of the genus. CAUTION: Contact with hairs may cause an allergic reaction.“
Giant Silk Moth Caterpillar
Location: Central Ohio
August 26, 2010 6:26 pm
Is this a polyphemus moth caterpillar? He has four small yellow horns, so we are not sure. We saw him while hiking in Central Ohio in August. He was eating a maple leaf.
Hiker
Imperial Moth Caterpillar
Dear Hiker,
This may be the most beautiful image we have ever received of an Imperial Moth Caterpillar.
I like This