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Two
Maggots: Rat Tailed Maggot and Leatherback, a Caddisfly Nymph
and a Burying Beetle all from Alaska
(10/21/2007) Alaskan Backyard 'Bugs'
Hi! You guys are my new heros! I love the site and I don't
know how I've missed it before! I am going to be a regular
viewer from now on! Without going through ALL your pix I thought
you might like these to do with what you will. I am an amateur
bug enthusiast (with only a BFA) that has been fortunate enough
to periodically get gigs designing exhibits revolving around
arthropods. (LA Zoo's 'Spider City' is one of my designs,
as is Santa Barbara Zoo's 'EEW' (not my title)). Another exhibit
that you may find amusing (it's my personal favorite) can
be found at www.drentomo.com . It's cool (in more ways than
one) to be able to design from my little studio on the bluffs
overlooking Kachemak bay here in Homer, Alaska, then head
down to the float plane pond to look for fresh water invertebrates
then cruise over to the beach to check out the intertidal
inverts. With a tidal range of 27 feet there is some cool
stuff there for sure. The ones I find most interesting are
the terrestrial inverts (collembolids, rove beetles and pseudoscorpions
etc) that make their home at around the mean tide line so
that they are submered in salt water (albeit in airbubbles
in cracks and old barnacle shells) for 6 hours or more a day!
But I ramble on... Anyway, keep up the amazing work! Cheers!
DeWaine Tollefsrud
www.arcticstarstudios.net
Tipulid "Crane fly", Nicrophorus sp., Caddis Fly,
Rat-Tail Maggot" Such an ugly common name for Syrphid
young
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| Rat
Tailed Maggot |
Leatherback |
Hi
DeWaine,
Thanks for the awesome letter. We don't normally like posting
so many different kinds of insects with one letter as it complicates
our archiving process, but we are making an exception in your
case. We are fond of the common name for Cranefly Larvae,
which is Leatherbacks. The Caddisfly Nymph, both in and out
if its case, is a nice addition to our site.
 |
 |
| Caddisfly
Nymph |
Burying
Beetle |
Giant Harlequin Beetle from South America
(10/18/2007) Hey folks, one from Suriname for you.
Haven't sent anything in a while - a tribute to your site.
However, on a recent trip to Suriname, a 3-4 inch long beauty
found me at the airport. Interesting creature in the middle
of the airport at the start of rainy season.
Taran Rampersad
Hi Taran,
We are happy to hear you are able to easily identify most
of your insects through our site. This is a Giant Harlequin
Beetle, Acrocinus longimanus. It is found in many South American
countries. Your specimen is a female. The is a marked sexual
dimorphism found in this species, with the forelegs of the
male beetles being nearly twice as long as those of the female.
Very cool, Daniel - thanks! I blogged about it: http://www.knowprose.com/node/18076
WhatsThatBug.com Scores Again: Giant Harlequin Beetle
When I saw this insect at the Paramaribo Airport on the way
out of Suriname , I was intrigued. 3-4 inches long, and very
interesting patterns on its back (click image to see larger
version) - I was curious to know what it was, guessing it
to be some form of soldier beetle . I couldn't find it on
the web anywhere, so I decided to write What's That Bug? and
within 24 hours - despite being swamped, they identified it
as a Harlequin Beetle, Acrocinus longimanus . Apparently,
this is the first bit of information on it on the web, as
searching for Harlequin Beetle and Acrocinus longimanus turns
up absolutely no results at the time of this writing other
than noting that it is missing in the Wikipedia . Go figure.
In searching around for information on it, I found out that
longimanus is '????????? "Macrocheir (Latin =Longimanus)"'
through the referencec on Artaxerxes I of Persia , which is
related to the disparity in length of appendages. Interesting
stuff.
Green Margined Tiger Beetle
(10/12/2007) whats that bug
Bugman-
I looked through all 15 of you beetle pages and I believe
this is some kind of tiger beetle, but nothing I saw quite
matched it. Could you please telll me if it is a tiger
beetle and what kind it is? Thank you.
Lauren
Gardner, KS
Hi Lauren,
This is a Tiger Beetle, and we believe it is a Green Margined
Tiger Beetle, Cicindela limbalis. It is pictured and described
on BugGuide.
Stink
Beetle
(10/12/2007) Large SoCal Ground-Dwelling Beetle
Howdy Bugman :-)
Recently we've had a visitor hanging out on our patio at night
in Bonsall, CA. It's what I think might be a Darkling
or 'Acrobat' beetle... it doesn't fly, is pretty huge and
often walks with his 'butt' up in the air... amusing actually....
here's a good pic.... thought maybe you could confirm my suspicion.
thanks,
mark
Hi Mark,
Darkling Beetle and Acrobat Beetle are two common names for
beetles in the genus Eleodes, also commonly called Stink Beetles.
Hi, Daniel:
The "Eleodes" recently posted from California might be in
the genus Coelocnemis instead. I can't tell positively from
this image alone, but the large thorax suggests Coelocnemis.
They mimic Eleodes in behavior, but are more common than Eleodes
in pine forest habitats. Just want to say, essentially, that
genus identification is probably impossible from just one
image.
Eric
Mating Oil Beetles
(10/10/2007) PLEASE IDENTIFY
Hi ...
Attached is a photo I took of some beetles around the first
of October. There were literally hundreds of them mating on
that particular day. I haven't seen them before and
the next day they were gone. The location is in Southern Ontario,
Canada (Toronto) and the landscape is close to a river and
in one of the last remaining Oak Savanahs in Canada. Our concern
is that in Western Canada there is an infestation of Long
Horned Asian beetles which has been killing many trees. We
hope these are not related. Please identify and reply at your
earliest convenience. Thanks in advance,
John Morrow
Hi John,
These are mating Oil Beetles or Short Winged Blister Beetles
in the genus Meloe. There is some very interesting information
found on BugGuide
regarding these beetles including this by Jim McClarin: "Meloe
life cycle can be very complex In at least one Meloe species,
the larvae climb to the top of a grass or weed stalk as a
group, clump together in the shape of a female solitary ground
bee, exude a scent that is the same as, or closely resembles,
the pheromones of the female bee, and wait for a male ground
bee to come along. When he does, he tries to mate with the
clump of larvae, whereupon they individually clamp onto his
hairs. He then flies away, finds and mates with one or several
real female bees, and the larvae transfer to the female(s).
Each impregnated female bee then flies off and builds one
to several nests in burrows she digs in the soil, and the
larvae transfer again to the new nests. The female bee stocks
these nests with honey and pollen for her own young, but the
hungry blister beetle young are there to gobble up the provisions.
They eventually pupate and finally emerge as adult flightless
beetles. Brothers and sisters find each other and mate, produce
eggs and the hatchlings start the process all over. Then there
are male beetles from a couple other beetle families who seek
out blister beetles, climb onto them and lick off the cantharidin
the blister beetles exude. Not only have these other beetles
developed a resistance to the cantharidin, they use the blistering
agent to impress a female of their own species who then mates
with them, whereupon most of the cantharidin is transfered
to the female in the form of a sperm packet. The eggs the
female subsequently lays are coated with cantharidin to protect
them from being eaten before they hatch. Then there are the
bipedal primates who use cantharidin from blister beetles
to manufacture the notorious date rape drug, Spanish Fly...
"
Dung Beetle
(10/01/2007) dung beetle?
Hello!
I work at a zoo in Colorado and we've found these beetles
in the dung of both our orangutans and gorillas. They
seem to be of the burrowing type, as I've never seen them
make balls. They are small (only about 1/4 inch in length).
Any idea what they are? Thanks!
Heidi
Hi Heidi,
This appears to be Aphodius fimetarius, a small Dung Beetle
that has been reported from Colorado on BugGuide.
Locust
Borer
(09/30/2007) Locust Borer on goldenrod.
Hey bugman,
I think its really cool that the Locust borer is the new bug
of the month for October. I have seen several this season
and taken some pictures. This is the best one. Hope you enjoy
it as much as I enjoy your website, which is a lot!
Mike D
Hi Mike,
Adult Locust Borers are active in the fall, and are commonly
associated with goldenrod where they feed on nectar and pollen..
White
Spotted Sawyer
(09/29/2007) crab spider and white spotted sawyer
I sent these pics in some time ago, though I know you're behind.
Just in case the recent net troubles led to their loss, I've
sent again. The sawyer was in my back yard in Duluth, Minnesota.
The crab spider I spotted on the side of the road, again in
Duluth, Minnesota. I was walking past, and thought I spied
a wasp, only to look closer and find it in the clutches of
this beautiful spider. Love the site!
Heidi
Hi Heidi,
Generally, the way we post letters now is to try to quickly
(though it is never a quick process) the letters that come
in on a given day at the end of the day. Then we select the
most interesting letters and try to post as many as possible.
Some days, it can be as many as 7 letters, though most days
we are lucky if we can post 3. Sadly, many interesting letters
with wonderful images never make it to the site. We are posting
your Spotted Sawyer image, and even though the Crab Spider
photo is quite wonderful, we already have numerous Crab Spiders
and their prey on our site. Thanks again for your interest.
Locust Borer
(09/28/2007) Mystery Caterpillar and Bee-Like Insect
Hey Bugman,
I live in Rhode Island, and I've run across two odd insects
recently. I was wondering if you could help me identify them.
The first was a bright-green and brownish-purple caterpillar
with four little spikes on it. It was about an inch
long. The second is a vaguely wasp-like insect (I'm not sure
if this is Batesian or Mullerian mimicry, and I didn't stick
around to find out), and it was about an inch long as well.
Thanks for your help,
Guillaume Riesen
Hi Guillaume,
Your caterpillar is a Saddleback Caterpillar and we have posted
numerous images of this species. Your vaguely beelike insect
is a Locust Borer, a Cerambycid Borer Beetle that is very
common in the autumn and is often associated with goldenrod.
Many beetles in this family are considered wasp mimics. We
believe we are going to make it the Bug of the Month for October
and will probably be using your photo on our homepage the
entire month.
Sexton Beetle
(09/28/2007) Hello bugman
My son found this bug in our front yard.
We live in central Illinois What is it? Thanks
KH
Hi KH,
This is one of the Sexton Beetles, the Tomentose Burying Beetles.
Sexton Beetles often work in pairs to bury small dead animals
like birds or mice. They lay eggs on the corpse and the rotting
flesh provides food for the larvae. We just posted an image
of a group of Tomentose Burying Beetles on the carcass of
a mouse.
Sexton
Beetles bury Mouse
(09/27/2007) WTB??
My daughter nearly stepped on these while walking her dog
through a recently mowed field. I have scrolled through your
bug links until I am dizzy and cross-eyed. Can you tell me
what they are? They seemed to be feeding on a small dead rodent,
possibly killed during the mowing. (Notice the hitch-hiker
flies.) Thanks.
Vicki
South-central Missouri
Hi Vicki,
These are Sexton Beetles or Burying Beetles. They will bury
the mouse and lay eggs on it. It just seems odd that there
are so many at work as they generally work as a couple. We
believe these are Tomentose Burying Beetles, Nicrophorus tomentosus.
Banded Alder Borer
(09/25/2007) Flying Bug
Hi wtb,
Can you identify this bug for me? Its body is approximately
1.25" long. I don't know what plant he was on having
spotted him on our stucco wall where he stayed about 2 - 2
1/2 days, then he went his way. Thanks,
Ray B
Hi Ray,
We got many requests for the identification of Banded Alder
Borers several months ago. Sadly, your letter did not indicate
where or when you took this image.
Flat-Faced Longhorn from Arizona is Mesquite Girdler
(09/18/2007) Longhorn beetle?
Hello,
Just wondering if you could identify this little bugger for
me. He's a lot like most longhorn beetles, and he's
only about 3/4" long on the body. But he has a
strange orange speckling on his back, and he's been popping
up around SE Tucson. I haven't been able to find one
like him on-line, but maybe I'm not looking hard enough?
Love the site! I've attached the picture. Thank
you!
James
Hi James,
We thought this Cerambycid would be easier to identify. We
have concluded it is in the subfamily Lamiinae, the Flat Faced
Longhorns, but haven't yet identified the species. We are
going to request assistance from Eric Eaton. Here is Eric's
response: "Hi, Daniel: Thankfully, I actually 'do' recognize
this cerambycid! It is known as the "mesquite girdler," Oncideres
rhodosticta. Females climb out on a mesquite twig and chew
a deep groove around the diameter. Each female then lays an
egg beyond the scar. The girdling kills the twig beyond the
scar and the larval offspring bores in that dying wood. This,
and other species of longhorned beetles, effectively prune
trees and shrubs in this manner, literally shaping the forests
and woodlands where they live. Eric"
Grant's Hercules Beetle
(09/15/2007) Beetle takes on Hot Wheels car!
We were vacationing in Ruidoso, NM when I came across this
lovely fellow being poked and abused by local children in
the parking lot of the grocery store. I shooed away
the little hoodlums and snatched him up in a grocery bag and
brought him home to show to my son. Needless to say, the ENTIRE
family was seriously impressed by the sheer size of this bug!
We observed him for a couple of days and released him
into the woods. I am thinking he is either a rhino beetle
or a Hercules beetle, maybe unicorn? We named him "Rodan"
as he seemed big enough to take on Godzilla! What a
cool bug! Thanks
Trina
Hi Trina,
This is a Grant's Hercules Beetle, Dynastes granti. We find
your photo with the HotWheel car terribly amusing.
Mesquite Borer
(09/12/2007) Unusual bug found in my house
I have never seen one of these before and really have no idea
how to look it up on your database. I like its colors.
Thanks for the info.
Steven Floyd
Corpus Christi, Texas
Hi Steven,
This is a Mesquite Borer, Placosternus difficilis, and you
are right, it is a beautiful insect.
Cottonwood Borer
(09/06/2007) a new pet?
In early July, we took this closeup of a bug in our Kansas
backyard and then couldn't find him (or his kin) again until
today (9/6). This bug is about the size of a half dollar.
The girls were so excited to see him again, they wanted to
keep it as a pet! That is until all of a sudden we found
out surprisingly that the bug has wings and flew away!
What type of bug is this, and can we expect it to stick around?
Cindy
Hi Cincy,
Most of our reports of Cottonwood Borers come from Texas and
Oklahoma. This distinctive looking beetle is not to be confused
with any other in the U.S.
Grant's Hercules Beetle
(09/05/2007) Grant's Rhinoceros Beetle, Scorpions, and Spiders!
Hello Lisa Anne and Daniel,
I just found your website and absolutely love it! I've always
been fascinated with insects and spiders, but paleontology
was my number one passion so I went that route instead of
entomology. I many conduct my research on dinosaur tracks
and fossil fish, but I have found, and plan to eventually
describe some of the fossil arthropods I've discovered both
in Canada and US someday. I even worked five seasons at the
famous Middle Cambrian (~520 million years old) Burgess Shale
in British Columbia for the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto.
Anyway, my 8 year old son, Burgess (you guessed it, he's named
after the Burgess Shale) found a fantastic Grant's Rhinoceros
Beetle that I just got around to identifying online this evening
(see attached photo by my wife, Lynn White). I'm sure it is
Dynastes granti and Burgess found it in a Black Widow Spider
web here in Cedar City, Utah late last month. After this email
I have three spider photos and a scorpion picture you might
want to use on your website. Also, would like more accurate
identifications on them if possible. Anyway, back to paleontology!
More emails to follow shortly. Regards,
Andrew R. C. Milner
City Paleontologist and Curator
St. George Dinosaur Discovery Site at Johnson Farm
St. George, Utah
Hi Andrew,
Thanks for sending us your photos of the Grant's Hercules
Beetle, Dynastes granti. We get images of its eastern relative,
Dynastes tityus, far more often.
Blister Beetle
(09/02/2007) What's This Bug?
Hi:
We found this bug on the road in our neighborhood. We
live north of Prescott, AZ at 5000ft. in high desert terrain.
I've attached a photo of it. We let it go, so I hope
it isn't rare! Thanks,
The Stoddard Family
Dear Stoddard Family,
This is a Blister Beetle in the genus Megetra. According to
BugGuide,
this genus "Restricted to Chihuahuan Desert of the USA (TX,
NM, and extreme southeastern AZ) and Mexico (where most of
this desert region is located)."
Mesquite Borer
(09/02/2007) Bug in Mesquite tree.
Recently part of a VERY large mesquite tree fell on my fathers
house. He asked me to help clear the wood and so I did. Rather
than waste the wood by merely disposing of it or using it
in a fire place, I decide to keep the wood for use in making
my famous Mesquite smoked Texas Bar-B-Q. I noticed an unusual
bug in the wood as I loaded it up at my fathers, but now that
It has been in place for several weeks in my back yard. I
have noticed the pile of wood absolutely covered with these
bugs. Can you please tell me what type of bug it is and also
(if you can) whether or not they pose a threat to anything,
or anyone. (please see attached photo of one of the bugs crawling
on my house) Thank You,
Michael Chambers
Dallas TX
Hi Michael,
This is a new species for our site, the Mesquite Borer, Placosternus
difficilis. The larvae of the Mesquite Borer bore into the
wood of mesquite and some other plants. The active adults
feed on nectar and pollen and are attracted to lights. See
BugGuide
for more information.
Sap Feeding Beetle
(09/02/2007) Possible Sexton / Burying Beetle
Hi,
While mushroom hunting in the woods the other day, I
came across an Artist's Conk or Artist's Fungus (which they
are often called), and upon closer examination, I noticed
this beautiful beetle walking across it. I'm glad I always
carry my camera as you never know what interesting things
you'll come across ~ example mentioned. Anyhow, I did a little
research and believe this to be a Sexton / Burying Beetle
. . . am I correct? Photos taken by me ~ 9-1-2007 (Northeast
Ohio) Thanks,
T. Theiss
Hi T,
We are actually very happy your identification is incorrect.
The markings on your Sap Feeding Beetle resemble those of
a Burying Beetle, but the two are not closely related. Your
Sap Feeding Beetle, Glischrochilus fasciatus, is in the family
Nitidulidae. The reason we are excited is that your photo
represents a new family, genus and species for our site. Thanks
for your contribution.
Whitespotted Sawyer
(08/31/2007) Hi I am wondering what this bug is?
This bug landed on my shoulder while camping in the Rocky
Mountains in B.C. and I am very curious about it. Do
you know what it is? Thanks,
Kara
Hi Kara,
This is a Whitespotted Sawyer, Monochamus scutellatus. They
are found in coniferous forests and according to BugGuide:
"Larvae excavates galleries in coniferous trees, often after
they are damaged by a fire, storm, etc. Common hosts are:
Balsam fir, spruces and white pine." This beetle is known
as the Longicorne noir for French Canadians..
Locust Borer
(08/30/2007) A Locust Borer Beetle
Hi Daniel,
I couldn't find this lovely beetle on your site, but s ome
research led me to Megacyllene robiniae . It's pretty
similar t oMegacyllene caryae (which I did find on your site)
,but the yellow stripes seem more pronounced. Evidently
this striking bug is pretty common this time of year, but
this is the first time I've ever seen one. It was nearly
an inch long and was hanging out on the goldenrod, along with
a bunch of Pennsylvania leatherwings. It's always so exciting
to spot something new in the backyard, and I just wanted to
share. Keep up the good work! Regards,
Christina
New Lenox, IL
Hi Christina,
We actually do have images on Locust Borers on some of our
15 pages devoted to beetles. This would have been an excellent
choice for Bug of the Month for September, but we already
picked the Bagworm since there were so many recent requests
for identifications. Locust Borers are strikingly beautiful
beetles that are commonly found on goldenrod where they feed
on the pollen.
Devil's Coach Horse
(08/29/2007) Interesting find
Hi,
I found this in my front garden ( Hampshire ,England ).
I don’t think it’s a scorpion, but it looks quite
like one. It was about an inch long with its tail flat.
Would appreciate finding out what it is, and could it hurt
my 9 month old child? Thanks a lot,
Matt Stephenson
Hi Matt,
This large, black soft-bodied Rove Beetle is commonly called
the Devil's
Coach Horse. Its scientific name, Ocypus olens, formerly
Staphylinus olens, refers to a foul odor it discharges when
disturbed. Your image shows the scent glands portruding from
the anus when the beetle assumes its threat position. This
beetle was introduced to North America sometime in the 1930s.
It is quite common in our Mt. Washington, Los Angeles garden
where it feasts on an introduced pest, the Garden Snail. Though
it can bite, it is nothing more than a nip, so the Devil's
Coach Horse will not harm your child.
Pacific Coast Tiger Beetle
(08/27/2007) Cicindela bellissima?
On the sand on the Oregon coast. I'll include the out-of-focus
one for the sake of the head markings...
 
We concur that this is a Pacific Coast Tiger Beetle, Cicindela
bellissima, based on images posted to BugGuide.
Irish Long Horned Borer Beetle
(08/25/2007) Found in limerick ireland
Hi,
I found this beetle in my garden in Limerick in Ireland and
wondered could you help me identify it??
Thanks
Chris
Hi Chris,
We believe we have correctly identified your Long Horned Borer
Beetle in the family Cerambycidae as Leptura
quadrifasciata.
Male Eastern Hercules Beetle
(08/24/2007) Big Beetle
Hello.
A co-worker was greeted by this big beetle (about 4 inches
long) walking to his car tonight. I was wondering if you know
what kind of insect this is. Thank you very much! I also have
some photos of other views and sizes if you would like any.
The resolution on this is pretty good and you can zoom in
on it and see the individual hairs. Thank you very much
Erica St. John
Hi Erica,
What a positively gorgeous specimen of a male Eastern Hercules
Beetle, Dynastes tityus. His coloration is much paler than
we generally see, and resembles the color of celadon.
Leaf Beetle
(08/21/2007) A little red and black beetle...
Hello,
Firstly--thank you so much for this site, it has helped me
identify more bugs than I can count! I am constantly running
to the computer to try and name every little thing I find
outside. The site is a brilliant resource, and I've only come
across a couple of bugs I couldn't find here. It was particularly
interesting to learn about the the evil bugger that caused
the horrible, searing pain in my arm a couple of weeks ago,
the "helpful" assassin bug...whether they're "friendly"
to gardeners or not, I'm not going anywhere near them again.
Anyway, my dog brought this in earlier, and after going through
so many pages on your site that I forgot to start supper,
I'm still not totally sure what it could be. Can you help
me out? I think from the pictures I've seen that it's some
sort of ground beetle, but I seem to be finding lots of bugs
that look similar and none that look exactly like it. The
coloring in the picture is a little deceptive--I noticed it
on my black dog because of how intense and bright the red
was. Its entire underside was red, but it wouldn't cooperate
for a picture of that. (No, it's not dead in the picture...just
a little surprised.) Thanks!
Kate
Hi Kate,
This is one of the Leaf Beetles in the family Chrysomelidae.
After searching numerous pages on BugGuide,
we believe this is in the genus Oulema, probably Oulema sayi.
Rove Beetle
(08/20/2007) Some kind of beetle?
This insect was caught in a swimming pool near Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. Notice the very short wing covers, from
under which I unfolded the wings. The underside of the
wing covers and a patch on each side of the body are very
reflective (greenish yellow). Can you identify.
Thanks.
Mr. Physicist
 
Hi Mr. Physicist,
This interesting beetle is a Rove Beetle. It took us a bit
of time, but we believe this is Ontholestes cingulatus. A
close-up of the head of your specimen matches an image on
BugGuide.
It is found near carrion and "Adults eat maggots, mites, beetle
larvae. Larvae feed on carrion, fungi. "
Water Tiger
(08/20/2007) Whats this bug called?
We were berry picking and my daughter found this insect in
a mud puddle.Could you tell me the name of this insect,thanks.
Rhonda
Hi Rhonda,
This is the predatory larva of a Water Beetle, either a Giant
Water Scavenger, or, more likely, a Predaceous Diving Beetle
in the family Dytiscidae. These larvae are sometimes called
Water Tigers.
Palo Verde Root Borer
(08/18/2007)
Hello,
I just wanted to let you know that the beetle on your page
2, Some one gave the correct on the family name, but didn't
give a name on what they are called. I live in Tucson Az.
& to my knowledge are mainly known here in the SW
They are called "Palo Verde" beetles, because
the female will lay their eggs in soil surrounding the
Palo Verde trees, which will hatch & live underground
for 3 years, feeding on the roots of the trees. They
are usually seen in the summer & fly in the early evenings,
they are attracted to light, which is why we always find them
by our front porch where the light had been on! I couldn't
find anything on your page under that name, so I hope you
find this helpful. They are the biggest bug I'll ever want
to see with pinchers! I've enclosed a couple pictures.Thanks,
Wendy Warunkiewicz
 
Hi Wendy,
Since that time, we have received numerous other images of
the Palo Verde Root Borer that are properly identified. We
will include your correction with that long ago entry as an
update as well as posting your wonderful images on our homepage
and our most recent beetle page.
Jewel Beetle
(08/17/2007) Jewel Beetle (metallic) in WA
We live on WA's Olympic Peninsula (Sequim), but I'm not from
these parts, so I can't ident this little beetle, almost 2
cm long. We hope you can. We also included a ventral
view, in case you need it. thanks...
jess mckenzie
Hi Jess,
Jewell Beetle is actually an accepted common name for the
Golden Buprestid, Buprestis aurulenta.
Daniel,
I had it down to the Buprestids, but the species stumped me.
The little devil didn't look golden enough. If color is
important, I'd better start shooting next to a color card.
BTW, I'm certain this one came from some cherry logs sitting
the the drive (next to the barbeque) for about one year. I
doubt that's significant. In any case, thanks. It's been
a long time since that entolomogy course. Perhaps you can
recommend a good key for use in thse parts.
jess In Sequim, WA
Texas Bumelia Borer
(08/14/2007) Identify please
Hi there,
My 3yr old little boy is obsessed with bugs, I guess as every
boy is. These are a couple of pics of a recent bug he found
and captured in his bug container. The bugs actually ate the
thin, metal screening and escaped before the day was over.
He has also seen one that appeared to be more blue than green.
Can you tell us what they are? Thank You!
Suzanne B Hayes
Hi Suzanne,
This is a Texas
Bumelia Borer, Plinthocoelium suaveolens. There are several
subspecies and Plinthocoelium suaveolens plicatum has a green
head and thorax. We checked your telephone area code and have
figured you live in Texas. The subspecies Plinthocoelium suaveolens
plicatum is found in Texas.
Shining Flea Beetle
(08/13/2007) tx
Hello from Texas!
I use your web page all the time to ID insects and etc.
The two below puzzle me for sure. Do you know the ID of the
beetle and what the heck is the tiny insect with the red head.
I did check your web pages for an ID but could not find
either one. I live very near San Antonio, Texas. Thanks
Richard
Hi Richard,
The insect you identified as a beetle is actually a Bee Assassin,
and we have several images on our Assassin Bug pages. The
red headed insect is a Shining
Flea Beetle, Asphaera lustrans. It is a new species for
our site.
Rhinoceros Beetle
(08/11/2007) Please Help!!!
Hi Bugman,
Your site is amazing!!! I found this little guy dead
on a concrete pad in my home town of Elberton, in the northeast
region of Georgia. I am almost certain that he is in
the scarab family, but I can't find any information on him
specifically. I am starting my own insect collection,
and would like to know his name so I can accurately describe
him. Thanks for your help.
Chris B
Hi Chris,
This scarab is commonly called the Rhinoceros Beetle. Its
scientific name is Xyloryctes jamaicensis.
Grapevine Beetle
(08/11/2007) what is this?
Hi there......can you tell me what this is? It was on my front
porch wall near the outside light late one night. Thank you
Carol
Hi Carol,
It would be very difficult to mistake a Grapevine Beetle for
any other North American species. In coloration, it ranges
from cream, through yellow, orange and even red, but the spotting
pattern remains constant.
Desert
Spider Beetle
(08/10/2007)
Hello, What's this bug?
A Desert Spider Beetle, Cysteodemus armatus.
Stenelytrana emarginata
(08/08/2007) What's this bug on my patio in Canyon Lake TX?
This is a beautiful bug with a copper or bronze wing covers,
but we cannot find a listing for him either in the critter
book or on the WWW so far. This was shot in early evening
in August, 2007, and we would like some help identifying it.
It flew or crawled away a few minutes later, so the photos
are all we have to go by. Thank you,
Dave Helton
Hi Dave,
What an awesome beetle this is. We believe it to be Stenelytrana
emarginata or another member of the genus. There are some
images on BugGuide.
Cerambycid
found in Mt. Washington, L.A.
(08/08/2007)
While working in the yard today, we spotted this gorgeous
Cerambycid Beetle resting in the eaves of the garage, probably
after being attracted to the light last night. We think this
[male?] beetle resembles a female Megasemum
asperum posted on BugGuide, but we are not certain they
are the same species. We hope either Eric Eaton or Julian
Donahue can assist with this identification. After taking
these photos, we released him in the bushes. He made a squeeking
sound when handled.
 
Brownish Red Stag Beetle
(08/07/2007) Beetle?
We found this sucker on our screen near the spotlight at night.
It's about an inch or so big. Please help us figure out exactly
what it is. Thanks!
Scott
Hi Scott
This ia a male Brownish Red Stag Beetle, Lucanus capreolus.
They are attracted to lights.
Brown Prionid
(08/06/2007) Orthosoma brunneum
I cam across your web site while trying to identify a caterpillar
and fell in love. I check out your site almost every day I
just can't get enough of all the great pics and info.
With my 7year old daughter being a bug fanatic we have had
quite a few bug pet that we keep for a couple of days to watch
and then let them go. So when ever we find a new one we check
here first. Anyway in search of identification on this one.
I found him on my front porch at night by the light. We live
in southwest PA. I believe it to be an Orthosoma brunneum.
The one I found on your site you were not sure because of
the pic so I hope my picture will help. Keep up the good work
I'll always be a viewer. Thanks
Mike
Hi Mike,
You are correct. Orthosoma burnneum is commonly called the
Brown Prionid. We are thrilled to hear you and your daughter
get such enjoyment from our website.
False Potato Beetle
(08/05/2007) is he dangerous to flowers too?
hello, I just found this glorious looking beetle? in my verbena
plant... I love his beauty but if he is going to destroy my
flowers I rather get rid of him... thanks for an informative
website. regards,
ddgiln
Hi ddgiln,
This is a False Potato Beetle, Leptinotarsa juncta. It is
a leaf eating species in both the larval and adult stages.
They may also eat flowers.
Blue Rosalia
(08/05/2007 Please tell me what this is
Hello there,
I spotted this chap on a fern at about 800m in the Tyrolean
Alps in Austria. Is it a type of musk beetle?
John
Hi John,
This gorgeous beetle is a Blue Rosalia, Rosalia alpina. Its
likeness has been pictured on stamps from several European
countries.
Male
Rainbow Scarab
(08/04/2007) Rainbow Scarab Beetle Question
Hi—your site helped me ID this gorgeous dung beetle
as a male Rainbow Scarab. I was just wondering if he uses
a carnivore’s dung (my dog) or has he come a much further
distance (no large animals very local). I have lived in MA
my whole life and have never seen one of these. They really
are very beautiful. I wish my pics could catch the iridescent
colors. I also love the way they walk!! Quite un-insect like!
And very strong—I put a small glass votive over him
on my deck to catch him and he pushed it along til I took
him out. What a little power-house. Thank You. Great site—keep
up the good work!
Heather Sanborn
East Taunton MA
Hi Heather,
We suspect that Dung Beetles prefer the dung of herbivores,
but we have heard reports of them using dog dung as well.
Nice photo of a Rainbow Scarab.
Cottonwood Borer
(08/03/2007) Here's a Cottonwood Borer from Albuqurque New
Mexico
While at a horses how this guy visited our tent canopy in
Albuquerque.
Randy
Hi Randy,
The stark white background in your photograph sets off the
stunning pattern of this very distinctive Cottonwood Borer.
It reminds us of a Richard Avedon photo.
Mating Pennsylvania Leatherwings
(08/03/2007) bugs in love
I know what they're doing but I have no idea what kind of
bug they are. I bet you do, though!
Linda King
Hi Linda,
These mating beetles are known as Pennsylvania Leatherwings,
Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus. Because it is often found feeding
on the pollen from goldenrod, it is also called the Goldenrod
Soldier Beetle.
Mating
Netwing Beetles and Unknown Weevil (possibly Agave Billbug)
from New Mexico
(08/02/2007) "Bug" ID
Hello,
My name is Ernest Mendez, and I vacation in the Southwest,
digital camera ever at the ready. On my last trip to New Mexico,
I visited my usual haunts---Rockhound and Spring Canyon State
Parks---and came across these two hitherto unknown (to me)
species of bugs.... Can you tell me what they are...and whatever
else you can tell me about them? I've been trying to find
info about them on the web, but it's not easy. The closest
I've been able to get has been the Bangolore beetle (for the
"long-nosed" black one). Help,
Ernesto L. Mendez
 
Hi Ernesto,
The orange and black couple are mating Netwing Beetles, Lycus
arizonensis. Adults feed on nectar and honeydew. Your long-nosed
black beetle is a Weevil. Weevils are the largest family of
beetles in the world. We believe it is the Agave Billbug,
Scyphophorus acupunctatus.
Dogbane Leaf Beetle
(08/01/2007) some sort of jewel bug
Not quite sure what this beetle is. But this is a great picture
I took up in NH. let me know so I can stop thinking about
it.
Jim
Hi Jim,
We want you to be able to concentrate on more pressing matters
in your life, so we are posting your image of a Dogbane Leaf
Beetle.
Eyed Elater
(08/01/2007) odd bug
Please see if you can identify this bug I found it in North
Texas (Dallas) Area It is sitting on a piece of steel with
dried mud I do not know if it changed colors to match the
background I put it on a piece of paper hoping for a better
photo From just searching on the net I think it's some type
of cicada P.S. it's still alive Thank you
Ray Long
Hi Ray,
This is not a Cicada, but a Beetle. It is an Eyed Elater and
they do not change colors. Eyed Elaters are Click Beetles.
Broad Necked Root Borer
(07/29/2007) carrion beetle?
We found this beetle while walking the dog in his “yard”.
From what I can tell it is a carrion beetle of some
type – but larger than I have ever seen. It appears
to be a ?gravid? female that occasionally extends a
half-inch long ovipositor. I tried to get the ruler
in the photo, but it was moving around – she is over
2 inches (5 cm) long and nearly 2.5 inches long if you measure
to the tip of the antennae. Largest beetle I have ever
seen – What is it exactly?? Thanks,
C. Tumminello
Waynesboro, PA
Hi C,
This is a Broad Necked Root Borer, Prionus laticollis.
Dung Beetle with Dung Ball and Fanmail
(07/29/2007) Dung Beetle
Hi there.
We really enjoy your web site. I know you must get scads
of pics of the common dung beetle, but I just wanted to share
this one with you because he was such an industrious little
guy and so determined. And also because his dung ball
was absolutely perfectly round! A beautiful dung ball
if there indeed can be such a thing. He was pushing
this thing uphill on my daughter's driveway and when I snapped
this shot, (he was definitely between a rock and a hard place!).
I did NOT place the big rock in front of his dung ball, poor
thing just ended up there. I guess that is what happens
when you are pushing things around backwards and not looking
where you are going. Enjoy!
Marti Bailey
Weatherford, Texas
P.S. I went back to check on him a few minutes later
and he was gone. I guess he finally found his destination. Whew!
What a treck!
Hi Marti,
If memory serves us correctly, this is the only photo we have
ever received of a Dung Beetle with a Dung Ball.
Fanmail Comment (07/29/2007)
Dear Daniel and Lisa Anne,
I wrote you a fan mail awhile back - I still look at your
site every day. Today I was utterly delighted to see a photo
of a dung beetle rolling its perfectly round dung ball. My
father is an acarologist specializing in phoretic mites partial
to dung beetles. 20 years ago almost to the day, I traveled
with my father to the magnificent Camargue Natural Reserve
in southern France to observe dung beetles rolling those magnificent
balls. Somewhere I have a hilarious photo that my mother
took of my father taking a photo of a little beetle and ball.
I wish I had it to send to you. But alas, you are busy. Sorry
for the blather, I was just so happy to see that photo. Yours
for eternity :)
Georgia
Fiery Searcher
(07/28/2007) Caterpiller Hunter?
Hello,
I am sending photos of a large beetle I found. Someone told
me it was a Caterpillar Hunter. I had never seen or heard
of it before. I looked on your website for an ID but did not
find one. Maybe I have the wrong name. Could you let me know
the correct name for this beetle. It had beautiful colors
when the sun was out. Sincerely,
Annette Oliveira
Long Island, NY
 
Hi Annette,
This gorgeous Caterpillar Hunter is known as the Fiery Searcher,
Calosoma scrutator. We did hear that our search engine was
not working properly yesterday, but it is fully operational
today.
Mating
Banded Netwing Beetles
(07/28/2007) Not a Large Milkweed Bug - what is it
Bugman:
Hi ... I think I may have found something new for you.
Found this pair of bugs mating on a rock. Looked through
your website and it comes closest to the Large Milkweed Bug
(LMB). However, look carefully at the segmented antennae.
After the base, there are 9 segments on these bugs, whereas
the LMB has only 3. Also, the face is black, whereas
the LMB's face is orange. And the backs are somewhat
like 'corduroy', whereas the LMB has an 'X' in the center.
Lastly, the size is different. I believe LMB's are about
1/2" long, whereas the body of the larger one I captured
was about 1" long. What's that bug?
Mark
Woburn, MA
Hi Mark,
These are mating Banded Netwing Beetles, Calopteron reticulatum.
They are often mistaken for moths.
Click
Beetle
(07/28/2007) Never have seen one of these before
This guy flew right at me as I was sitting on my back porch
and instinct lead him to hit the ground. He
is nearly two inches long and was not able to fly after the
impact but he jumped like a Mexican jumping bean. Even on
his back, he would pop up into the air nearly a foot high.
No wings were being used, apparently just some weird internal
mechanism. The picture is a little blurry, I apologize. I
was trying to take it as fast as possible before it jumped
on me. Hopefully you can identify this amazingly armored
insect. He is hard as a rock and a series of swats from the
swatter did nothing but make him jump more. I know you don't
approve of such actions, but he really gave me the creeps. I
live in Collinsville, IL and there are cornfields nearby the
area. Thank you for your time.
Kris
Hi Kris,
Both your photo and your written description leave little
doubt that this is a Click Beetle in the family Elateridae,
but exact species, genus or even subfamily will be nearly
impossible to determine based on a photograph. Click Beetles
have the ability to flex at the junction of the thorax and
abdomen with enough pressure to snap the beetle into the air
so it will land on its feet if it began in a seemingly helpless
position on its back. This action produces an audible click,
hence the name Click Beetle.
Margined
Blister Beetle
(07/28/2007) bugs on my tomato plants
Hi. I read the whole section on tomato bugs, but I cannot
seem to figure out what is going on with my tomato plants.
I saw a large hornworm on the plant a few weeks ago, but not
knowing what it was, I didn't do anything about it. I was
away for a few days and I came home to find one of my plum
tomato plants virtually destroyed by these black bugs that
have been eating the leaves and pooping all over it. I am
attaching a picture for your reference. I am sorry that some
of these photos are a big blurry. I actually caught one of
the bugs in pooping action. What can I do about these things?
Thanks so much!
Rebecca
From Pennsylvania
Hi Rebecca,
This is a Margined Blister Beetle, Epicauta pestifera. Sorry,
we cannot provide any extermination advice. We remove pests
on our tomatoes by hand.
Horned
Passalid Beetle
(07/27/2007) "Chirping" Beetle
Hi Bugman!
My son and I live in Salisbury, Maryland. We found the
attached bug (picture) under a log in our front yard. He
(or she) is very strong, and makes a chirping kind of noise
when you touch it. If you please, what's that bug?
Marie
Hi Marie,
This is a Horned Passalid Beetle, Odontotaenius disjunctus.
According to BugGuide:
"Lifestyle of this family is unique for beetles: live in small
colonies where larvae are cared for by adults of both sexes.
Long life cycle, apparently more than one year. Larvae eat
a rotting wood prechewed by adults. (Some references state
larvae eat feces of adults as well.) Larvae and adults also
cannibalize injured larvae. Adults reported to fly very seldom.
Adults are found at lights on occasion, despite statements
in several sources. They may disperse by walking, but have
been seen in Durham, North Carolina, to open elytra and fly
briefly under lights (pers. observation, P Coin). A nuptial
flight has also been observed (MacGown and MacGown, 1996).
Both adults and larvae make noises by stridulation, and this
is said to serve as communication between them. Adults also
stridulate when picked up, and especially, blown on. Stridulation
mechanism of adults by rubbing abdomen against the wings.
Larvae stridulate with reduced third pair of legs--these scratch
against other legs."
Flat Bark Beetle
(07/26/2007) Bugman here they come!
I've got a few pics of some bugs I haven't been able to identify.
Have fun! I look forward to seeing what you come
up with. If you need better res images I can send them.
... (Bug 2-1 & Bug 2-2) I found this bug chopping
wood out behind my house in the bark of a Red Oak. Based
on the face and body shape I'm guessing this is some kind
of borer, but I was amazed by the the sharp red color. ...
I've got a lot more and am going to be putting up a nature
notebook of all my findings from SW Michigan and my "world"
travels. Thanks!
Dave Williams
St. Joseph, MI, USA
Hi Dave,
In the future, please just send one identification request
per letter. This is a Flat Bark Beetle. It is not a borer
beetle, but is in the family Cucujidae. The bright red adults
and larvae live under the bark of dead trees where they eat
small arthropods.
Mating Blister Beetles: Genus Lytta
(07/26/2007) Mating black blister beetles
Great website you have there - here's a contribution to your
bug love page: these lovely insects swarmed a bush in my back
yard in New Maryland, N.B. and proceeded to gorge on the blossoms
and have a huge orgy at the same time. The proceedings
went on for about 24 hours, after which all the blossoms were
gone and everyone went away satisfied! Good thing I
didn't handle any of them as I did not know what they were
at the time! Kathy Power
Hi Kathy,
Your wonderful photograph depicts Blister Beetles in the genus
Lytta, as evidenced by the bead-like antennae, but we are
not certain of the species. Perhaps Eric Eaton can provide
the exact species. |
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