From the monthly archives: "May 2010"
What's That Bug? does not endorse extermination

Assassin Bug

On · Category: Assassin Bugs · 1 Comment

would like to know what bug this is
May 26, 2010
I live in Adrian Michigan and found this bug on a flower in my garden on May 25, 2010 at around 4-pm. Temperature was 80F and sunny
Steven R. Ross
Adrian Michigan USA

Assassin Bug

Hi Steven,
This is a predatory insect known as an Assassin Bug.  The species, Zelus luridus, which ranges in the Eastern portion of North America, does not have a common name other than the general family name of Assassin Bug.  You can compare your photos to images posted to BugGuide.

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What's That Bug? does not endorse extermination

Angle-Winged Katydid

On · Category: Katydids · Add Comment

Beautiful Green Bug
May 27, 2010
Took two pictures of this very handsome green bug during late evening. Just finished watering my small garden and this guy was sitting on my fence. He appeared to be washing his face and I did not want to disturb him. Think he might be a katydid of the genus Microcentrum. Please help me out. Thanks.
Curt
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Angle-Winged Katydid

Hi Curt,
This is a beautiful portrait of an Angle-Winged Katydid in the genus Microcentrum.  Nice job of identification.

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What's That Bug? does not endorse extermination

Clavate Tortoise Beetle

On · Category: Leaf Beetles · Add Comment

Very interesting bug I found
May 27, 2010
Hi there. I am writing from Oswego, NY which is straight north of Syracuse, NY on Lake Ontario. I am often outside taking pictures of various bugs, plants, flowers and anything cool I can find in the swamps and woods. Most of what I find is rather common….Until I found this little guy. It was about a cm wide. It has clear panels all around its shell. It has a hard shell and which is split down the middle and opens up like a beetle and has wings underneath. It also has small little antennas. So I definitely think it’s a type of beetle but no one I know has any idea what it is or has seen anything like it.
My mom often writes into your site and mentioned that I should show you the pictures. She is in the woods all the time as she does wild edible and Mycology walks and this one was new to her also. Curious to know if anyone has an idea what this cool little guy is. My mom mentioned it could be perhaps a young beetle of some type, not fully grown yet, as they can often look so different between growing stages.
Thanks so much for any information.
TJ
Oswego, New York

Clavate Tortoise Beetle

Dear TJ,
It truly warms our heart to hear that What’s That Bug? is bringing family generations together through an understanding of the natural sciences.  This is a Clavate Tortoise Beetle, Plagiometriona clavata, a species that is found over much of North America.  Both adults and the green spiny larvae feed on solanaceous plants in the tomato family, including jimsonweed and nightshade. Read Full Article →

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What's That Bug? does not endorse extermination

European Ground Beetle

On · Category: Ground Beetles · 2 Comments

Can you help me identify this beetle?
May 26, 2010
Dear Bugman,
My son is working on a Boy Scout merit badge and he needs to identify insects. He is having trouble figuring out what kind of beetle this is. Can you help him?
Debbie B.
Cleveland OH

European Ground Beetle

Hi Debbie,
Based on the images posted to BugGuide, we are quite certain your species of Caterpillar Hunter is the Fiery Hunter, Calosoma calidum, based on the dimples in the elytra.

Hi Daniel!
Thanks so much for the identification.  My son will be thrilled.
I don’t think he even noticed the “dimples” on the one he saw
since they aren’t as prominate as the ones on the website.
Thanks again.
Debbie

Correction
This is actually Carabus nemoralis.
Mardikavana

Thanks for the correction Markikavana.  At least we had the tribe correct.  BugGuide also has nice images of the European Ground Beetle, Carabus nemoralis.

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What's That Bug? does not endorse extermination

Giant Stag Beetle

On · Category: Stag Beetles Tagged With: · 1 Comment

Found a odd looking critter
May 26, 2010
Just curious what type of insect this is. It looks like some sort of beetle but have never seen one before.
Glad it’s Summer!
Birmingham, AL

Giant Stag Beetle

Dear Glad,
The Giant Stag Beetle or American Stag Beetle, Lucanus elaphus, is quite a distinctive insect, especially the male with his impressive mandibles.  Your specimen is a male.  the females have significantly smaller mandibles.

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What's That Bug? does not endorse extermination

Net-winged Beetle from Texas

On · Category: Net-Winged Beetles · Add Comment

Orange beetle
May 26, 2010
Dr Bugman,
Found this beetle on the flowering part of my italian parsley. Can you identify it?
Thanks,
Jen from texas
Jennifer Fosbinder
Lubbock, Texas

Netwing Beetle

Dear Jen,
You are quite astute to recognize this Net-winged Beetle as a beetle, as many people believe it looks more like a moth.  We believe it might be a member of the genus Lycus which BugGuide reports from Texas, New Mexico and Arizona.

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What's That Bug? does not endorse extermination