Subject: Unidentified Buggy Creature (UBC)
Geographic location of the bug: Galesburg, Illinois USA
Date: 08/18/2018
Time: 01:37 PM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: Hello, I have been finding quite a few of these interesting bugs around my house this Summer. It is about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long (with legs), reddish head,dark body, pale green legs. Most are outside, but a few like the one in the photos I’ve attached, have made their way inside for a visit. I just take the back out and let them go back to their buggy business, but I’m curious as to what they are. I’ve been searching online and can’t seem to find a match. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
If it helps sometimes their hind legs are a much brighter green.
Thanks for providing a great and helpful site for the bug curious.
How you want your letter signed: Thanks, Sarah
Hi Sarah,
The colors of the Red Headed Bush Cricket or Handsome Trig, Phyllopalpus pulchellus, are quite attractive, but for some reason, they are not well captured in your images. According to BugGuide: “Distinctive appearance. Red head/throrax, pale legs, dark bluish-black forewings. Last segment of palp is black and oval flattened shape. Female forewings are convex similar to beetles. Song (of male) is a ‘rattling, broken trill’ , given both day and night. “
Thank you so much for your quick reply, and identification! My UCB friend is now an ICB 😉
I had a hard time getting the lighting right, as my buggy friend wanted to stick to the shadows. When I’ve seen them outside the colors are much more vibrant.
Thank you again for solving my mystery!
Sarah