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A little background on a volunteer expert respondent:
Ed Saugstad.
B.S. in Entomology - NDSU, 1963.
M.S. in Entomology - Purdue University, 1967
A life-long interest in natural history. Formally trained in entomology, he
also has a personal interest in herpetology and has read widely in many
biological fields. 21 years in the U.S. Army as a medical entomologist;
duties varied from surveillance of pest populations (including mosquitoes,
cockroaches, ticks, and stored products pests) to conducting research on
mosquito-virus ecological relationships and mosquito faunal studies. Ten years
as a civilian analyst for the Department of Defense, primarily on distribution
of vector-borne diseases worldwide.
He is a member of Entomological Society of America,
Society for Vector Ecology & National Speleological Society.
Publications
American Journal of Public Health, Contributions of the American Entomological
Institute, Japanese Journal of Sanitary Zoology, Journal of Economic Entomology,
Mosquito News, and Mosquito Systematics.
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Stumbled on to your website. I was looking to
identify a beetle that I couldn't find in my "insect" book. I just
wanted to say I have bookmarked your site - it's wonderful! Thank you!
I live in the country and when I moved here 7 years ago, my husband and
I bought several Dorling Kindersley books to help us identify the vast
array of insects, amphibians, mammals and birds we have around our
house. The books have been great. A few things we have had to look up on
the internet - click beetle, masked hunter etc. Had I found your website
sooner - it would have made my web searching SO MUCH easier!
Keep up the great work!
Shelley
Harrowsmith ON Canada |
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 2100
Hi, I am from Anchorage Alaska and I have never seen this type of bug before. I
keep coming across this bug in mostly one room of my house- the bedroom. Rarely
I come across one in the kitchen or bathroom. It likes to sit on the ceilings
and walls for days without moving in the bedroom. It has antennas, is a dark
brown color, has pincher looking like things on its rear, and is about 2-4mm in
length and size. Any help is appreciated, thanks -Stacy
This is an earwig (order Dermaptera);
it might even be a European earwig (Forficula auricularia) - see
http://k41.pbase.com/v3/01/12401/2/48883546.Forficulaauricularia.jpg
, an imported species now very widespread in North America. Earwigs
are for the most part nuisance pests, although they occasionally can be pantry
pests or damage tender vegetation.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2099
I found these little white bugs that fly. They look like pieces of ash flying
through the air, but on closer inspection I realized they were bugs and they are
everywhere in my backyard. They are so small about 1/2 centimeter and if you
try and touch one they basically disintegrate. I included a picture to help
with identification. Also I live in North Alabama. Also they have wings but
the wings are transparent. Thank you so much for any help that you can give me.
Heather.
This appears to be a woolly aphid
(Hemiptera/Sternorrhyncha: Eriosomatidae) - see
http://pics.davesgarden.com/pics/DiOhio_1169275873_149.jpg
for an image. In some parts of the country, these are known as ‘fairy flies.’
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2098
Hi, We live in Trenton, Ontario and we've got these weird bugs in our house and
they've just been multiplying. They don't bite (as far as we can tell) but they
get into everything! My mother who lives in Barrie, Ontario also has them and
can't get rid of them. We'd like to know what they are and how to get rid of
them, if possible. The attached photo includes a picture of one of the bugs on
a ruler. The numbers are in centimeters. Thank you very much for your help, ANY
information you could offer would be appreciated, Ashley Kerr
I cannot be certain because I can
see no detail in the image, but this might be a drugstore beetle (Stegobium
paniceum; Coleoptera: Anobiidae). This beetle, and its close relative the
cigarette beetle, can be pantry pests, infesting an extremely wide variety of
products, even including spices and rodent baits - see
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2083.html
for a fact sheet with more information, including control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2097
This bug is rather large and we have never seen one like this
before. We live in Slatington, PA which is Northeastern Pennsylvania. Those
pincher claws were very scary. It was over a foot long from tip to tip. Thanks,
Lorie
This is a male dobsonfly (Corydalus
cornutus; Neuroptera: Megaloptera). The long jaws are harmless, barely
capable of a light pinch, and appear to be used primarily in ‘jousting’ among
males. Female dobsonflies have much shorter mandibles that are strong enough to
draw blood if one handles them carelessly. Their larva (hellgrammites) are
aquatic predators on other small animal life. See
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dobsonfly
for more information. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2096
Hello, I found this insect in one cartoon box coming from Delhi, It is one
inch long. Can anyone help me in identify this. Does it cause any harm to human?
Regards, Pawan
This appears to be a cricket (Orthoptera:
Gryllidae) of some sort, but I have no idea as to its specific identity. It
would be harmless to humans, but perhaps not to plants. References on this group
include "Studies on Crickets (Insecta : Orthoptera : Gryllidae) of Northeast
India" by M. Vasanth, published in 1993 and "Fauna of India: Orthoptera, vol. 2:
Grylloidea" by L. Chopard, published in 1969.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2095
I recently moved to Picton, Ontario
and have twice found these bugs in my bedclothes when making the bed. I’m not
usually squeamish but I don’t like the red X on this one’s back! Can you tell
me what it is and whether it bites??? I have sent a small pixel photo—let
me know if you need a larger format. Thanks very much, Marianne
Gallagher
This is a seed bug in the family
Lygaeidae known as the small milkweed bug (Lygaeus kalmii) - see
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/okwild/misc/smilk.html.
They do not bite, and are completely harmless to humans.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2094
Hi. Since May this year that our cat keeps find this bugs
in our main floor and the basement. We live in Toronto and this is the first
time that this bugs show up, the cat is catch them every other day. I
found 2 alive in the basement, the ones on the main floor I am not shore if the
cat found them there of he brings them from the basement since those are dead.
Anyone know what they are and wow to get ride of them. Thanks...
Antonio
|
 2093
I know this is a jumping spider...however the nip that is spoken
of, if not handled properly concerns me. My home is brand new barely over 1yrs
old...is there any way to get rid of them? Find their nest somehow? I've
killed three already. Please advise...I have two newborns...I'm really
concerned. Thanks . Tomas
This is indeed a jumping spider
(family Salticidae); likely a bold/daring jumper (Phidippus audax) - see
http://www.ou.edu/oupd/perjump.htm.
You will not find a ‘nest’ of these; they are solitary hunters that may wander
indoors while searching for prey. The bite of a large individual, while painful,
is not dangerous unless one happens to be hyperallergic to the venom (similar to
the situation with bee stings).
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2092
I live in Burnaby, BC, and I was hoping that someone might be able to identify a
bug I found in my bed. I have been worried about bedbugs lately and had been
searching under my mattress for any signs. I found one of these bugs on the
edge of my mattress under the bedsheet one night while searching with the
flashlight. I lifted the mattress up, and found another one along the underside
of the mattress. As well, there are some casts inside the holes where the
screws hold the bed together. I was wondering whether these are bed bugs, since
I have been experiencing insect bites or some other allergic reaction for
several months now. If there are not bed bugs, what are they? Would they have
come from the wall where there could be more? Should I throw out the bed and
mattress? Any help would be greatly appreciated as it seems to be making my
allergies worse. Jared
This is a larva of a carpet beetle
(Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus - see
http://www.lucianabartolini.net/Immagini/strani_due/dscn2717.jpg
for an example. They will feed on a wide variety of organic
materials, primarily those of animal origin, including wool, fur, hides,
feathers, and accumulations of dead insects. Because of this, completely
eliminating an infestation can be a daunting task; see
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7436.html
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. |
 2091
We keep finding these bugs in our basement in Northern, NJ. They are usually
under or behind furniture when we find them dead. They are about a 1/2 long and
have a brownish/black/red color.
This is a ground beetle
(Coleoptera: Carabidae). This is a very large family (see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/ground_beetles
for some examples), the vast majority of which (such as your specimen) are
general predators on other arthropods, and thus usually considered beneficial.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2090
I found these two sitting on my raspberry bush this September. I live in
Vancouver, BC, Canada. Anyone know what they are? Do they damage plants?
Thanks, Mike.
These are stink bugs (Hemiptera/Heteroptera:
Pentomidae); possibly in the genus Chlorochroa - see
http://www.pbase.com/crocodile/image/32584613
for an example. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  2089
Hi. I don’t know if you are able to help but this insect was found underground
around the roots of a plant being tended by ants. Mealy bug were also found.
Kind regards. Sue. New Zealand.
In spite of the apparent lack of
cornicles, this looks more like a root aphid than any other member of the
hemipteran suborder Auchenorrhyncha. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2088
These bugs are crawling the side of my house outside. so far i found at least
20. they also have the ability to jump like a cricket. please lets me know if
you can make them out, thank you. YVES.
This appears to be a flea beetle
(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae; subfamily Galerucinae, tribe Alticini). Several
species can be serious garden/agricultural pests - see
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05592.html
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2087
This is in Massachusetts. There have been several found in the cooking area, on
stoves, counters. They are smallish, 1/16th to 1/8th of
an inch. They come out in daylight and at nighttime, and I have absolutely no
clue what they are. Thank You. Doug.
This a beetle in the family
Silvanidae, Oryzaephilus spp.; either a saw-toothed or merchant grain
beetle. Both can be pantry pests, infesting a wide variety of stored food
products. You should inspect all pantry items for signs of these beetles or
their feeding. See
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2086.html
for a fact sheet that includes control measures.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  2086
Hi. We Love This Web Site. It's interesting to see all the different insects and
how they're discovered. I've never submitted a photo before and I'm stumped
about the insect sitting atop the (Swallowtail?) caterpillar. Is it a fly? Is it
parasitic? They were found on the apple tree branch here in Thunder Bay,
Ontario. I would be most grateful if you could identify the insect on top of the
caterpillar?
MANY THANKS.
Although I cannot positively
identify this little fly, it does not appear to be anything that would be
parasitic on or that would feed on the caterpillar; its occurrence thereon
likely is coincidental.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2085
I moved into a house right by a bunch of hills two years ago in Orange County,
California, and I am still trying to get used to the many creatures I find
scurrying around in my home. After finding three black widows in my room (all at
different times), I laid out a sticky pad, just in case. I also keep pets in my
room and didn't want to take any chances.
I found this rusty-red spider with a cream-colored abdomen, stuck on the sticky
pad two days ago. It's nothing I have ever seen before, and is not particularly
large--a little over half an inch, legs included. I was just interested in
learning what it is. Thanks! Diana.
This appears to be a so-called
sowbug/woodlouse spider (Dysdera crocata; family Dysderidae) - see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/85773461
for an image. They have quite large and powerful chelicerae for their size (the
better to penetrate the hard ‘shells’ of sowbugs), and can deliver a painful
bite if mishandled. These are among the small minority of spiders that have only
six (instead of eight) eyes. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2084
Anybody know what this bug is? I'm not sure exactly where he was found - most
likely either in the woods or near a manure pile in western Pennsylvania.
Laurie.
This is a female blister beetle
(Coleoptera: Meloidae) in the genus Meloë - see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/42278807
for an image. This genus is characterized by having very short wing covers
(elytra) that cover only a small portion of the abdomen and non-functional hind
(flight) wings. The adult beetles primarily are grass feeders, whereas their
larvae are parasitoids in nests of ground-nesting bees.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2083
I keep finding these, usually
a few at a time. Once in the livingroom on my sofa, twice on me, my shoulder and
my leg at different times and now a few on and under the kitchen table. Please
tell me what they are! They are about a cm long. I live in Puyallup WA, USA in a
fairly new and clean home. HELP!! Rachael Duke.
I suspect that you may
have an infestation of the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella; Lepidoptera:
Pyralidae); they often wander quite some distance from their food source in
search of a safe place to undergo pupation. See
http://www.uoguelph.ca/pdc/Factsheets/Insect/IndianMealMoth.htm
for a fact sheet that includes images as well as control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2082
I found this guy or gal sitting placidly on my desktop in Delhi, India last
night. It was about one inch long, and its proboscis fit neatly into a groove
that ran almost the whole length of its abdomen. At first I thought it was a
Brown Marmolated Stink Bug because of its body type, the variated brown markings
around its wings (or abdomen), and the white bands on its antennae. But then I
considered the possibility that it was a kind of kissing bug because its head
was considerably more elongated than a stink bug's.
But its body is also broader and much more shield-shaped than the North American
kissing bugs that I'm familiar with. The glistening sheen is just water.
Daniel.
This is more likely a pentatomid
(stink bug) than a reduviid (assassin bug), but a clearer photo from a dorsal
aspect would be helpful. It is very difficult to pin down a specific identity of
these bugs based on color pattern(s) alone, as many species can superficially
resemble one another. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2081
A friend found this in her house,
in downtown St. John’s, Newfoundland – Late October, 2008. Can you identify ?
Rod
This could be a stealthy ground
spider (family Gnaphosidae) - see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/59792034,
but I would like to see a clearer image of its eye pattern, as the squared-off
cephalothorax is more typical of the family Salticidae (jumping spiders).
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2080
Found this guy sunning himself on a log while hiking in the Rouge Valley (east
end of Toronto ON). He/she was just over 2" across (leg to leg). Didn't
seem to object to having his photo opp either! I have looked at spider pics
until they all look the same--any ideas?
thanks, Lucy
This is an orb weaving spider
(family Araneidae) that apparently has wandered away from/fallen out of its web.
There are several species in the genus Araneus (as well as two in the
allied genus Neoscona) native to Ontario that have roughly similar
colour patterns, making specific identification from a single image
problematical. See
http://www.canadianarachnology.org/data/spiders/15176#image
for an example. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2079
Greetings, The attached insect was found in the kitchen area of our home
in southern Connecticut. It is approximately 1 5/8" (1.6 cm) in length and 1/8"
(0.3 cm) in width. We have seen a couple of these, and are concerned they may be
termites, so I'd greatly appreciate an identification. Thanks in advance,
Bob
|
 2078
Hello, We like to know what type and name of this walking stickbug is. We live
in southern Ontario just outside of Belleville. Are they common in this area.
I know it isn't the greatest pic but it was what I had at the time cell phone
hahaha. The pic has the date and time on it. We will look at the website for
the answer. Thank - You!!!! Anthony
This appears to be a northern
walking stick (Diapheromera femorata; Phasmatodea: Heteronemiidae), the
only species of stick insect native to your area - see
http://bugsincyberspace.com/phasmids/diapheromera_femorata.html
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2077
I found this bug on my patio in Southern California at night. it's about 3" - 4"
in length. It didn't have a problem crawling on my husbands leg and then into a
large crack in the patio. What is this alien looking bug?
This is a Jerusalem cricket (Orthoptera:
Stenopelmatidae). They basically are harmless, but they can give a very painful
bite if mishandled. See
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem_cricket
for more information. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This insect is a “Jerusalem cricket”. These
insects are commonly found west of the Rocky Mountains with most occurring along
the Pacific Coast from British Columbia to Mexico. They are found throughout
Nevada, although not in great numbers in any one place. They spend most of
their lives underground and often seen when soil is disturbed. More info can be
found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerusalem_cricket
Mike Heller, BSc Biology & Computer Science.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is a Jerusalem cricket (aka Potato Bug, etc.) not
poisonous but big enough to bite. Zach |
|
Thanks for the great site. I quickly identified the bug that freaked me out in
my kitchen as a house centipede. Now that I know they're beneficial I'll be
pleased to make the acquaintance of the next one. Best, Corrin, Chicago IL |
 2076
Dear Sir: Found in a kitchen in upstate, central New York: Thanks
Mike
This is a treehopper (Hemiptera/Auchenorrhyncha:
Membracidae). These insects often have their pronotum expanded into odd, even
bizarre, shapes - see
http://www.ne.jp/asahi/rhyncha/index/foreignE/cyph3e.html
for an example. Those that are thornlike (such as your specimen) can blend in
quite well when resting on their host plant - see
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2320/2228743832_1768275645.jpg
for an example. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  
2075 (a,b,c,d)
I've got a few spiders to find....
I usually search the web til my eyes can't take anymore of my computer screen,
but these spiders have me stumped.
Thanks, Tavia (Albuquerque, NM)
A. This is a stealthy ground spider (family Gnaphosidae); likely Sergiolus
capulatus - see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/61451321
for an image.
B. The image is too fuzzy to be certain, but this might be a mesh web weaver
(family Hahniidae) - see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/59742535
for an example.
C. This appears to be a crevice weaver spider (family Filistatidae), possibly in
the genus Kukulcania - see
http://www.saguaro-juniper.com/i_and_i/insects/spiders/funnelweb_black_close.jpg
for an image.
D. This appears to be a running crab spider (family Philodromidae), such as
Thanatus formicinus - see
http://www.canadianarachnology.org/data/spiders/30012#image
for an image. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2074
Hi there! I live in
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada and found this beauty on my kitchen floor
late one evening. It had a brownish-black body with brownish-red legs and a
pretty interesting pattern on it’s back. I am thinking it may be a type of Wolf
Spider but since I am not an expert, I am leaving it up to someone else to let
me know what they think! Marie T.
This is a hacklemesh
spider (family Amaurobiidae) in the genus Callobius; possibly
Callobius severus - see
http://www.spiderzrule.com/spiderphotos05/spider1may05_small.gif
for an image. They are harmless to humans.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 
2073 Yeeesh! Spotted this spider while mowing the lawn. It was on
our fence where I had cleared away some vines a few days before.
Orb Spider? Thx Bill - Alliston Ont.
This is an orb-weaving spider
(family Araneidae) in the genus Araneus. There are several species with
roughly similar colour patterns; see
http://k53.pbase.com/o4/42/656242/1/58542370.Spider1037.jpg
for an example. All are harmless to humans.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2072
We found these in our old house in Toronto, Ontario. Mostly around the windows.
Should we be worried?
This appears to be a wharf borer (Nacerdes
melanura; Coleoptera: Oedemeridae - see
http://www.biolib.cz/en/image/id19837/
for an image). Their larvae bore in moist (even waterlogged), rotten wood; they
will not attack sound timber, and should not pose any threat to your home.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2071
Hi, This insect could be easily seen some 30 years ago, but now they are rarely
seen. I found this near a garden in Singapore. Could you identify this insect
for me please. It seems harmless and flit around frequently when resting, it
dips its appendage up and down.
Thanks, BJ
This appears to be an ensign
wasp (Hymenoptera: Evaniidae). Their larvae develop within the egg cases of
cockroaches. See
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BI036
for detailed information. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2070
Good Morning , I found this spider joined me in the shower this morning. I
don't think I've ever seen one quite like it, and wonder if it is common? I am
in Regina SK. Thanks! Geoff Russell
This is a stealthy ground spider
(family Gnaphosidae); possibly Sergiolus montanus - see
http://www.pbase.com/image/58140003
for an image. These spiders are not considered dangerous to humans, although
some people have reported a local inflammatory reaction following the bite of
another member of this family, Herpyllus ecclesiasticus (parson spider).
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2069
This spider was found in Terrace BC. Very creepy! What type is it..........?
Thx, Kim
This appears to be a male
folding-door spider (family Antrodiaetidae) in the genus Antrodiaetus -
see
http://www.flickr.com/photos/stevelewalready/2920209362/.
Although a bite from one of these might be painful, it is not dangerous.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2068
See the attached photo – this spider was seen today in the western mountains of
Virginia in a remote wilderness area. Is this a wolf spider? It is carrying an
object below its body, possibly either food or an egg sac. It measured about 4
inches long from leg tip to leg tip. Can anyone identify the spider?
|
 2067
I’m not in
Canada. I’m in California. I was in Arizona this weekend and encountered this
insect. I was told that it is a locust. It obviously is not. Could you please
help me in identifying it? It is about 2.5 inches in length. Thank you so much.
Francesco
This appears to be the
same image submitted to another site on 21 October, where it was identified as
likely being Tibicen resh (Hemiptera/Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadidae) - see
http://www.texasento.net/Cicada3.htm.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2066
Found this bug on the ceiling of the kitchen, then found them again on the
ceiling again several hours later. Nothing special about where they were found,
they were spread out around a 20 ft area. There was an open window both times
they they were found.
Been in the place over 2 years and this is the first time seen anything like
this. The building does have silverfish in it as well.
This could be a larva of an Indian
meal moth (Plodia interpunctella; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), a common
pantry pest. See
http://www.uoguelph.ca/pdc/Factsheets/ImagesFactsheets/IndianMealMothLarvae.jpg
for an image and
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2089.html
for a fact sheet that includes control measures. Mature larvae frequently move
quite some distance from their food source before pupating.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2065
Hi there, I captured this spider in my suite on Salt Spring Island, BC.
Can you tell me what it is? Thanks. Laura
I suspect that this male spider
(note the enlarged pedipalps) is in the family Amaurobiidae (hacklemesh
weavers/tangled nest spiders) - see
http://www.ivory.org/spiders/callobius.severus-3.jpg
for a male Callobius severus. These spiders are harmless to humans.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2064
This spider seems to be abundant in North Eastern Ontario in forested areas,
inside and outside of structures. There really doesn’t seem to a web that we
can find. Can someone tell me what this spider is and if it is dangerous?
This appears to be a
fishing/dock/nursery web spider (family Pisauridae) in the genus Dolomedes;
possibly Dolomedes scriptus - see
http://www.canadianarachnology.org/data/spiders/19650.
Large specimens can deliver a painful bite if mishandled, but these spiders are
harmless to humans. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2063
I took this photo while hiking in the mountains of Honduras,
Central America. I took lots of pictures of birds, butterflies, and insects but
this was the most interesting. I looks like a cross between a grasshopper and a
butterfly. What is it? It was pretty fearless allowing me to get some
super-micro shots. When it flew it looked like a flying feather which is what
I'm calling it. Long swooping arcs, more like a bird than a butterly. And is
that a decoy of a bug in front of its mouth? Hope you can help, John
What a gorgeous creature! This is a
planthopper (Hemiptera/Auchenorrhyncha: Fulgoridae) - see
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2413/2349330095_a3fca738eb.jpg?v=0
for a less colorful example. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2062
Can you tell me what kind of bug this
is? Found in rural areas of Beausejour, Manitoba on the side of my house in
early September. Was about the size of my pinky finger. We have never seen
one like this before! Rhonda
This is a parasitic wasp in the
family Pelecinidae, likely Pelecinus polyturator - see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelecinus_polyturator.
Their larvae feed on the larvae of May beetles/June bugs (Phyllophaga
spp.; Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
2061 Hi,
this insect was found in a work-shop in large numbers, it looks like a beetle
but we’re not sure what type it is. Any help in identification would be
greatly appreciated. Many Thanks, Andrew (Galway, Ireland)This
beetle does not resemble any of the common small wood-boring or stored products
pests in the families Anobiidae, Bostrichidae, Dermestidae, Scolytidae, or
Silvanidae with which I am familiar. If the legs were a little more
robust, it could be a small scarab beetle, but their occurrence in numbers
indoors would be atypical for this group. Could you supply more photos that more
clearly show all the tarsi as well the antennae?
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
2060 Hello. I would appreciate it if you could post my email on your
website so that someone can help identify this pest, and advise how I can get
rid of the infestation. This is found in my house in Vancouver, British
Columbia. It is usually found on the carpet close to the wall. It is very
tiny, about the size of a sesame or marginally bigger, and moves very slowly.
Thank you very much! Terence
This is another larva of a beetle in
the family Dermestidae (carpet/hide/skin beetles); likely in the genus
Anthrenus - see no. 2059 for another example and
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IG089
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Check the edges of your
carpeting for more of these, as well as shed skins and chewing damage.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2059
(Location: Northern Alabama, USA) We found about four or five of these little
guys on a pillow in the corner of our bedroom. The attached picture was of one
walking on the wall in the bathroom behind the hanging mirror. All have been
about 4-5mm in length (around 3/16"). Would like to know more about this insect
as we have three little children and a dog in the house with us ... thanks so
much! Dane
This appears to be a larva of a
carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus. See
http://www.zin.ru/Animalia/Coleoptera/images/thumb/img_2065.jpg
for an image and
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IG089
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  2058
The attached photo's are from a nest and of two specimens of
wasp's, I believe. The yellow markings on the head and the back of the insect we
have never seen before. Could you tell which is the type and confirm that it is
a type of wasp? Abraham.
This looks like a bald-faced
‘hornet’ (Dolichovespula maculata; Hymenoptera: Vespidae); see
http://www.painfulbite.com/bald_faced_hornet
for an image and more information.
They can be extremely aggressive when their nest is disturbed.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2057
I live in Franklin, Tennessee and found
this bug this evening on my front porch. It was about 3-4 inches and on the
ceiling of my front porch. My 3 year old daughter is very curious. Thank you!
Amanda
|
 2056
Hi, have lived with these bugs for a while now...finding them in the washroom
along the walls by the tub, and in dark places in the room next door. We're in
Vancouver BC, Canada.
Thanks. Derrick
This is a bristletail, a primitive
insect in the order Thysanura. Some species (silverfish and firebrats) can be
nuisance pests indoors -see
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2108.html
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I found this bug in Vancouver and
southern Ontario - I believe it is called a "silverfish". Used to scare the heck
out of me when I was a kid, they move so fast, but they don't bite. They like
damp or humid locations - so especially fond of bathrooms. Cheers! Renee |
 2055
Do you have any idea what this might be?! Any help would be much appreciated,
Thanks. Hazel.
This appears to be a larva of a moth
in the family Lymantriidae (tussock moths). Although it resembles some in the
genus Orgyia, it lacks the characteristic paired anterior tusts of long
setae - see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/32473505
and
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/58/222892487_dff024bcdb.jpg?v=0
for examples. Where was this photo taken?
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 
2054 Att. is a photo of a swarm of insects that appeared
out of nowhere at the far end of our backyard a few days ago, on an unseasonably
warm day for Oct. There were a few other smaller groups of them nearby, and some
flew away. I hope you can identify them; I also hope they aren't Termites
(although they were 20-25 feet from the house). Would appreciate a response-
Thank you!
These are ants, not termites
- several species of ants form reproductive swarms ar certain times of the year.
See
http://www.ant-pictures.com/ant_vs_termite.htm
for pointers on distinguishing ants from termites.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2053
This spider was trying to come in through my front door when I spotted him or
her.
I have never seen a spider like this before. I hope someone can shed some light
on it.
I live in Vancouver BC, and I found him/her today, Oct 15th Thanks.
Carleen
This is another orb-weaving spider
(family Araeidae), but I cannot be certain of the species.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2052
Hi: This spider was found in my daughters apartment in Welland, Ontario. I
was hoping someone could help me identify it so we can tell if it is dangerous
or not. She says it was about the size of our Canadian Twoney. Thanks.
Suzanne
This is an orb-weaving spider
(family Araneidae) in the genus Araneus; possibly a cross orbweaver,
Araneus diadematus - see
http://www.canadianarachnology.org/data/spiders/14834#image.
However, there are several other Araneus as well as Neoscona
species with a similar colour pattern. All orb weavers are harmless to humans.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2051
Found a few of these from time to time no clue what they are. People tell me its
bed bugs but its doesn’t fit the image at all. Look like something the 1970’s V
Beetle’s we designed after except these little suckers are out for blood!!!
These aren’t out for any blood, but
some of your pantry items might be in danger - these are spider beetles
(Coleoptera: Anobiidae; subfamily Ptininae). Specifically, they appear to be
shiny spider beetles, Gibbium psylloides - see
http://www.ento.psu.edu/ImageGallery/Images/ShinySpiderBeetle01dorsal.jpg
for an image and
http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/spiderbeetle.htm
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2050
I FOUND THESE ON 10/13/08 AT THE BACK OF MY PROPERTY WHICH IS MAINLY WOODS
SURROUNDED BY BEAN, AND CORN FIELDS. THERE WERE ABOUT FIVE OF THESE ON ONE TREE
BUT NOT ALL OF THEM HAD SUCH STRANGE APPARATUS AS THIS ONE. IT WAS SORT OF
POKING ABOUT THE TRUNK WITH ITS REAR. THEY DIDN'T SEEM BOTHERED BY OUR PRESENCE
AT ALL. MECHANICSBURG, OHIO.USA Gary
This is a wood wasp, aka horntail
(Hymenoptera: Siricidae); specifically, it appears to be a pigeon tremex,
Tremex columba - see
http://www.dpughphoto.com/images/horntail%20maybe%20penny%27s%20bend%2060406.JPG
Their larvae bore in the wood of dying/dead trees, where they are
preyed upon by other large wasps, ichneumonids in the genus Megarhyssa.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2049
I CANT SEEM TO I.D. THESE PECULIAR LITTLE BUGS. IN MID SUMMER IT SEEMED THEY
WERE EATING THE JAPANESE BEETLES THAT WERE DESTROYING MY FLOWERS. MECHANICSBURG,
OHIO. USA. Gary
These are wheel bugs (Arilius
cristatus; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Reduviidae); the largest member of this
family in eastern North America. They are voracious predators on other small
arthropods, and can deliver a very painful ‘bite’ if mishandled. See
http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek030901.html
for much more information on these fascinating insects.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2048
Hello, My wife and I have been trying to identify this insect for a couple of
years now! We found this bug in Cape Town, South Africa on some patio stones in
a friends backyard. I know this is Pest Control Canada but is really the
only site we could find where we could upload photos! Hopefully someone can help
us with an ID? Thanks, S&S Jacobs
|
 2047
Hi, I live in Hertfordshire, England. We have recently started finding these
grubs on the carpet in several rooms upstairs. So far we've found about five of
them. They seem to be segmented, and have a 'dusty' white patch surrounding
their tails. Thanks. Andy
This appears to be a puparium of a
fly, possibly a soldier fly (Diptera Stratiomyiidae - see
http://ipm.ncsu.edu/AG369/pics/black_soldier_fly.gif
for an example), some species of which may be found indoors. A less likely
possibility would be a puparium of a rodent bot fly (Diptera Cuterebridae - see
http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/projects/dxendopar/images/parasiteimages/unknown/cubra.gif
);
I would consider this only if you had rodents on your premises. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2046
Hi, This guy and several of his friends have been entering
our house...Winter coming? It looks a lot like #2033... Leaf-footed bug?
Doug.
This does indeed appear to be
another western conifer seedbug (Leptoglossus occidentalis; Hemiptera/Heteroptera:
Coreidae) such as nos. 2033 and 2031. They appear to be very common home
invaders, especially in the autumn. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2045
Hi there...Can you please help me identify this creature. I've
found a few of them in my parents home in south east Saskatchewan, Canada. I
have seen them in the bedrooms as well as in the bathroom. They are very small
about like the spider in photo 1927. Also, do they pose a problem? Thanks!!
This is a pseudoscorpion, a small
arachnid related to spiders and true scorpions. They are general predators on
other small arthropods, and are completely harmless to humans. See
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2062.html
for more information. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2044
I found this dead on my porch of my condo in
Toronto Ontario, M2N 7A1. Do you know what but this is? Any help would be
appreciated. Thank you. Daniel
This is one of the so-called ‘dog
day’ cicadas (Hemiptera/Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadidae); likely in the genus
Tibicen - see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibicen.
The immature stages (nymphs spend several years underground feeding on sap from
tree roots before tunneling to the surface to shed their exoskeleton and assume
the adult form. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2043
Hi, I live in a suburb of a major city in Southeastern Wisconsin. I found this
bug while in my house, as it was crawling up my arm. No biting at that time,
just crawling. Could you please identify it for me? I have my own suspicions, so
I'm a little worried. I've ruled out bedbugs for sure, but I have been becoming
concerned with 5-8 separate occurrences waking up in the morning to multiple
bites on my feet and/or legs. They itch like heck, and take much longer to go
away, but are not completely unlike mosquito bites. Are they related to this
bug? What should I do? Help! The ruler in this picture is showing the millimeter
side, so it's about 2-3 millimeters in length. Also very difficult to squish in
a napkin. Had to press it between two very hard surfaces, so I would say it has
a very hard exoskeleton. Thank you! Erica
Although the photo is too fuzzy to
be certain, it bears some resemblance to a male deer tick (Ixodes scapularis)
- see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/34889878
for an image. This is the species implicated as a vector of Lyme disease, and
not something you want hanging about! Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2042
This photo was taken in August 2008, on a mild summer day. Found in
Collegeville, Pennsylvania. The bug is very unusual and is stumping the
locals on the name of this bug. If you could point me in the right direction I
would greatly appreciate it. Sarah
This is a saddleback caterpillar (Acharia
stimulea; Lepidoptera: Limacodidae) - see
http://flickr.com/photos/ivantortuga/2876780859/.
Look, but don’t touch - contacting the spines of a saddleback caterpillar is
every bit as painful as a bee sting. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
~~~~~~~~~~~
That’s a saddleback caterpillar. I had them this summer and was lucky enough to
identify them through google. I learned that they STING! So don’t touch ‘em!
You can look here
http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/go/1485/ for more information. Pat in NJ |
 2041
This spider only comes out in the evenings. i was curious as to
what it is. would you please be able to help me with this? is there anything we
need to be worried about? thank you Kim.
This spider is nothing to worry
about, unless you are a flying insect. It is an orb weaver (family Araneidae);
possibly in the genus Araneus - see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/65896876
for an example. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2040
Hello - I found this guy on my
driveway, he's maybe about an inch long. Do you know what it is? I live in
eastern Pennsylvania.
Thanks!
Rebecca
This most likely is a robber fly (Diptera:
Asilidae - see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/86573249
for a complete specimen. These flies are ambush predators on other small
arthropods. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2039
Hi, Can someone help identify this? There was a number of them which
showed up very suddenly. They have been dying off fairly quickly on their own,
but there's still a number of them hanging around in the shadows on my deck.
Four of them have got inside the house, I think seeking shelter from the
elements. They don't seem to fly well, but when they do their bodies/ underside
of the wings are a bright orange-red. This is in south central Alberta. Any
thoughts? Carol
This is an eastern boxelder bug (Boisea
trivittata; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Rhopalidae). They seldom do any real
harm, feeding primarily on the developing seeds of boxelder and other maple
trees, but can become nuisance pests when they occur in large numbers on or in
dwellings (see
http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/INSECTS/box_elder_bugs.htm).
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2038
Hi, this insect is about ½” long and was clinging to a building
south of Golden, BC. Can anyone tell me what it is? Thanks. Maggie.
This is a nymph of a damsel
bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Nabidae) - see
http://mint.ippc.orst.edu/damselnymph_lg.htm
and
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/53711883
for other examples. These are general predators on other small arthropods, and
thus usually considered beneficial. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2037
This was flying after my son in Lakeland Fl. Can you tell me what it is thanks.
Kenny
This is a robber fly (Diptera:
Asilidae) in the genus Diogmites - see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/65341054
for an image. These flies are ambush predators on other small arthropods; they
are not venomous, but large specimens can deliver a painful bite if mishandled.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2036
Location: Vancouver BC. This spider was found in the living room for a house.
It's a residential area. Quiet, school, parks; a typical neighborhood. There are
quite a few and I don't know if I should be concerned. I started noticing about
month ago (September - October).
I mostly see them in cracks, the tight areas of the electronics. I have
hardwood floors so the temperature in the living room is colder around this
season and gets colder in the winter. I don't know if that's a factor or
not. Hopefully the pictures and my brief description of the area helps.
Thanks for any help anyone can offer. Darrel
This spider is in the family Theridiidae
(comb-footed/cobweb spiders) in the genus Steatoda; possibly Steatoda
borealis, a very widespread species - see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/42390087
Although it belongs to the same family as the infamous widow spiders, this
species is not regarded as dangerous to humans. Some Steatoda nevertheless can
deliver a very painful bite, as I can personally attest.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist;
Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2035
I found this on my deck in Charlottetown PEI ? Can you tell me
what kind of spider it is ?? Thanks. Dawn H.
This is an orb-weaving spider (family
Araneidae); likely in the genus Araneus - see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/60045174
for an example. They all are harmless to humans.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2034
hi, I live in northwest Indiana and i found this bug in my garage on the floor.
it has a hard shell black body on the top, and light brown body underneath it.
when tried to kill it, was hard to kill and released a yellowish blood. please
can anyone tell me what type of bug this is and if it is dangerous. thank you
This appears to be a beetle larva of
some type, but it is very difficult to say anything more from this image. It
definitely is not dangerous. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2033
Hi, In the last few days we have discovered several of these insects in
our living room. When we kill them there is an odour that I would describe as
earthy or of fire wood. I’m in Quebec’s lower Laurentians (Morin Heights,
Quebec). Thanks in advance. Any suggestions as to how to get rid of them? John.
This is another western conifer seedbug (Leptoglossus
occidentalis; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae) - see no. 2031.
Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2032
Hello, I took this photo Aug 17th while we were vacationing in Maine on Lake
Boyden near the town of Perry. The critter was clinging to a window screen all
morning. He jumped when I got close and stayed on the decking (blending in quite
well). Thank you. Robert L.
This is a long-horned wood-boring beetle
(Coleoptera: Cerambycidae); likely in the genus Monochamus - see
http://www.uvm.edu/albeetle/identification/femalenortheasternsawyer.html
for an image. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2031
Hello. I hope you can help me out. I'm trying to determine the type of
insect in the picture I've attached. The insect has been spotted a few times in
my house. In most cases it was around the window/ on the curtains. In one
instance it was in the bathroom on the floor. It is a very slow, moving,
unresponsive critter. One of them was killed by my house mate and he described a
bad smell from it... Not sure if is related. I live in Barrie, Ontario, Canada.
Should I be concerned with this type of insect in my house? I hope you can help
me identify it. Thanks. Bora
This is a leaf-footed bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera:
Coreidae); likely a western conifer seedbug (Leptoglossus occidentalis),
a species that commonly comes indoors in search for overwintering shelter. See
http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/western_conifer_seed_bug.htm
for more information, and if you scroll down through the pages on
pestcontrolcanada, you will find many more examples.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2030
I found this spider in my dogs yard in early Oct. I live about 1 hour outside
Halifax. This spider was rather large in comparison to the normal spiders we see
around here most often, about the size of the end of my thumb or slightly
larger. Just wondering if you can tell me anything about this spider.
Thanks. Lisamarie
This is an orb-weaving spider (family
Araneidae) that somehow has been removed/wandered from its web. It is harmless
to humans.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 2029
These cocoons are from Langley, BC (greater Vancouver). Four of these were found
attached to thick carpet underneath a coffee table, a fairly dark environment
perhaps. As you can see, each measures over 1.5 cm in length, are very black,
with 2 orange fuzzy "holes" on one end. 2 cats live in the house and there are
also many ground beetles that live outside but may get in. Thanks very much!
Janet
This appears to be a puparium of a large fly
(the orangish objects at the end of its abdomen being the terminal ends of its
tracheal system). Unfortunately, I have no idea as to a specific identity. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2028
These little bugs are everywhere
in my house. I probably kill about 20 a day. They are only 1/8th of an inch
long. This one was found dead. Can anyone help? We live in the Tidewater
region of Virginia. Thanks, Jan
First the bad news - this looks for all
the world like a young cockroach nymph. Then the 'good' news - it does not
appear to be a nymph of any of the cosmopolitan household pest species. Rather,
it looks like one of the so-called 'wood roaches' in the genus Parcoblatta
- see
http://www.pbase.com/lejun/image/36894418
for an example. These cockroaches often come indoors, but seldom set up
permanent housekeeping there. See
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pennsylvania_wood_cockroach
for more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2027
HI there, Well I was just curious to see if this was one of many types of
Hoverfly and if so, which one. I took this image here in Whistler, British
Columbia, Canada about a month ago. I've seen plenty of your typical yellow
Hoverfly but I've never seen a Blue one like this and after searching on the net
to find the name, I wasn't able to figure it out therefore seeing if you can
help out identify this one. Cheers
This is indeed a fly in the family Syrphidae,
but I have never seen one with that abdominal colour pattern. Some in the genus
Dasysyrphus come close - see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/63685256
for an example. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV |
 2026
Dear Sir or Madam: Please tell me the name of this spider,
taken in Victoria, B.C.
Thanking you, Al . Victoria, BC.
|
  2025
I bought a chair from Indonesian origin. The chair is made of hardwood frame
weaved with water hiacynth. The chair was heavily infested when I unpacked from
the carton. I found a lot of powder pouring out from the wrapping. I found
several dead bugs among the dust. I suspected this is a Powder Post Beetle.
However, this bug is huge (about 6 to 7 times larger than the normal PPB I have
known. I live in California and the weather here is not as hot as Indonesia.
However, can you help ID this bug and whether or not I should be worried if some
of these bug get out and into my home. Thanks S
This might be a false powder post
beetle in the family Bostrichidae. See
http://www.padil.gov.au/img.aspx?id=624&s=l
and
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bostrichidae
for examples. I suggest contacting a pest management
professional for further advice.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV |
 2024
We found this 'monster' in the mall where we work. He seems to have lost a limb
but that didn't stop him from scaring the heck out of our whole office... LOL.
You can't really tell from the pic but he was about 3 inches long. We did
some internet searching and think that he may be a giant water bug... although
how a giant water bug got into a shopping mall in Saskatoon I have no idea...
are we correct or is he something different entirely. After asking around it
seems that he was in the grocery store at some point - perhaps having a snack in
the produce department?? Thanks a million. Stefanie.
This is indeed another giant water bug; see
no. 2023. It is not at all unusual to find them a long ways from any water.
Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV
|
 2023
Hi. I sure hope you can identify this huge bug. I have one
photo with it next to a ruler and with its front claws out it measures 3
inches! My Miniature Pinscher found it in the dog yard and I have it in a waste
basket right now. I don't know if I should let it go or kill it. If I put a
stick or anything in front of it, it spreads its front claws and hits it like it
was stinging it. I don't want my dogs to get hurt with this bug if it is
dangerous. The legs are leathery like. The weather has been rainy, cool and
damp for the past several days. I live about 5 miles south of Lake Ontario in
Alton, New York USA. Thank you. Sc McKinney
This is a giant water bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera:
Belostomatidae); likely in the genus Lethocerus. They are voracious
predators on other aquatic animals; mostly other arthropods, but also
occasionally small fish and tadpoles. They are strong fliers, and often found
some distance from water. They can deliver a painful bite if mishandled, but are
not truly venomous. See
http://godofinsects.com/museum/display.php?sid=807
for more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV |
 2022
Good afternoon! I've tried in vain to find the identity of
this little guy who has made a home here. His web was disturbed last night (he
has spun it in a bad spot - between the antennae of my car and an outbuilding
about 7 feet away, about 5 feet off the ground) and this morning we were able to
watch as he put the finishing touches on the new one - he worked fast and the
web is beautiful! We live in eastern North Carolina, on the water. We've had
plenty of spiders but I've never seen one of this kind before. He (she!) is
about the size of a large pea and looks, to me, like one of the blue crabs we
see in the river. It's black and yellow and it's exterior appears to be hard
and has pointy horn-like features (I'm not about to touch it to find out if it
really is hard!!).
See attached for a photo - I couldn't get as much of the web
in as I would have liked but it's a circle set inside a very large
triangle. Many thanks for any insight you can give! Meredith
This is a spiny orb weaver (family
Araneidae); specifically, it is Gasteracantha cancriformis - see
http://southfloridadaily.com/?p=1621
for an image. They are completely harmless, and if you were to touch it, you
would find it much harder than your usual spider. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2021
This larvae is from NW Florida. They are found in burrows in the ground,
approximately the diameter of a pencil. The individual who brought it to me
said he ran a piece of pine straw into the hole, the larvae clamped on and was
pulled out of the hole. According to the individual, children in this region
play this “straw game” with the larvae. No-one I’ve spoken to could tell me
what the name of this creature is. Thanks, Philip
This is a larva of a tiger beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae; subfamily
Cicindellinae). They formerly were classified as a separate family,
Cicindellidae. Both adults and larvae are voracious predators on other
arthropods. See
http://insects.tamu.edu/fieldguide/bimg129.html
for more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
   2020
hi there, we're in downtown Toronto, Ontario. We have a couple of orb weaver
spiders on our balcony, well, actually we have a few and they are all quite
large. the other day, one of them was attacked by a spider we've never seen
before. the attacker is about 2" in length with very long front legs,
reddish/orange in colour and generally quite mean looking. any idea what type of
spider this is? also was it after a meal or did it want the web or territory?
thanks for your help and love the site. Phil
The ‘attacker’ actually is a male orb-weaving
spider (family Araneidae); he was ‘plucking’ the web in a pattern that would
enable the nearly blind female to determine that he was a potential suitor
rather than a meal. Life can be quite hazardous indeed for a male spider. |
 2019
Hi: I live in the UK but recently visited Germany
and saw these bugs which I have never seen before. The weather was humid and
they seemed to clump together in small groups on the soil, there were thousands
of them! I think they may possibly be a shield or stink bug or some sort but I
cannot seem to find an example to match them anywhere on the internet.
Many thanks. S. Hilpert
|
 2018
I live in Ottawa, Ontario. My
backyard suffers heavy infestation by earwigs so I lay all kinds of traps and
often come out when dark to capture them or shake them off plants to soapy
water. Doing this I spotted this ugly (or cute for some) and unusual
looking creature several times - always on a brick wall, and always at night. It
moves very quickly and most likely feeds on earwigs (a competitor of mine?). It
is a bit over an inch and a quarter in length (the body only, not including the
whiskers) Does anybody know it? Should I get rid of it, leave it alone or run
away? I appreciate any help. Thanks - Janusz
This is a house centipede. It is
probably eliminating more earwigs than you. See #2017. |
 2017
Hi. I was wondering if you could enlighten me on this one. I'm sure it is
quite common, we find them all over in the basement and coming out of drains. I
was wondering if they bite and what they feed on Thanks Ed Wingell.
Montreal Canada
This is a House Centipede.
Centipedes prefer to live in damp
portions of basements, closets, bathrooms, unexcavated areas under the house and
beneath the bark of firewood stored indoors. House centipedes feed on small
insects, insect larvae, and on spiders. Thus they are beneficial, though most
homeowners take a different point-of-view and consider them a nuisance.
Technically, the house centipede could bite, but it is considered harmless to
people. For more information see this web page:
http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/INSECTS/Centipedes.htm |
 2016
Hello. I found three of these bugs over a period of two days in
my living room area. I live in Burnaby BC. These bugs are approx 3/16"of an inch
long and although they have wings seem to have trouble flying. Thanks Joe
This could be a black carpet beetle
(Attagenus spp; Coleoptera: Dermestidae) - see
http://pestcontrolnoida.com/images/blackcarpetbeetle.jpg
for an image of an adult and larva. You should inspect any carpeting that
contains wool for signs of these insects or chewing damage. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2015
I would love some help
identifying this insect. I'm in Eastern Ontario Canada...on Lake
I would love
some help identifying this insect. I'm in Eastern Ontario
Canada...on Lake Ontario. I'm assuming this is some kind of wasp or
hornet...as it stung or bit (not sure) two of my children last
night. It was boring out a hole on their playground structure (the
plastic 4x4 actually...not the wood) and they didn't see it until
too late. I couldn't believe the size of the pincers on it when I
got it out of the hole...once it met it's demise. (I apologize to
any bug lovers out there...I couldn't have this guy in my yard.)
He's approximately 1" or more in length.
Could someone help me out?
Sherri
About as close as
I can come is that it might be a giant resin bee (Megachile
sculpturalis; Hymenoptera: Megachilidae). This is an Asian
species that was introduced into the southeastern USA during the
mid-1990s, and that has now made its way as far north as southern
Ontario. See
http://http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/go/386/
for images and more information. Reportedly, these bees rarely
sting, but obviously can bite.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2014
(Orb Weaving?) Spider. Andrew.
Yep..you're right! This is an orb-weaver
spider -- maybe one sometimes known as the Common Orb Weaver or Garden Spider
although depending on the area species markings can differ. These guys hang out
around human habitation and can often be seen making their familiarly-shaped
webs around porch lights and door frames. They usually make their web in the
same place night after night, so if one has happened to pick an inopportune
location for its home, kindly moving it elsewhere can eliminate you walking
through the web on your way to the garage, or whatever. :) They are not harmful
to humans, but could deliver a bite if mishandled. Katherine K.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is indeed another
orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae); likely in the genus Araneus - see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/orb_weavers_genus_araneus
for some examples. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2013
I found this spider outside
of my house hanging in a beautiful web attached to the hedges. I live in
western NY approximately 50 miles SW of Buffalo. What is it? Is it harmful to
humans? Belinda
This is Argiope aurantia, an
orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae) that goes by many common names, including
black-and-yellow argiope, golden garden spider, black and yellow garden spider,
or golden writing spider. See
http://www.cirrusimage.com/spider_argiope_aurantia.htm
for several good images. Like all members of its family, this spider is harmless
to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This beautiful spider is a
type of orb weaver commonly called the Black and Yellow Argiope (Argiope
aurantia), although it goes by several other common names. It is often found in
gardens and around houses. Like other spiders from the orb-weaver family, they
spin the familiarly-shaped circular webs, at times with the "zig-zag" patterns
in the middle. If you get too close, sometimes these spiders will start shaking
their webs quickly so to distract and confuse what they think is a potential
predator (It's pretty cool!).
They also make these crazy egg sacs that kind of resemble upside down brown
balloons, almost "floating" as its suspended in a mass of tangled silk threads.
They are not at all dangerous to humans
(and often help remove more "undesirable" insects from a garden), although if
mishandled could give you a bite. Katherine K.
|
 2012
I live in western NY (about 50
miles SW of Buffalo) and recently found this large caterpillar feeding on a
tomato plant in my garden. Can you identify it? Belinda.
This is a either a Tomato Hornworm (Manduca
quinquemaculata) or a Tobacco Hornworm caterpillar (Manduca sexta) . The only
way to really tell them apart until they are adult moths is that the Tomato
Hornworm has 8 v-shaped white markings on its back, and the Tobacco Hornworm has
7 white lines on each side -- I couldn't tell by your picture which it was. The
caterpillars are quite a site, although the moths that they will turn into are
rather unremarkable brown ones (still pretty, though, I think...) He may wreak a
little havoc in your garden, but he's not harmful beyond this. Katherine K.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is a tobacco hornworm
larva (Manduca sexta). Both it and its close relative, the tomato
hornworm (Manduca quinquemaculata) can be serious garden pests. See
http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4dmg/Pests/tomato.htm
for a fact sheet. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
  2011
I live in St. Paul MN. These pictures were taken Sept 19,2008. There are two
small areas of my yard COVERED with 100's of small fluffy (not slimy) egg cases
attached to grass leaves off the ground. No other area in my yard has these, and
I have never seen them before, living in the area for 40 years. I do not have
access to a photomicroscope for a picture, but when cutting into these, there is
a gooey redish-orange mush that could be a pupa or lots of single eggs. Attached
are pictures of the lawn affected & close up of a single case So - what
are these, what are they going to turn into, and when. If appropriate what's the
best way to make them go away, as they could be spreading. Thanks for helping
with my mystery! DJ
These could be cocoons of wasps
parasitic on some lawn insect(s), but if no one on this forum can provide a
definitive answer, I suggest first trying the University of Minnesota’s
Cooperative Extension "Answer Line" (see
http://www.extension.umn.edu/answerline/)
or inquire at your county office of the extension service (see
http://www.extension.umn.edu/offices/)
to see if they can offer any explanation.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2010
Can somebody identified that
bug ?? picture is from Moncton New-Brunswick Canada and was taken in September .
cloudy day no rain ( rain the day before ) Francois
This guy is a cicada...a type of
insect in the family Cicadidae. Sometimes they're mistakenly called "locusts".
I'd bet you found a species of "dog-day cicada" (Tibicen sp.) that have
lifecycles of approximately 2-5 years. You'll hear them making plenty of noise
during the summer, as they set up shop in the treetops (and occasionally
elsewhere...). Those empty brown "shells" that you can find attached to tree
bark and houses this time of year are old exoskeletons that have been left
behind so that the cicadas can grow larger. Katherine K.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is a so-called ‘dog day’
cicada (Hemiptera/Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadidae); they spend a much shorter time
underground (usually 1-5 years) than their periodical cicada counterparts (13 or
17 years). Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2009
Smooth, brown caterpillar, 4 1/2 inches long, one white "eye" with blue center
on upper rear, 5 white circles on each side with dark centers. Tiny black spots
on body, more frequent near head. Southern Ontario. Louise
This is a caterpillar of the
pandorus sphinx moth (Eumorpha pandorus; Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) - see
http://pick5.pick.uga.edu/mp/20q?search=Eumorpha+pandorus
for images and detailed information on this species.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2008
Hi. I saw this flying insect on my windowsill catching the sun. It was
about an inch long.
I have no idea what it was! Tracy. London, England
This appears to be a
hover/flower fly (Diptera: Syrphidae). This is a very large family with at least
280 species reported from Britain. The larvae of many species are predaceous on
other insects, especially aphids. See
http://ventnorpermaculture.wordpress.com/2008/05/09/beneficial-insects/
and scroll down to hoverflies. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2007
Toronto, Canada - Found quite a few of these on top of some boxes in a public
storage locker. All were dead. Length = approx. 2mm. At first I thought they
were cockroach nymphs, but the close-up scan makes me think they're something
else. Any help in identifying them would be greatly appreciated. Jay.
This appears to be a saw-toothed
grain beetle (Oryzaephilus surinamensis; Coleoptera: Sylvanidae), that
sometimes can be a pantry pest. A related species, the merchant grain beetle (Oryzaephilus
mercator) is very similar in appearance, differing mainly in having smaller
eyes. See
http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/entomology/factsheets/sawtooth.html
for a fact sheet.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
2006 Hi, I would like to know
what is this insect. I found this insect hanging on the wall. Thank you.
This is a household
casebearer, aka ‘plaster bagworm’ (Phereoeca spp.; Lepidoptera: Tineidae).
They belong to the same family as the notorious clothes moths, but appear to
prefer dining on old cobwebs - see
http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/urban/occas/household_casebearer.htm
for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2005
My son found this critter in our house. We live on Central Vancouver Island. Do
you know what it is? I has 3 pairs of legs at the front, and the back of it
moved kinda like a silk worm. Kyla
This looks like another snakefly
larva - see No. 2004. These insects usually are considered beneficial predators.
What it is doing indoors is anyone's guess.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2004
We have been seeing this larvae or bug in our Oregon home over the last few
weeks. Only a handful or so, so far, but on our furniture and carpeting. I have
not been able to find out what it is, hoping you can help. Thank you,
Rachel
This looks like a larva of a
snakefly (Neuroptera: Raphidiidae) - see
http://tolweb.org/Raphidiidae/14486.
These predaceous insects usually are found under loose tree bark or in rock
crevices. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove,
WV. |
 2003
This thing moves fast and it jumps all over the
place. My guess is a camel cricket but I really have no idea. Anyone have any
clue?? I hope to not see another one again in my house! Thanks! Amanda
This is a true cricket (Orthoptera:
Gryllidae), not a cave or camel cricket. If the dorsal (top) side resembles the
image at
http://z.about.com/w/experts/Entomology-Study-Bugs-665/2007/12/Gorgeous-Bug.jpg
, it might be a tropical house cricket, Gryllodes sigillatus.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2002
While fishing in New Liskeard Ontario, right on the border of Quebec. she was
guarding a nest of little guys on a dead tree hanging over the water.
Monika
This is a fishing/dock spider
(family Pisauridae) in the genus Dolomedes. They also are known as
nursery web spiders, as they construct a web for the protection of their newly
hatched young. Close relatives of wolf spiders (family Lycosidae), they are
active hunters, and do not spin a capture web of any sort. They are harmless to
humans, but large specimens can give a painful bite if mishandled.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2001
This colorful ant-like insect was found outside on
my porch in Miramichi, NB in July .I have never seen anything quite like it. Can
you please tell me what it is and if it is harmful? Thanks, Ann.
This is a checkered beetle
(Coleoptera: Cleridae) in the genus Enoclerus. There are several species
in this genus that superficially resemble one another - see
http://www.cedarcreek.umn.edu/insects/newslides/024067016001apd.jpg
for an example. These beetles are general predators on other small
arthropods, and thus usually considered beneficial.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This
is a Checkered Beetle ( Family Cleridae ) and
is not harmful . It may be beneficial in controlling bark beetles or wood boring
beetles. Gordon Crockford, Saskatoon, SK |
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