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1300 This is around 4 mm length pest i found it inside my computer shop ,it was sticked close to the window, outside the window there is birds all the time. this one is not full of blood the other one i found is full with blood. Osama
This could be a soft tick (family Argasidae). Unlike hard ticks that feed slowly and must remain attached to their host for extended periods of time (often several days) in order to feed to repletion, soft ticks feed relatively rapidly, usually at night, and leave their host to seek shelter during the daytime. Many species feed primarily on birds, but others will feed on reptiles or mammals (including bats). In North America, soft ticks in the genus Ornithodoros can transmit the causative agent for relapsing fever. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1299 We live in West Central Saskatchewan. I originally thought these guys came in on some poplar wood/leaves but am not so sure now. After thinking they were gone, I found them behind the baseboards and possibly under the sheetrock (not sure if they are under sheetrock or just in the crack behind baseboards. Thank you. Gay

This beetle looks very much like the specimen no. 1099, also from Saskatchewan. Unfortunately, I was unable to provide a positive i.d. It’s overall appearance is consistent with the family Tenebrionidae, which includes some stored products/household pests such as the confused flour beetle and the cadelle. However, the vast majority of tenebrionids are not pests, and your specimens may simply be accidental intruders. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1298 Hi!! I live in Barrie Ontario and this large beetle (approximately 1 and a half inches in length from head to toe) was found at my job on a loading dock on a very stormy night. The beetle appears to be black in color with some brownish hair on it's underside. I have never come across a beetle this large and was wondering what species it was. Thank you. Jennifer
This is a scarab beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), but I cannot be more specific from the image provided. One possibility from its size and your description is that it could a female rhinoceros beetle (Xyloryctes jamaicensis; see http://entweb.clemson.edu/amuseum/webonly/local/lmisc/lmisc17.jpg for an image). Although this is considered a southern species, at least one record for Ontario exists - see
http://www.pinerypark.on.ca/pdf%20files/icheck.pdf. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1297 I went to Atlanta last year and stayed in a hotel (looked dirty on the inside). When I returned home I noticed about 15 of these bugs in my back pack so I threw it out. Every now and again I see one of these bugs on my couch. Any ideas on what kind of bug it is? Are they pests? Thanks! Scott Winnipeg, Manitoba
The photo is too fuzzy for a positive i.d., but it does bear a resemblance to a dermestid beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) such as those in the genus Megatoma (see http://www.dermestidae.com/Megatomacylindrica.jpg for an image). However, as far as I know, that genus is restricted to western North America, and is not regarded as pestiferous. Nevertheless, just in case, you might want to examine your premises for any signs of dermestid larvae (see http://www.floridanature.org/photos/Dermestidae_1,_Tallahassee,_20041114.jpg and http://www.uku.fi/~holopain/stt/apellio2.jpg for representative images). Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1296 I found this bug inside on my carpet. It's brown about 1/8" long and it jumps. To me, it's shaped almost like a shrimp. I've looked on several different websites to try to figure out what they were. The closest thing to it is a torpedo mayfly larvae, but that's not quite it either. The sites say these are aquatic insects. I've seen these here in South Carolina since I was little and they are always outside around dirt or sand and it's almost always during the summer. It has three tails, two short on the outside, one long in the middle, two long antennas, it looks like it has fangs on the front (I may be wrong), and it looks prehistoric. It also looks like it has a hard shell on top of its head and upper back, but down towards the tail its almost like scales. Please help!!! Thank you!!! -Melody-
This is another member of the order Thysanura (see nos. 1295 and 1238), but because it jumps, it likely belongs to the family Machilidae (‘jumping bristletails’). To the best of my knowledge, none of these are considered pests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1295 Please help!! I live south of Vancouver BC. I have this bug in the house , its about 0.6 cm 0 1.2 cm, moves really fast, they are found on the floor sometimes high on the wall or even in the bath tub. body is soft , does not fly .Find them one a time, never in group , appears to die and dry up on the floor, Are they harmful to human ? do they bite ? do they carry disease ? Most importantly how do I get rid of them ? M. Tan
This appears to be a firebrat, a primitive insect in the order Thysanura, family Lepismatidae (silverfish and firebrats). They will feed on all manner of starchy materials, from that found in bookbindings, wallpaper and clothing to some pantry items. Although they seldom are numerous enough to cause serious damage, they certainly can be nuisance pests. See http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/DK1018 for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1294 These guys were all photographed in my woods (except the one in the bathroom) in East Texas between Dallas and Shreveport, below the I-20 and not far from the Louisiana line. Bob Wilson.
Arp, Texas US

Left - This is a larva of a white-marked tussock moth (Orgyia leucostigma; Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae - see http://www.discoverlife.org/IM/I_DLW/0000/640/Orgyia_leucostigma,_larva,I_DLW78_1.jpg for an image of a larva and http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/38804504 for an adult moth). They are general feeders on the leaves of a wide variety of trees and shrubs, and contact with the body hairs of these larvae can cause an allergic reaction (urticaria) to sensitive skin. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
Center - This is a specimen of Cramer's Eighty-eight (Diaethria clymena; Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae). It is a South American species that occasionally strays into the southern United States; see http://www.nearctica.com/butter/plate18/Dclymen.htm for an image and more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
Right - This is an assassin bug (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), likely the banded assassin bug, Pselliopus cinctus; see http://www.stephencresswell.com/s/0314.JPG for an image. Assassin bugs such as these are general predators on other small arthropods, and generally are considered beneficial. However, larger specimens are capable of delivering a painful ‘bite’ if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1293 I found (ok my CAT found) this bug crawling through the living room today. It's creeping me out!!! It's about 1cm. long and has a really odd red pattern on its back. (And its the dead of winter...how can it be alive right now!?!) HELP so I can sleep tonight! --Michelle Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada

This is a stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae); likely Perillus bioculatus (see http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/46752156 for an image). Although most stink bugs are plant feeders, several species, including this one, are predaceous and therefore considered beneficial. It overwinters as an adult; your specimen probably entered your home accidentally in search of suitable winter quarters. It is nothing to worry about. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1292 Need help identifying pls. We've found a few of these in our relatively new house (2yrs) Coloring is same on all. Non flying. We're located in Alberta. Thanks Warren

This is a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). However, it does not appear to be a species that would cause any structural damage. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1291 Hello. Can you please identify the bug in this photo I took the other day in my yard. I would like to know if it is a beneficial insect or if it is the one eating my flowers leaves. I live in south eastern BC, and I found it on my Echinacea flower. Thanks Jenny

This is a nymph of a stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). Although this family includes a few predaceous (and therefore beneficial) species, the vast majority are plant feeders. This specimen more likely belongs to the latter group. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1290 We live in Northeastern Wisconsin and have seen several of these bugs for the last couple of weeks (early / mid August). They have a hard shell and appear to be black / brown and crawl fairly quickly. Audrey.
This is a weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae); likely in the subfamily Otiorhynchinae (short-snouted weevils); see no. 1283 for another example. It most likely is an accidental invader and not an indoors pest species. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1289. I have discovered a new bug. The diameter of the ball on top looks like maybe 1.5 mm. When not walking it retreats to some extent under it's ball. When it walks, viewed from above it looks as though it is riding on wheels, so perfectly smooth is its motion. I found it in a canyon in Los Angeles, California. Thank you very much. Terry Payne

This is a larva of a lacewing (order Neuroptera) - I cannot be sure from the photographs, but it appears as if the empodium (median structure between the tarsal claws) is broadened terminally, which would put it in the family Chrysopidae (green lacewings). The empodium in the closely related family Hemerobiidae (brown lacewings) is more pad-like in appearance. Larvae of some species in both families will ‘camouflage’ themselves by attaching bits of debris to their body setae. They are general predators on other small arthropods, including aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, etc. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1288 Do you know what this is? I found it behind the night stand beside the bed. It appears to be a skin of some kind...
As the photo would not enlarge, I can say only that it looks like either a shed exoskeleton of a spider, or a very dehydrated dead spider. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1287 Please find attached 2 photos of an insect, which was found in a Chinese restaurant, in Ireland. The insect measures approximately 2 mm in length. Any help with its identification would be greatly appreciated! Brenda Lennon.

Although I cannot see the diagnostic features (cornicles), the overall size and general appearance of this insect is consistent with it being an aphid (‘plant louse’). What it might have been doing in a restaurant is anyone’s guess - I doubt if it was on the menu! Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1286 Hello! This is the second one of these guys we found buzzing around the house in Bremerton, WA. At first glance I thought it was a moth while it was flying around, but when it landed, it was obviously something else. It has long antenna and a mantis like head. It's back legs lay straight back aligned with the wings, they are not like a grasshoppers, ready to jump. It's body is not sectioned like a moth, and the wings are like panes of glass, not covered in a dust. It does not have large mandible, or pincer, just a very small mouth, very hard to see. Any help would be appreciated, I have already spent hours pouring over google and bug books. Love the site. Thanks, Danielle

This is an adult caddisfly (order Trichoptera). Their larvae are aquatic; most species construct cases of pebbles or plant material, but some others make silken nets in which to trap the plant debris on which they feed. A few predaceous species are free-living. Trichoptera is considered a sister group to Lepidoptera, the two orders thought to share a common ancestor that gave rise to no other lineages. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1285 I think its a millipede but unsure flesh toned with brown /grey towards the tail, keep finding them in the basement usually dead but a few on the move seem to curl up when touch or dead, basements is dry and clean its winter out side can't tell what the attraction is, I vacuum them up but get about 50 new ones a week worried what summer will be like if not resolved, no mulch near foundation, small garden near front of house new home new grass, can someone please help? Nick
This is indeed a millipede, specifically, a flat-backed millipede (order Polydesmida). It resembles the garden millipede, Oxilus gracilis; see http://www.bioterium.com.br/bioterium/animais/Diplopodos/Imagens/OxilusGracilis.jpg for an image. This species can damage tender plants (such as in greenhouses), and will invade homes to some extent. See http://www.uvm.edu/extension/publications/el/el21.htm for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1284 We live in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, and we have recently found 3 of these insects in our home. It is tan in color with black stripes on it back, 2 long antenna's and grasshopper type rear legs, and 2 "points" on it's rear end. Any info on this insect would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Bree.
This is a camel cricket (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae, subfamily Rhaphidophorinae); see nos 1265, 1231, 1198, 1148, and 1130 for other examples. Usually considered nuisance pests, they seldom do any real harm. See http://entweb.clemson.edu/cuentres/eiis/pdfs/HS21.pdf for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1283 I have noted these bugs about two weeks ago, they usually appear in pairs in the morning, on the floor or wall. They are approximately 1 cm long. I leave in West Vancouver, BC in an apartment building, on the second floor and keep the balcony open during the night. Originally I suspected that they may be coming from the plant I recently purchased, so I removed the plant outside, and then I removed all my plants outside. I did not see them for 2 days, but then one appeared this morning. I am very concerned, should I be contacting exterminators? Your help would be greatly appreciated. Nina
This is a weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae); subfamily Otiorhynchinae (short-snouted weevils). This subfamily includes at least one serious agricultural pest species (the introduced white-fringed beetle), as well as the black vine weevil (an occasional pest on nursery stock). Although this specimen does resemble the black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus; see http://safari.zog.org/images/DSC_4599.jpg for an image), I would hesitate to call it with certainty. If you do have black vine weevils, you might notice the characteristic adult feeding damage as seen at http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/TRA/PLANTS/images/lilcbkvh.jpeg (their larvae feed on plant roots). Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1282 hi found this bug underneath my fridge. ive recently had to treat my place for german cockroaches which seem to have gone away over the last month. i had gel bait and had the place sprayed as well. im terrified at the idea that the problem is back. help appreciated!!! tad

This appears to be a larder beetle (Dermestes lardarius; Coleoptera: Dermestidae - see http://www.dermestidae.com/Dermesteslardariusm.jpg for an image). This is a pantry pest, feeding primarily on proteinaceous items, such as cured meats, cheeses, dried fish, dry pet food, etc. See http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/larder_beetle.htm for a fact sheet that includes control measures. Also, you may wish to check infestible items in your pantry for signs of these beetles, their larvae (see http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/natural/insects/bugsfaq/pics/larder.jpg ), or damage. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1281 Hello, My name is Sarah I live in new westminster BC, it a rental apartment building that is fairly old, and we have these little tiny beetle like bugs in our kitchen, they really like to get into the flour and cornstarch and then die there so we had to throw away food and make sure to seal everything but they keep showing up especially on the wooden cutting board, i tryed drowning them tried laying a faramone trap (worked great on the tiny moths) but we cant get rid of them here is a photo, thanks for the help :)
There are several species of small, reddish-brown beetles that may infest flour and similar dry food products. The images here are too fuzzy to be certain, but these could be saw-toothed or merchant grain beetles (Oryzaephilus surinamensis and O. mercator); see http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2086.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1280 PLEASE ID Darren. London, Ontario

This is a short-horned grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididae), but the image is too fuzzy for a more specific determination. One possibility is that it could be a Carolina locust (Dissosteira carolina; see http://insects.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/Images/Orthoptera/d_carolina.jpg for an image). Note the notch in the pronotum of this specimen, it is diagnostic for this genus. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1279 Found this in a parking lot in Dartmouth Nova Scotia. At least two inches long. Never seen anything like it thanks. Mike

This is a horntail (Hymenoptera: Siricidae). Their larvae bore into both hardwood and coniferous, particularly those already under decline because of disease, fire, or other insect depredation. They seldom are numerous enough to cause real additional damage to the trees, but do degrade the quality of lumber from infested tree, and may continue to develop in and emerge from green lumber (see http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/iiin/bhorntail.html). They are preyed upon by spectacular ichneumon wasps in the genus Megarhyssa (see no. 1081 for an example). Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is is a type of Symphytan wasp called a Horntail (Family: Siricidae). The females use their modified ovipositor to insert an egg along with symbiotic fungi and mucus into dying or diseased trees. The secretions promote fungal growth for the larvae to feed upon. Craig Gibbs

1278 In reference to photo # 1035, I agree, it looks like a wolf spider but I found it on top of a four foot weed and it appeared to be guarding this nest, with egg sac and all these little spiders all over the inside, unless this was her lunch …
Whatever this is, it almost certainly is not a wolf spider egg sac. Female wolf spiders carry their egg sac attached to their spinnerettes (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:IC_Wolf_spider.jpg for an image) until the eggs hatch, at which time the spiderlings emerge and climb on to the female’s back where they remain at least until their first molt (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Wolf_spider_with_young_in_garden.jpg for an image). Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1277 Hi, I found this little guy in Elliot Lake, Ontario. It was in my dresser drawer on a item of clothing. If looks furry and doesn't move much. Thanks for all the help. Drew..
This is a larva of a carpet beetle in the genus Anthrenus. See nos. 1209 and 1210 for other examples, and http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2103.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1276 I found this bug (there are four photos of it) in my New York city apartment. It was just sitting on the linoleum in the middle of the hallway between my kitchen & living room just near the door to my closet. It didn't try to run or move. I squash it before realizing i should have kept it as is, but the bug was rounded on the top and flat on the bottom. It is brown and has ridges and a bunch of white legs underneath curled under. Any idea what this is?
Thanks if anyone knows what this is! Kristi
This is a sow bug. They are usually found in damp locations and do not survive if they venture out into dry areas. Read more about sow bugs.

1275 Greetings, I live in Santa Cruz, CA and found this spider on an old redwood stump after I peeled away the thick bark. I am embarrassed to say (after reading many of Rick Vetter's articles) that I thought it was a Brown Recluse. The spider was approximately 1.75 inches
from leg to leg and was completely motionless in late afternoon on a cool day (approx 55 degrees F). The base of the legs were not blue and green, I suspect the flash brought out the colors. Can anyone help me out on this? Thanks.
This could be a recluse spider (Loxosceles spp.), although the characteristic ‘violin’-shaped marking on the cephalothorax cannot be seen. The best way to be more certain is by examining the eye pattern. If the eyes are in three groups of two each (total of six eyes), it almost certainly is a recluse spider (see http://www.spiderzrule.com/spiderphotos05/DSC_0077.1.600.jpg for an image). The other possibility is that it could be an immature huntsman spider (family Sparassidae). These spiders have eight eyes in two rows of four eyes each (see http://www.geocities.com/brisbane_spiders/images/Sparas3.jpg). Huntsman spiders are nocturnal; during the daytime, they may be found under loose bark, among other shelters. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1274 Hi This is a follow up to Photo 1261. These two pictures are clearer, and show live bugs – untouched so undamaged. These are appearing in a basement bathroom – in London Ontario, but not in any other rooms. We have taped cracks and clear bags over bigger openings, and have now found at least one entry point – there is a small pipe elbow from floor to wall, with a large opening into the wall, this is where we have found them appearing (seen behind a plastic bag taped over the pipe and openings) – so probably from wall. Does this help to identify what these are? Thanks , Brian

Again, I cannot be certain, but these moths could be in the superfamily Tineiodea that includes clothes moths and their relatives. There are hundreds of species of microlepidoptera known from Ontario, but the vast majority have larvae that are internal feeders (such as leaf miners) on living plants. A few species (such as clothes moths) have larvae that feed on materials of animal origin, including woolen fabrics, hair, fur, and the like. You might want to determine whether any plaster in that room contains animal hair (still occasionally used as a strengthening agent in plaster - see http://www.lime.org.uk/products/p82.asp ). If it does, that could be a potential food source for some pest insects. See http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/entfacts/struct/ef609.htm and http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2107.html for fact sheets on clothes moths that include control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1273 Hi, this unusually bright green bug was found in Pembroke, Ontario. My boyfriend and I were putting away a few things in the shed when this little guy landed on the door frame above our heads. He sat there for a few hours and didn't seem to be bothered by us moving in and out around him. Although I try to avoid unusual looking bugs, this one caught my attention with his bright colour. A lot of bugs freak me out, but I came across this site today and was fascinated at the pictures and info. I sat for hours looking and reading....even identified a few more for me that I couldn't find...now I know what they are. Thanks for this site. The picture was taken during the summer of 2006. This was the clearest picture I could get, any ideas? Sue
Although the photo is too fuzzy to be certain, this could be an assassin bug (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in the genus Zelus; such as Z. luridus, a species that feeds on aphids and other soft-bodied insects and that has been reported from apple orchards in southern Ontario. See www.inhs.uiuc.edu/~sjtaylor/reduviidae/Zelus.jpg for an image. It is harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1272 I find these nests in the channels of my windows. I’m not sure if they’re wasp nests as I see thin waisted wasps around the areas in the Spring or stink bugs nests as I found three stink bugs in this one (photo attached). I clean out the channels each December but they are back each spring. Can the stink bugs be raiding a wasp nest? Can a wasp be raiding a stink bug nest? Or is it something else. Also I found a green grasshopper in one of these last year and in another what looked like a peanut with a soft center? Any one have any ideas of what this might be? Thanks, Steve. Simsbury, Connecticut
The bugs appear to be Western conifer seed bugs (see nos. 1253 and 1218 on this page), and are unrelated to the ‘nests’ you found. Those most likely were made by a grass-carrying wasp (Isodontia spp; Hymenoptera: Sphecidae). They provision their nests with tree crickets, which could be mistaken for pale green grasshoppers. Seed bugs on the other hand, often enter homes in the autumn seeking overwintering quarters. Although considered nuisances, they do no harm indoors. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1271 Hello, I found this clinging to my double pane patio door last night, 27 January 2007 - 11:00pm. Took its photo with my Nikon D70. Bug measured 2.25 inches square at widest points. We live next to a small river, just below the McDowell Dam in a heavily forested area in Peterborough, NH. I think it s a leaf leg like a baby Western conifer seed bug but after emailing the photo to Craig Hollingsworth, Head of Entomology at U Mass. He wrote:

"It is not a western conifer seed bug. The immatures would not be around until summer and would be in trees, not houses. It's a cool picture but I can't get a handle on what I am looking at. Which parts are which? It could be a cranefly but I could not tell. I suggest that you send the picture to "what is this pest" at http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/Questions/What is this pest.htm Let me know if you find out what it is. Craig Hollingsworth, Ph.D., Department of Plant, Soil & Insect Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst MA "

I believe it's missing a leg or the leg is tucked under it's body. It died this morning. I am still not too sure it was not a western connifer seed bug. We had unseasonably warm days between December 1st and January 20. Could this have fooled the bugs into mating? I hope you can identify this pretty thing (as my kids called it).
I believe that this is a flower, and not an insect, as I see five petals, five anthers, and a pistil. I suggest that you ask Dr. Hollingsworth if he could forward the photo to a botanist in his department for assistance in identification. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1270 Hi. I was wondering if you could identify this little guy for me. I found him on the windowsill looking outside. He is about 1 cm with his wings expanded. After I took the photo I removed him from the house. I have seen one or two others about the house but have not found were they are coming from. The eventually find themselves in our light fixtures in the ceilings. I live in Gibbons Alberta on an acreage north of Edmonton. Doug…
This is a many-plume moth (Lepidoptera: Alucitidae). Three species in this family, all in the genus Alucita, have been reported from Canada (see B Landry and J-F Landry. 2004. The genus Alucita in North America, with description of two new species (Lepidoptera: Alucitidae). The Canadian Entomologist. 136(4):553-579.). It is possible that this specimen is Alucita adriendenisi, a newly described species distinguished from the other two by having uniformly coloured head scales -see http://www3.cablevision.qc.ca/jlap/chroniques.html for an image. These are not considered pests; the larvae (where food habits are known) appear restricted to members of the honeysuckle family. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1269 First of all, Thank You Sooo much for your site, it has helped me identity many an insect I have come across. Here is the little critter I cannot seem to put my finger on. Body is structured similarly to an earwig, but they all have the cream coloured strip down the back, two horn like appendages at the back and front just like an earwig. They appear in my bachelor apartment's kitchen on the 10th floor, in Toronto Ontario. There are never many all at once together, they scurry when I turn on the light, they don't like my company. They are at the largest 1/2 inch, but most are about 1/4inch or smaller. The picture is from one that drowned in a glass beside the sink, it might be bloated as it is on the larger scale of the ones I usually see. (other insects infested in my apartment: silverfish in the bathtub and found in the closet- and a TON of fruit flies, mostly in the kitchen) -Stephanie
This appears to be a nymph of a German cockroach, Blatella germanica. These can be very serious nuisance pests, especially in apartment complexes and the like, and complete control depends on cooperation among all residents. See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2099.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1268 Hello there so we have these bugs in our apartment. They fly, are attracted to light and seem to mate all the time by being attached butt end. Im finding them much in the window sills, carpet and on the ceiling. I cant figure out how to get rid of them. Any help would be great. Thanks so much. Jason

This could be a drugstore beetle (Stegobium paniceum; Coleoptera: Anobiidae), a sometimes pantry pest that will feed on an extremely wide variety of organic materials including spices, flour, leather, and hair. You probably should check your pantry for any signs of insect infestation. See http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/urban/stored/drugstore_beetle.htm for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1267 Keep finding the bug all over basement usually curled up and dead can't tell where they are coming from? new home 2 years old unfinished basement can someone please help?

The photo is too small and fuzzy to be certain, but based on the description, it most likely is a millipede. Although considered nuisance pests, they do no real damage in situations as described here. See http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Urban/millipedes.htm for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1266 I just came upon your wonderful site. The pictures I have are of a fly (?) we saw on the counter in the kitchen. It as about 3/8" long and seemed to be drinking off the damp counter. As it walked, its wings moved backwards and forwards. We released it after it had finished drinking. I looked at other sites for a key, but some of them are much too technical for me. I looked in diptera because it seems to have only one set of wings, but I couldn't find it. I'm sure that it is not a pest. Can you help identify it for me? I live in Edmonton, Alberta.
This is a repeat of number 1092, identified as a flutter fly (Diptera: Pallopteridae) in the genus Toxoneura
by Dr. Martin Hauser. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1265 Hi, Every year i find these in a dark wooden shed in the woods. Mostly on the door inside, as was this one. Is this a camel cricket ? Most pictures i find are of dead bugs and they look different. I live in Trout Run, PA USA Thanks, Paul

This does appear to be a camel cricket (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae, subfamily Rhaphidophorinae); see nos 1231, 1298, 1148, and 1130 for other examples. Usually considered nuisance pests, they seldom do any real harm. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1264 Hi there, We came back from vacation and found these clumps of seed-like pods in corners of the house. They are not in the main hallways, etc. but tucked away in shelves and on the towels in the bathrooms. I don’t think these are bug/pest droppings, but I thought I would send a picture across just to be sure. I tried to squeeze a few of them and they appear to break in half with some whitish substance inside. The exterior seems to be like a shell, of sorts. Also, these clumps are nowhere near the vents. We live in Vaughan, ON and the temperature in the house was set at 62 degrees F when we left. We recently moved up from the US, and can’t figure out what this could be. Has anyone else come across this? Thanks! David
A clearer photo would be of great help here. Possibilities include seed caches made by mice (but in that case, you should have seen mouse droppings in the vicinity), and pupae of a small species of fly. Did you have any unrefrigerated cheeses or cured meats stored in the house? Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1263 Hello, I picked this little guy up for my kids a week ago in a bean patch near Eriksdale, MB. He was then about 3/4 of an inch long, white with a faintly yellow stripe down his back. Now he is an inch and a half, rust colored with a black head end and a bit of black on the tail end. He also has white guard hairs. Is this a tussock moth caterpillar? I have seen the ones that are bright yellow but not these rusty ones. Thanks. Neat website. Wanda ( Josh and Skylar)
This most likely is a so-called "yellow bear," the larva of the Virginian tiger moth (Spilosoma virginica; Lepidoptera: Arctiidae). Yellow bears can be extremely variable in colour, from pale yellow to nearly black, but all have the very long setae that you noted. See http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/28359379, http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/33470956 , http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/32569764, and http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/49820681 for some examples. Although several species in the family Arctiidae are referred to as "tussock moths," this term more commonly is applied to members of the family Lymantriidae. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1262 Hi, I live in Cheadle, Staffordshire, England. This insect flew into our house the other night, I whacked it with my slipper and sprayed it with fly killer several times but it still took over 24 hours to die! It is brown in colour approx 3cm long with a large upper body connected to the lower body by a very long narrow waist? It has 2 long back legs, and two long antennae. A nasty looking sting kept protruding from its tail. I have never seen anything like this. Can anybody tell me what it is and if it is native to our country. Thank you. Regards. Chris.
This is a parasitic wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, subfamily Ophioninae; approximately 500 species in this subfamily have been reported from Great Britain. Most members of this subfamily are parasitic on moth larvae. Females have a very sharp ovipositor (the ‘sting’ that you noticed). Although they lack venom, some of these wasps are capable of penetrating human skin with their ovipositors. The resulting ‘sting’ may be painful, but it is harmless. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1261 Hi, I saw your great forum and would like to ask for help. We bought an old (55yrs) house in London Ontario last summer, and a month after moving in these bugs started to appear in our basement bathroom (which is relatively unused). They look like tiny moths but just not sure? Eventually there were a few dozen in there. We put in moth balls and after about 3-4 weeks they had all died. We removed them, left the mothballs for a couple more months, then removed them in January. A week later they started to re-appear. Can anyone tell me what they are? We don’t find them anywhere else in the house. Are they moths? DO they eat clothes? Where are they coming from? Could they be coming from the drains? How do we get rid of them? Thanks for your help! Brian

Unfortunately, this moth is too badly damaged for me to make a determination. Although it does not appear to closely resemblance to any of the pest moth species commonly encountered in homes, such as the Indian meal moth, angoumois grain moth, clothes moths, flour moths, etc., it probably wouldn’t hurt to examine any woolen clothing or grain products stored in the basement for signs of insect damage/infestation. No moth species that I am familiar with inhabit drains; there are very small moth-like flies (family Psychodidae) whose larvae do inhabit drains, but they look nothing like your specimen (see nos. 1160 and 1139 on this page). Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1260 I am living in a condominium and suddenly i am seeing this bug on the kitchen floor. I couldn't track their source, but they are continuously coming out in pairs. Please help.

These likely are one of the three cosmopolitan species of the grain/seed-infesting weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in the genus Sitophilus that can attack a wide variety of seeds/grains, including rice, maize, wheat, rye, millet, etc. See http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/cereal_pantry_pests.htm for a fact sheet that includes images of these weevils as well as several other pantry pests.Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1259 LOVE this web site!! I live in southern Manitoba and find these cuties in the early mornings on buildings or windows. Any ideas? Thanks!! Moe

The moth on the left is in the family Notodontidae, genus Clostera; bearing a close resemblance to the sigmoid prominent moth, Clostera albosigma; see http://homepage.mac.com/eceisner/Insects/Moths/m1018.jpg for an image. The moth on the right is in the family Shingidae (hawk moths, hummingbird moths, sphinx moths), genus Paonias; likely the small-eyed sphinx, Paonias myops - see http://www.silkmoths.bizland.com/pmyops.htm for images and much more information on this species.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1258 Hi, We saw this huge bug in our backyard in central Toronto. It was on top of our trellis but didn't seem to have wings. It didn't really do much, even when a bird when right up to it. It was about the length of my finger and had furry legs like a tarantula but the body looked kind of like a giant bee. It seemed to be molting. We've never seen anything like it. Thanks
This appears to be a female carpenter bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Xylocopinae) in the genus Xylocopa. (At various times, these bees have been placed in the families Anthophoridae, Xylocopidae, or Apidae; the most current consensus appears to be that they are a subfamily within Apidae.) They can cause damage to unpainted structures by constructing their nest tunnels. See http://www.labservices.uoguelph.ca/units/pdc/files/045CarpenterBee.pdf for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Your specimen may have lost its wings through some traumatic event; bees do not molt once they are in the adult stage. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1257 this little guy is about an inch and larger....they live under our deck and feed from we can tell on large green grasshoppers. We often see them fly over the deck with a large green grasshopper in their claws. They then go through the cracks in the deck. They don't really bother us...but we would like them gone. Can you tell me what this is and if there is something (like a nest bait and kill thing) that is out there.

This is a wasp in the family Sphecidae, such as Sphex pennsylvanica (see http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/33305335 for an image). The female wasps make burrows in the ground that they provision with their prey (katydids and the like). Their larvae then feed on the paralyzed prey items. These wasps are non-aggressive, and actually may be considered beneficial. If they are not really bothering you, I would not recommend any control. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1256 This is a spider we found today on our window at the back of our house. Her name is Amanda, and we’re all a little freaked out by her. Please help us with identifying her. Thanks, The Freaked out Family

No need to be ‘freaked out’ by Amanda; she’s an orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae), a very large family of spiders, all harmless to humans. You can find many more examples on these pages, starting with nos. 1248, 1224, 1167, and 1125. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1255 Hi - I live in Ajax, Ontario and found these bees on my front walkway .. what exactly would be going on here? thx, Victoria

This appears to be a mating pair of bumble bees (Bombus spp.). Unlike the quick, in-flight matings of honey bees, bumble bee matings usually take place on the ground, with the bees sometimes remaining in copula for more than an hour. The male usually dies shortly thereafter, the fertilized queen overwintering in a sheltered place. If she survives, she will begin establishing a colony in the spring. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1254 Found this bug crawling around a carpeted room. Nothing special about the room except that it is the only one that is carpeted. It's gold/brown, six legs and about 1 cm long; it also had a very flat abdomen. We are living in Barrie Ontario, but I've never seen this type of bug before. If you can help, I'd appreciate it! Thanks. Brad A Fuller
This is a nymph of an assassin bug (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). They are general predators on other arthropods, and larger specimens can deliver a painful ‘bite’ if mishandled. See no. 1182 for an example of a species often found indoors. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1253 Hello, I am attaching two pictures of a bug found yesterday in our bathroom in Guelph, ON. It was on the floor, but the window had been open. It can fly. I still have it contained in a jar. I am concerned that it might be a cockroach. We had a very similar bug about a month ago. I hope you can identify it for us. Thank you. George

Definitely not a cockroach; this is a leaf-footed bug (Hemiptera: Coreidae); likely the western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis); see http://www.forestry.ubc.ca/fetch21/FRST308/lab2/leptoglossus_occidentalis/leaf.html. This species can be a nuisance pest when they enter homes in the autumn in search of hibernation sites. Other examples found on this site include nos. 1218, 1177, 1152, 1141, 1127, and 1101. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1252 Greetings, I found two of these little guys. Once was in the living room close to where my daughter was eating and one was in the kitchen making a break for it away from the garbage can. They are very small – this is a Canadian dime by the way I should have used the other side of the coin. I live in Toronto Canada in an urban apartment. The unit across the hall was recently treated for roaches about 5 weeks ago. We have not had a sighting in over a month then I saw these guys. They crawled at a medium to slow speed and displayed wing flapping when disturbed, although they did not take flight. They don’t seem to be consistent with the photos I’ve seen for roach nymphs, but I’ll let the experts give the verdict! Thanks, Norm.
PS – great site by the way! There are some very interesting looking creatures out there.
This is a beetle and not a cockroach, but I cannot provide a definitive i.d. from the photo. As there is a possibility that this could be a pantry pest rather than a casual intruder, you may wish to check food products in your pantry for any sign of insect infestation. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1251 Found in the sink by my screaming girlfriend in Montreal, QC. I had seen it a few days before, but it was too quick to catch. It has at least 32 legs, but can't climb glass or the porcelain sink. I remember running into one in our crawl space a few months back, but thought they where attracted to the humidity. I've since controlled the humidity and was also hoping to get rid of crawlers. Was it precisely looking for water since their isn't any left in the crawl space? Many thanks. -- Caron
This is a house centipede, Scutigera coleoptrata; a cosmopolitan species commonly found indoors. They are voracious predators on other small arthropods, and generally considered harmless to humans, although large specimens are capable of inflicting a quite painful bite if mishandled. See http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/centipedeHouse.htm for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1250 Hi. I found these beetles (and their buddies) while doing my daily cleaning at our museum. We are located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I clean this area every day and have never seen any insects in the area. We only found them in one gallery which has doors to the north (but these are not opened except as emergency exits). We have had unseasonably low temperatures for the last two weeks, and we have also had a lot of snow). They are hard-shelled. Their backs are quite shiny -- black with a dark green tinge. They like to jump. I don't know how far they can do so because I have them in a zip bag at the moment. Any help would be appreciated.
Marilee Schmit Nason, Ph.D.
Curator of Collections, Anderson-Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum, Albuquerque
These are flea beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). These beetles formerly were considered a subfamily (Alticinae); they now are considered a tribe (Alticini) of subfamily Galerucinae. All flea beetles are herbivorous, and some my be important agricultural, home, or garden pests - our eggplant, mustard, and kale plants (among others) routinely are hammered by these beetles. On the other hand, some are used in biological control of weeds such as leafy spurge - see http://mtwow.org/Whitehall_Project_Summer_Class_2006.html Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

1249 I found this ant roaming on my computer desk, which is in a first floor room of a bungalow in Oakville, Ontario (west of Toronto). I saw it at about 2 a.m. It's about 4.5 mm in length. I think it may be a carpenter ant, but I'm not sure. We're having a warm Winter, so the temperature outside is roughly 5 degrees Celsius daily. Also, I had the room's window open during that day, which was even warmer at 10 degrees Celsius. This ant appears to have light-coloured bands and hair on its tail section from what I can make in one of the photos. Its legs have some red in them. From the naked eye, it looks fully black, but when held close to a light, its colours show somewhat. The photos show much more than what the naked eye can. (The photos are super-macro close-ups.) I haven't noticed any other ants around the house this season -- just in summer. In summer, I may see a random black one, but not on a regular basis (once a month, if that.) Here are my questions: Is this a carpenter ant? If not, what ant is it?
Could this be a foraging ant that got in from the room's window during the day?
Could the late Winter here screw up the hibernation of carpenter ants?
Any more insight would also help. Thank you, Chris. Oakville, Ontario
This does look like a carpenter, although it is a little too mangled to be certain. If you look at our digital carpenter ant photos, you will see a distinctive single node between the abdomen and thorax. There is also a ring of hairs on the tip of the abdomen. The ant did not come in from outdoors. There is likely at least one satellite nest somewhere in your home. The recent (January 2007) warm temperatures in Ontario have fooled some ants into thinking it's spring and time to start foraging for food. Some pest professionals have also reported recent carpenter ant activity.

1248 I live in Northern Ireland, Great Britain. Found this in my bathroom, It is an unusual colour and shape for what I normally see! It is perhaps orange-ier than the photo suggests, its body is approximately the size of a 1 pence piece, overall (including legs) it is just over a 2 pence piece. Seemed fairly docile, didn't move quickly. Thanks a lot! Mike

Beautiful photo! This is an orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae) in the genus Araneus; likely Araneus quadratus - see http://lietvorai.puslapiai.lt/Araneus quadratus patele.jpg for an image. This species is highly variable in colouration, varying from pale greyish-tan to nearly red. All members of this family are harmless to humans; see nos. 1224, 1167, and 1125 for other examples. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1247 Can you please identify this insect, it has bitten my son, although no adverse effects I am concerned. Barbara

This is an assassin bug (Hemiptera: Reduviidaae); possibly a late stage nymph of the wheel bug, Arilus cristata. Like many members of this family, they can deliver a very painful ‘bite’ if mishandled. However, they are not venomous in the traditional sense of the word; the pain being caused by proteolytic enzymes in the bugs’ saliva. These enzymes serve to break down the tissues in the bugs’ prey so that the bug can then suck up the resulting ‘soup’ through their beak. See http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek030901.html for more information on these fascinating insects. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1246 Hi! I live in Finland, and I was suddenly times ago found your grateful website. It's very nice for people like me, who are interested different bugs... exactly butterflies and moths.
I was last week found some weird caterpillar in fresh lettuce by supermarket in Helsinki.
I feed these little guys living lettuce... what kind moths they could be? Markus
This is a larva of a moth in the family Geometridae. These caterpillars often are called ‘inchworms’ because of their peculiar mode of locomotion resulting from the lack of prolegs on their middle abdominal segments. Some species, such as the spring and fall cankerworms, can be serious defoliators of deciduous trees. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1245 These beetles have been emerging by the hundreds in a mobile home in Atlin BC. They appear to be coming out of the ceiling throughout the house but seem to be more active in washroom and kitchen areas. Any help in identifying them is much appreciated. Thanks, Lee
I cannot be certain, but these may be spider beetles (Coleoptera: Ptinidae), such as those in the genus Ptinus; see http://www.fsoe.se/bilder/ptinus_tectus2.jpg for an image. Spider beetles will feed on a wide variety of organic materials (primarily those of animal origin) such as wool, hair, feathers, furs, dead insects, dry dead animals, animal and fish meals, milk powders such as casein, boar bristles, dried hair, and leather upholstered furniture. They also will feed on some cereals, and thus can be pantry pests. In addition to checking the area above the ceiling for potential food sources, you also may want to examine infestable items in your pantry for signs of insect infestation. See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2117.html for a fact sheet on spider beetles that includes control measures. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1244 Location Burlington, Ontario. Found hundreds of these bugs today on inside of windows/frames in main floor room. Slow moving, approx. ¼ inch length or less. Sandy
This is a wasp that is parasitic on other arthropods. Although most likely in the family Braconidae, it also could be a small Ichneumonid (the wing venation that differentiates these families cannot be seen in the image). Either way, they are harmless to humans or structures. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1243 Location: Queensland, Australia, Outside on a steel fence. I've lived in Queensland for 20 years and never seen one of these before. any help? thanks in advance. The Wilsons
This is a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), possibly in the subfamily Lamiinae. See http://www.geocities.com/brisbane_leafbeetles/Lamiinae.htm for some species found in the Brisbane area. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1242 Hi, I've found a couple of these white-ish bugs around my carpet. Often they are dead, sometimes a bit more browny in colour too. They are about 1/5 inch long. They are quite inquisitive a poke their little head up a lot when in themaych box. We live in an old house with old wooden bed frames - could they be wood-lovers? Cheers! tim Quebec

This is a moth larva, but of exactly what, I am unsure. Its overall appearance is consistent with that of an Indian meal moth larva (Plodia interpuntella; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae; see http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/urban/stored/indianmeal_moth.htm for a fact sheet that includes images), but these larvae usually do not leave their food source and wander about until they are fully grown, and fully grown P. interpunctella larvae are about twice as long as your specimen. Another possibility is the webbing clothes moth (Tineola bisselliella; Lepidoptera: Tineidae); see http://www.fhi.no/eway/imgstore/files/tema/skadedyr/dyr/sommerfugl/klesmoll-2.gif for an image and http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/entfacts/struct/ef609.htm for a fact sheet. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1241 Hello & Happy New Year! We live in Maryland (USA). We have a septic system and recently had the drain line that ties into the main tank replaced along with a smaller drain line in the basement. Shortly after, we found our (2) upstairs bathrooms with these new residents. I've researched and the closest I can come is perhaps they are phorid (hump-backed?) flies but the wing pattern is different. They do not look like the moth-like drain fly. We have purchased DF-5000 drain cleaner and are treating the bathrooms but would like to ID the darn things! Please help---- Thank you, Rita

I suspect that this specimen more likely is a fungus gnat (Diptera: Mycetophilidae; see http://www.sbnature.org/collections/invert/entom/COP/img/dip/mycetophilid2-b.jpg for an image); as the wing venation is atypical for Phoridae. As such, they more likely are breeding in damp soil somewhere in or around your house, or in areas where water leaks have created a wet environment. It is extremely unlikely that your floor drains are infested. See http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/Urban/fungusgnat.htm for much more information (note that the species of fungus gnat illustrated therein is quite different from yours - this is quite a diverse group of insects). Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is in fact a mycetophilid and it is in the genus Mycetophila. They are the most frequently encountered fungus gnat in the east. Craig Gibbs

1240 I find one of these about once a day, in my home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Joanna.
This is a stink bug (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), bearing a resemblance to the brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), an introduced species from Asia, where it is an agricultural pest. Here, it can be an indoor pest, as it will enter homes in search of overwintering shelter. See http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/brownMarmoratedstinkbug.htm for more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1239 I am from Savannah, Georgia and I found this guy crawling on the hardwood floor by my fireplace on March 10, 2006. Actually there were several them (15-20). Could you tell me what could be? Thank you! James G.
This is a fly larva (maggot), but I cannot give a specific identification. It (and its companions) likely were looking for a place to pupate after having left whatever they had been feeding upon. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1238 Location Toronto Ontario, Apartment block. These critters were coming up from the gaps along the wall in my kitchen. You're help in identifying and determining damage and eradication would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Chiara
This appears to be a firebrat (order Thysanura). They often are found indoors, where they seem to prefer a warmer environment that their close relatives, silverfish. Although they seldom cause serious damage (they are general feeders on a very wide variety of materials of vegetable origin, including cereals, starch, sizing, glue, and even some fabrics), they definitely are nuisance pests. See http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/housingandclothing/DK1018.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1237 Dear Sir/Madam, We live in Vancouver, BC, and we have had sightings of this bug in various locations of our house (bath tub, in front of bathroom, near door and near house plants). We were wondering if you could identify this worm and its origin for us. Thank you! Cheers, Eric

The image in the photo is too fuzzy to make a firm determination. It could be a moth caterpillar such as in no. 1218c, or possibly even a beetle larva, but a clearer photograph would be very helpful. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1236 Any ides what type of insect this is? Found in pantry where cereal, flour and other baking goods are kept. They are very small, most likely under 1 mm in length. We live in the Ottawa, ON area. Thanks. Steph

This is a so-called ‘booklouse,’ (Psocoptera: Liposcelidae). They thrive under humid conditions, feeding primarily on molds, and fungi, but sometimes on starchy material such as book-binding paste, wallpaper paste, etc. They also may occur in pantries where cereal products are kept, but seldom become serious pests;
See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2080.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1235 We live in Vancouver British Columbia. Our apartment has the tendency to be quite damp, and drafty. We have noticed that since trees have been taken away from the apartment that we have gotten these spiders, primarily the black spider in. This is an older building as well, and it is on the first floor. Please identify which spider it may be. Thank you. Meredith
This is a comb-footed/cobweb spider (family Theridiidae), but the photo is too fuzzy for a specific identification. This family includes the infamous black widow (Latrodectus mactans) which does occur in southern British Columbia, but I suspect that this specimen more likely is in the genus Steatoda (cupboard/false black widow spiders).
See http://www.marion.ohio-state.edu/spiderweb/SpiderPictures/Theridiidae/Latrodectus variolus.jpg for an image of the northern black widow, http://insects.tamu.edu/images/insects/color/wspid1.jpg for an image of a southern black widow, and http://www.ento.csiro.au/aicn/images/cain333.jpg for an image of Steatoda grossa. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1234 Can you identify this bug? Thank you. Owen J Sullivan

This is an earwig (order Dermaptera). Usually considered nuisance pests, some can cause damage to very tender plants, such as houseplants or greenhouse plants. The forceps-like structures at the end of their abdomen are cerci. In spite of their appearance, they are only capable of delivering a slight pinch. See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2068.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is an earwig! (Order: Dermaptera=Skin Wings). Very common all over the world. I've been pinched by one, but it's not too bad. They are not venomous at all, no worries. Crystal in BC

1233 Hi. I live in North Vancouver, B.C. Canada. We came home one day to find this spider...I have had nervous flash backs ever since and I am from Australia and consider myself used to spiders. Please help me identify...my husband relocated it to a park across the street and I am concerned it will come back. Are there likely to be more??? Thank you!!! Kate

This is a tarantula, looking very much like species native to the southern United States (see http://www.frostbittengrass.com/tarantula.jpeg for an example). As these are not native to your area, it likely was a ‘pet’ that either escaped from or was released by its owner. Note the bare spot on the abdomen. Most native American tarantulas have a defensive posture in which they use their hind legs to loosen abdominal hairs which they then ‘throw’ forward at whatever is threatening them. These hairs can be quite irritating to the eyes, nose, or lungs; see http://arachnophiliac.co.uk/burrow/uticating_hair_reactions.htm for much more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1232 Hello, I was hoping you would please help me identify this bug. I found it on my mattress pad. I was unable to identify it and would appreciate any information you can give me. I have attached a scan of the insect next to a scale in millimeters, I hope this helps. Thank you, Julie
This specimen could be the desiccated remains of a dead centipede. However, all appendages are lacking. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1231 Hi we found this crawling across our kitchen floor. We are in Manitoba. if any one can tell us what this is and how to get rid of it we would appreciate it. its body is about an inch long and its back legs are just over an inch. Sure don't want them in my house!!! thank you so much!! Tara
This appears to be a cave/camel cricket (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae, subfamily Rhaphidophorinae). They usually are found in dark, moist environments (such as basements and caves), and seldom cause any real harm. See http://entweb.clemson.edu/cuentres/eiis/pdfs/hs21.pdf for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations, and images no.1208, 1148, and 1130 on this page for other examples. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1230 We have discovered this roommate in the basement of our Saskatoon (SK) home. It has approx. 14 legs, 2 antennas, brown with cream in a pattern and 2 small pointy tails, with a shell like top half (boyfriend is telling me the characteristics). The size of these critters vary, we have found small (1/8'') to larger (1/2''). We have had some water problems and have furnace ducting under the basement floor (worried about infestation). (In the picture is the critter and dime) Carla
This is a sow bug, commonly found in damp basements. You should not use pesticides to get rid of them. Correct the moisture problem. Read more about sow bugs. Larry Cross

1229 We have now found three of these bugs in or on the bed over the last month. The most resent, this morning and is attached. When squished it looks like blood. It is about 3/8" oval. They do not look like Bed or Bat bugs. Do you know what they are and how to get rid of them. Gary
This is a tick. If you have a dog or cat, the ticks likely hitched a ride in from outdoors. Check their fur thoroughly. You may find more. They are a blood sucking parasite. Tick bites can be of medical importance. Read about some problems they cause on this web site: MedlinePlus: Tick Bites
Larry Cross

1228 Hello, These creatures were found on Salt Spring Island, BC. They are on the cherry tree (but not seen on adjacent apple) and hawthorn tree leaves. The ruler marks are millimeters. They are active and numerous. First noticed in early summer and then through out growing season. You can see the damage they do. Any ideas? Thanks, Michael
These appear to be pear slugs. Although slug-like in appearance, they are the larvae of a sawfly (Caliroa cerasi; Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae). See http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb1369/eb1369.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1227. I spotted this spider in a garage, staying at a friends house in Belle Foursche, S.D., we let it go after catching it and holding it for the evening. We let the guy know who was out of town at that time what we had found and that we let it go, he wasn't thrilled but I thought it was only right!! Bobbi
This is a large female wolf spider (family Lycosidae); you can see light glinting off one of it’s large front-facing eyes. They have excellent (for spiders) eyesight; actively hunting down their prey. See no. 1225 for another example and http://www.pbase.com/mike_curtis/image/44665439 for a close-up of a wolf spider’s face. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1226 I live in Norwich, CT, and this spider was found in my unheated garage December 13. The appendage where the legs are attached was probably 2 to 3 times larger prior to the cat getting to it. The two digits aside the mouth do not show very well in the picture, but were about 1/4 inch long. There was what appeared to be hair around the mouth, as well as some strands of hair on the legs. Quite frankly, this is by far the largest spider that I have ever seen, and I am well into my 60s. Any thoughts that you may have would be welcome. Thanks, Ken
Although I cannot be certain, this likely is a fishing/nursery web/dock spider (family Pisauridae) in the genus Dolomedes (see http://spiders.entomology.wisc.edu/Pisauridae/Dolomedes/tenebrosus.jpg for an image. Closely related to wolf spiders (family Lycosidae), pisaurids lack the greatly enlarged front pair of eyes characteristic of lycosids ( for a face-on view of a pisaurid. see http://research.amnh.org/entomology/blackrock2/pictures/spider_images/galleries/pisauridae/dolomedes
_scriptus_face_lateral9.jpg Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1225 I took this picture at Sam A. Baker State Park in Missouri in 2004. The body alone was around three inches long. In fall of 2006, I was backpacking the Cedar Creek Trail in Missouri & reached into my pack in the dark & felt something move. Much to my surprise, it was the same spider, same size & all. I've been told by some people that it's a Wolf Spider & by others it's a Tarantula. Thanksgiving weekend of 2005, I woke up with a Black Widow under my sleeping bag on the Current River Section of the Ozark Trail in Missouri. There was no mistaking it for anything else. Dean
This is a wolf spider, not a tarantula; see http://www.frostbittengrass.com/tarantula.jpeg for an image of a tarantula native to the Ozarks region, and note the very small eyes. Because of its size, your specimen likely is in the genus Hogna (formerly included under Lycosa). Although specimens this large are capable of inflicting a painful bite if mishandled, they are not aggressive towards humans, and effects of their bite (local pain, redness) usually resolve quickly. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1224 I found this spider on the ceiling of my living room, I am living in Montréal. Jean

This is an orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae) in the genus Araneus, likely the cross spider, Araneus diadematus; see http://www.physorg.com/newman/gfx/news/30.jpg. They are harmless to humans, but their size and colouration often bring them to the attention of the general public. If you scroll through the pages on this site, you will find many other examples. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1223 I found this spider in a batch of feeder crickets (for baby bearded dragons). The only info I can find is that it looks like a brown recluse because of the marking on it's back but have attached photos - please help me identify because I will be very upset if (petstore) has sold me a poisonous spider and endangered my baby lizards. Thank you. Deb Harrison
Although I cannot provide a specific identity for this spider, it definitely is not a brown recluse. I doubt very much that your spider poses any threat to you or your lizards. (see http://www.museum.state.il.us/ismdepts/zoology/spiders/gallery.html?RollID=roll03&FrameID=loxosceles_reclusa for an example). Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1222 Hello. I just moved into a room in someone's home in Long Island, NY & besides cockroaches in the bathroom and kitchen there's this type of bug swarming everywhere as well. Likes to be in the dark like the cockroaches because when we open the light, they run and hide. They crawl on the floor at night in the kitchen and the bathroom & during the day I find them on the counter. I can't do much about the floor since they have a dog, so how else can I get rid of them? They will not hire an exterminator. What are they? I've heard they were another form of cockroach? Is this true? Though they are much smaller than cockroaches & look nothing like them. Also, the dog pees and poops on the floor since they aren't home to take him out & at night they are in bed while he poops on the floor. I see the small bugs around the feces which I'm sure doesn't help but again I can't do anything about that because it's their dog. Any information would be appreciated. I am a very neat person & this is killing my living situations. Thanks

These are indeed cockroach nymphs, apparently German cockroaches (Blattella germanica); see http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/urban/roaches/german.htm for details, including prevention/control recommendations. If your hosts are unwilling to follow these, you might consider finding other living arrangements. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1221 Hi! My daughter found this about 2 months ago outside in the parking lot. (1st and 3rd picture) We brought into the house, put in a box. It's went always under the grass and leaves. About a month ago it's turned to be a pupa. (2nd picture) Can you please tell us, what kind of beetle she will have. My little one is so curious. :-) We live in Canada, Welland, Ontario (Niagara Region) Thank you, Orsolya and Lilla

Unfortunately, this isn’t going to turn into a beetle, as it is/was a caterpillar, likely in the family Noctuidae (owlet/underwing moths). From the second photo, it appears to have died before it could pupate. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1220 I live far away from Canada in South Africa, but just came across your site and wonder if you can tell me what this guy is? I almost put my coffee mug down on top of this guy this morning before I saw him. Quite docile but looks like he could bite and he is the second one I have seen in my new house I have just moved into. He is about 4cm in length including the large antennae. Any help welcome. Alan - Johannesburg, S.A.
This is a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the fauna of South Africa, and cannot be more specific. However, it does not appear to be a species that would attack timbers in a house. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
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The insect is a beetle in the Cerambycidae family. Craig Gibbs

1219 This little flying bugs, probably half an inch long, have been showing up in my kitchen in Sacramento, Ca no idea what kinda of species they are , I have found like 20 of these guys hanging on the walls. They are annoying and pretty disgusting to have around a kitchen. they have wings and fly pretty slow, they seem to have two colors, one side of their wing is dark brown , then the lower part is lighter brown, hard to tell in picture. please help me identify them. thanks. Martin
This could be an Indian Meal Moth. (The wing coloration is not clear enough to be sure) Check your cupboards and dry food for larva like the 1218 photo below. Read Ed Saugstad's comments. Larry C.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I agree with Larry that this could be an Indian meal moth; see http://www.westext.com/pests/indian_meal_moth_picture.jpg for a photo of a typical adult moth and a couple of larvae. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1218 We just found these guys all over my room. They seem to like hard surfaces, especially corners. Some of them are white and very active, while others are brownish and don't seem to move much. They can climb my walls (wall paper), and they've gotten into my books, photo albums, envelopes, almost everywhere. We used tape to stick them, then took pictures of them. Hoping you guys can help us identify what they are (and what they will turn into!). Thanks in advance guys! Gen Ohkawa
These could be larvae of the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae; see no. 1212). If they are, you may have a significant infestation somewhere in your house. You should check all dry foodstuffs, including dry pet food, for the presence of these insects or signs of their damage. See http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/urban/stored/indianmeal_moth.htm for a fact sheet that includes control measures. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1217

Here are some bugs I found recently in and around my house in New York City. 1. Found inside the house in Sept. about 1 1/2 inch long. 2. Found in great numbers outside the house in NYC Sept.
3. found outside house in NYC in Fall

A. The insect on the left is a leaf-footed bug (Hemiptera: Coreidae); likely the western conifer seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis; see http://www.forestry.ubc.ca/fetch21/FRST308/lab2/leptoglossus_occidentalis/leaf.html. This species can be a nuisance pest when they enter homes in the autumn in search of hibernation sites. Several other examples can be found on this site, including nos. 1177, 1152, 1141, 1127, and 1101.
B. The insect in the center is a winged ant. If you saw a large number of these, an ant colony likely was dispersing.
C. The insect on the right appears to be a larva of a moth in the family Noctuidae, such as the large yellow underwing, Noctua pronuba; see http://insektenfotos.de/Noctua%20pronuba%20(Hausmutter),%20Raupe_001.jpg . This is a very large family that includes several destructive species, such as armyworms and the corn earworm. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
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I will defer to Ed for the first 2, but I am fairly certain the 3^rd is a Coreid in the Leptoglossos genera. Craig
                                 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm a bit puzzled by Criag's comments on no. 1218; as far as I know, there is no such genus as "Leptoglossos"   Ed.
                      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sorry Ed, it was a typo. I guess I was in too much of a hurry to get one right that I got it wrong. Either that or that O and the U keys on my keyboard were temporarily switched by gnomes. I am looking into the matter. Craig

1216 I found this little 2mm bug in my New York city bathroom. It has long straight antennae. Any help in identifying it would be most appreciated. thanks, Ann
This is another spider beetle (see no. 1215); this one appearing to be a shiny spider beetle, Gibbium psylloides; see http://www.ento.psu.edu/ImageGallery/Images/ShinySpiderBeetle02lateral.jpg for an image and http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2117.html for a fact sheet that includes control measures. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1215 Hi, I am in Nova Scotia and have come across the odd one of these insects in my bathroom, usually crawling across the floor or curled up (if they are touched they will curl up and play dead). It wasn’t very often so I thought nothing of it. Since it has gotten colder I found seven of them in my bathroom closet – five crawling around in a plastic organizer and a couple more roaming around the closet shelves. Yesterday was the last straw as I found more of them elsewhere in my apartment - the first one in the living room in the middle of file folders, another crawling around in a drawer of my bedroom bureau, and one in my bed. Does anyone know what they are and how I can get rid of them?! Together, the head and body are about 1/8th of an inch long. Thanks, Janet
This is a spider beetle; Specifically, it appears to be an American spider beetle, Mezium americanum; see http://www.museums.org.za/bio/images/enb1/enb01638.jpg for an image. Authorities are divided as to whether spider beetles belong in a family of their own (Ptinidae) or should be considered a subfamily (Ptininae) within the family Anobiidae. Regardless, they can be pantry pests, infesting a very wide variety of dried foodstuffs. See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2117.html for a fact sheet that includes control measures. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1214 Hi there. I live in Vancouver B.C. in the Kitsilano area and found this spider on Dec 4 2006 encased in a whitish web in the joint where the wall meets the ceiling. I've sent two photos. The one of its back is blurry and the one of its underbelly is clearer. Thanks for your time! Luke

This appears to be a yellow sac spider (Chiracanthium spp; Araneida: Miturgidae; see http://www.phorid.net/spiders/art/w_chiracanthium.jpg for a dorsal image). Formerly placed in the family Clubionidae, spiders in this genus reportedly are responsible for many bites on humans, and although some bites can be medically significant, literature on this subject is not unanimous. For more information on these spiders, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellow_sac_spider Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks grove, WV.

1213 I am writing in to see if anyone knows what kind of insect this is. I live in Surrey, British Columbia and I found these bugs in my backyard and it seems that they are actually eating the wood off my fence. Mark.

This appears to be a bald-faced hornet (Vespula maculata; Hymenoptera: Vespidae). These wasps scrape wood that they then chew up, mixing it with their saliva, to make the ‘paper’ for constructing their nests (see http://www.shortcourses.com/naturelog/bald-faced-hornet-nest-01.jpg for an image). The brownish streaks on the weathered board are scrapes made previously by wasps.

1212 I reside in Southern New Jersey. About six of the attached were found in my kitchen yesterday. They look like some kind of larvae. Four of them were in the corner between the ceiling and the wall, right on the line. Cannot figure where they came from. When sprayed, they dropped on a silk thread from the ceiling (the two that were not in the corner, that is)

Help! Al

Based on your description, I suspect that you may have an infestation of Indian meal moths (Plodia interpunctella; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). These pantry pests may move quite some distance from their food source before pupating, often being found on walls and ceilings. As these larvae can infest a wide variety of stored food products, you should inspect any infestable foodstuffs (including dry pet food) in your house for signs of infestation. In addition to feeding damage, items infested by these caterpillars usually will have bits of silk webbing as well. See http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/urban/stored/indianmeal_moth.htm for a fact sheet that includes control measures. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks grove, WV.

1211 This "thing" lives in our shed, he is pretty friendly, well lets put it this way, he likes people. I do believe this is a RAT... he has been here for at least 6-9 months. We live in Michigan. We just believe he looks a little different then the average street rat, what do you think. Thanks.. J

It is a Norway rat. The blunt nose, coloring and tail are typical characteristics. Believe it or not, Norway rats are seldom found living away from humans. See Rodents for more information.

1210 Hi, I'm from Winnipeg. Found both these bugs in a clothes closet when I removed the baseboards. Bug # 1 (and 1a - same bug) is approximately 1/8" long. Bug #2 is about 3/16" long. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks! Sue

These appear to be larvae of two different species of beetles in the family Dermestidae. The one on the left is very similar to no. 1209, and the one on the right could be in the genus Attagenus (see no. 1200). As with no. 1209, see http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2103.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1209 Hi, My name is Luke and I live in Washington state, Seattle area. I recently found lots of these bugs on the walls or ceilings in my 4 year old house. They normally do not move, and move slowly when I put it down into the plastic box. Please help me to identify and any other information where they come from will be a great help. Thanks, Luke

This as a larva of a beetle in the family Dermestidae (hide/skin/carpet beetles), perhaps in the genus Anthrenus. These beetles feed on a very wide variety of organic material, from accumulations of dead insects to woolen clothing/carpets, and several species can be serious household pests. You may wish to inspect your pantry for signs of insect infestation and any woolen items for signs of damage or presence of these insects. Also, see nos. 1189, 1186, and 1153 for other examples, and http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2103.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1208 My name is Gary and I live in Westchester NY and have seen these pests for about 2 years now. They are getting more prolific as the days go by, and I do not know what they are, but I can tell you that they jump like crickets and seem to always jump toward you, not away.. I seem to only have them in the garage and basement, but my concern is that they are nesting somewhere in my walls. Can you help me identify these guys?. Thanks...
This appears to be a cave/camel cricket (Orthoptera: Gryllacrididae, subfamily Rhaphidophorinae). They usually are found in dark, moist environments (such as basements and caves), and seldom cause any real harm. See http://entweb.clemson.edu/cuentres/eiis/pdfs/hs21.pdf for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations, and images no.1148 and 1130 on this page for other examples. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1207 I keep finding these HUGE spiders around my house! I have a kitten and she likes to kill them, but Im wondering if they are dangerous to her, and myself. This one was specifically about the size of a tooney, and just chillen! Ewww I hate spiders and this one is so big and nasty! PLEASE HELP ME! Thanks Winter

I cannot be certain, but this looks like it could be a male trapdoor spider (males often wander far from their burrows in search of mates); rather unusual for Canada. Some ground spiders (Gnaphosidae) and hackledmesh weavers (Amourobiidae) have a roughly similar appearance, but members of both families usually are much smaller than the specimen illustrated, and the spinnerettes of amourbiids are not visible from above. In any case, it is not a dangerous species, although it might be able to deliver a painful bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1206 The grubs I have seen can range from 1-2 inches long. Several mature standing arbutus trees have deteriorated and died over the past 3 years in the vicinity of our newly constructed house on 1 acre of granite bedrock and thin rocky soils near Madeira Park, south coastal B.C. Grubs were discovered when the 4-10 inch diam. trunks were bucked and split for firewood. Most but not all of these trees had some soil excavation done within 10-15 feet of their base. About 8 mature trees are still standing, but their condition sadly declines each year and most may be bare this summer. I occasionally find one or two of these (or similar looking) grubs under the bark of Douglas fir logs (but so far not in galleries within the trunk like arbutus) that had been piled on the ground from the lot clearing 3 yrs ago. Once we determine what species it is, I would like to know whether this grub was a primary cause of the arbutus death, or is it a secondary invader of a tree killed by the arbutus fungus or blight? Bill

The larvae shown appear to be those of long-horned wood-boring beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). With few exceptions, these beetles usually attack trees that already are in decline from disease or stress, and seldom are a direct cause of tree mortality. I suggest that you look at posts regarding Arbutus trees on the University of British Columbia Botanical Garden Forum - see http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org/forums/showthread.php?t=547. It may be that a combination of drought, a fungal infection, and root damage are more to blame for your trees’ distress than the beetles. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1205 Hi, Could you identify this insect? I found it on a wall outside my building in Dallas (late November), this is a beast! thanks, -Oliver

This is a leaf-footed bug (Hemiptera: Coreidae); see http://insects.tamu.edu/images/insects/common/images/a-txt/aimg67.html for a Texas example. Most coreids are sap feeders, and some, like the squash bug and western conifer seed bug, can be serious pests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1204 Hello, I live in Saskatoon, Sk and it is currently winter right now. This morning when I went to put my breakfast dishes away I noticed something on the kitchen floor. There was a fuzzy looking bug that is about 1 cm long, with multiple white legs and 2 big antenna on the top of its head. I have attached pictures. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what kind of bug it is. Also if it is harmful or not, and how to get rid if it there are anymore. Thanks. Arlene

This is a sowbug, a terrestrial crustacean. They are considered nuisance pests, and seldom do any real damage, being primarily scavengers on dead/decaying organic matter. They require abundant moisture/high humidity to thrive, so most control measures center on reducing/eliminating unnecessary sources of moisture in and around homes. See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2072.html for more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1203 I live in Newfoundland and in my basement where I store firewood I have noticed a lot of those insects. They fly around the light and after awhile they will drop to the floor and crawl around. I sweep the floor several times a day and collect 20 -30 of those insects. I was wondering if you can tell me what they are and how can I get rid of them. Do they bite or can they become a bigger problem? They are between 1/8" and 1/4" inch long, seem to have 4 wings and a hard shell. Not sure about the 4 wings might be the hard shell I'm seeing because they are so small. Thanks. Clyde
This could be a bark/engraver beetle (Coleoptera: Scolytidae). Peel back the bark from some of your firewood to see whether galleries made by beetle larvae are present (see http://cals.arizona.edu/extension/fh/pest_pages/cypress_trunk.html and http://cals.arizona.edu/extension/fh/pest_pages/2252090.html for examples. These beetles will not bite, nor will they attack any timbers in your house. The only ‘control’ is to not store firewood in the house.

Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1202 I found this thing beneath my modular home, I had some varmint poison set out just in case we ever had a guest and I found this feeding on it. This is in central North Dakota on 11/30/2006.Does not appear to have eyes and uses suction to feed with. About 11/2 in long.
This appears to be a slug (basically, a shell-less snail). They can be pests on many garden plants, but should do no harm indoors. They do have eyes, but these usually are withdrawn into the head end when the animal is disturbed. See http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG7561.html for more information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1201 I keep finding these insects climbing up the wall in my bathroom, they are about 1mm in length and can jump. I do not believe they are causing me any harm, and I have not been bitten at all. They seem to have tiny undeveloped wings, long antennae, red jaws/mouth, and a cream colour abdomen with crossing dark bands. Asim - South UK
This appears to be a booklouse ( Psocoptera: Liposcelidae). They thrive under humid conditions, feeding primarily on molds, and fungi, but sometimes on starchy material such as book-binding paste, wallpaper paste, etc. They seldom become serious pests; see http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2080.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

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