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1087  I am trying to identify these beetles. I have been finding them in numerous locations in the house- mostly in the kitchen and living room. The marking on the wings is very distinctive. Is this a variation of a cigarette beetle? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!!!!
  These are larder beetles (Dermestes lardarius; Coleoptera: Dermestidae); household/pantry pests that will feed on a wide variety of proteinaceous materials. See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2104.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
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Larder Beetles.  Jay

1054   Came across this insect (or more to the point it came across us, as it literally crawled across my foot while I was in the backseat of the car) between Cookstown and Innisfil in Southern Ontario.   What the heck is it? Marc Couture.
This is a giant water bug (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae; see nos. 1021 and 902 for other examples). General predators on other aquatic life, they also are known as electric light bugs or toe biters, and can deliver a painful ‘bite’ if mishandled. Adults are strong fliers, and often are found at quite some distance from water. See http://www.naturenorth.com/summer/bug/wtbgF.html for more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
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 This is a water bug. (Hemiptera)  See picture 1021 for more info. Daniel Lillis

1049  Hey, I am from Raleigh, North Carolina and I caught this insect last summer.  I believe it is a beetle because it has a chewing mouth and what appear to be short elytra.  I have been unable to id it and hoped that you could help me.  I can take more pictures if necessary.  Daniel Lillis
This indeed is a beetle, specifically, a male phenogodid beetle (Coleoptera: Phengodidae; Phengodes spp.); see http://www.cedarcreek.umn.edu/insects/album/024054002ap.html  for an image and no. 983 for another example. Sometimes called glowworm beetles, the wingless females remain larviform throughout their life (see http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/misc/beetles/phengodidae03.jpg ) , and can emit a firefly-like light when disturbed (see http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/misc/beetles/phengodidae05.jpg ) . Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1048 Hi,  This is a bug that we found on a maple tree in our backyard today. The insect is about 35 cm long without the tails. The tails are at least 75 cm long and the insect uses them to probe inside the tree. The bug crawls around the tree probing with its tails. When it finds something of interest it bends its tails underneath itself and slides its tails into tiny holes in the tree. The body then pulsates for a few minutes and the tails are extracted from the tree and the process gets repeated after a few minutes. Thanks in advance for any responses to this. Chris
This is a large ichneumon wasp (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) in the genus Megarhyssa; see http://www.cirrusimage.com/Hymenoptera/megarhyssa_fem_15.jpg for an image, and nos. 1038, 1024, and 962 for other examples. You observed your specimen in the act of laying its eggs in the tunnels of its larval host, likely one of the horntails in the family Siricidae. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV
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Photo 1048 is an Ichneumon wasp.  Most of these wasps are parasitoids.  They lay there eggs on a host and the eggs hatch, feed on the host and kill it when they exit.  The long tail is used to deposit eggs on their host.  The wasp was moving around on the tree trying to locate her host. Daniel Lillis

1047 After going through all the photos on your wonderful site, I think this *might* be the nymph of an assassin bug, and yet the resemblance is not that great.  Does anyone recognize this?  Frankly, I'm not even sure which end is the head.  We've found several of these this summer in different parts of our house on Montreal's south shore; this one was in the bath.  They're all less than 5mm in length. Sorry that the photo isn't clearer. Many thanks, Peter Pagé.
This indeed appears to be a nymph of an assassin bug (Hemiptera: Reduviidae); specifically the masked hunter, Reduvius personatus - its head is to the right in your photo. This is an introduced species that has become quite widespread in North America. The cuticle of nymphs is sticky, and the insect camouflages itself with debris that sticks to it (see http://www.insecta.ch/media/images/galerie/staubtierchen04s.jpg for an image). Although not dangerous to humans, it can deliver a very painful ‘bite’ if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

1046 Hi, I live on the Queen Charlotte Islands in British Columbia. These apparently sap sucking insects(?) are on most of my indoor tropical houseplants. I first noticed them on a cutting I got from a school, and over 4 years they have spread throughout the room. They kill the leaves very slowly leaving them dripping sap (from their pooping, maybe) on the floor. You can see the sticky sheen on this mini umbrella tree in the pic. The larger ones can be squished. I have tried many types of control, (Safers insecticidal soap, dishsoap & water, RAID, rinsing the dirt, etc) and nothing seems to slow their spread. The don't visibly move, and I don't have any flying insects, (or bodies of) inside the house at all. Could they live in the dirt? Can they be killed? I have had some of my plants for ten years & they are huge. Please help!
The leaves appear to have scale (order Homoptera: Coccoidea)   Homopteras are sucking insects that are difficult to eradicate.  The chemicals that you applied can kill them while they are in their mobile stage but will do little good against the adults.  The adults have a protective layer that prevents the chemicals from being absorbed.  A common treatment for scale is to apply a systemic pesticide, which will absorb into the plant and kill insects that ingest the plant.  The shiny residue on the leaves is honeydew a sugar waste left by Homopteras.  Good luck with the scale and spray plants that are close by as well especially Ficus. Daniel Lillis
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These appear to be soft scale insects (Homoptera: Coccidae). The adult insects are covered by a waxy ‘scale’ that they secrete, giving them considerable protection from conventional household insecticides. The immature (‘crawler’) stages are not so protected, and can be killed by most such insecticides. Your best bet might be a fine oil-based spray (such as Safer's Ultra Fine Oil spray) applied at two to three-week intervals (several applications likely will be necessary). You might also try a systemic insecticide applied to the soil (the theory being that the plants will take up the insecticide, and any insect feeding on the sap then should be killed), but there is conflicting information as to its effectiveness on scale insects. Note that the scales will not change in appearance and will remain in place after the insects underneath are dead. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

1045 I live north of Prince Albert , in Mayview area. found this worm eating leaf on choke cherry tree. any idea what it is. Also, noted lots of what appears to be egg masses on the stem of the leaf, on all the new shoots , what are these as well? Lori
This appears to be an early instar caterpillar of the smeared dagger moth (Acronicta hasta; Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), sometimes called the cherry dagger moth. They will feed on leaves of wild black cherry, chokecherry, pin cherry, and wild plum; occasionally on red oak. This caterpillar becomes much darker in later instars; see http://www.giffbeaton.com/Caterpillars/2002-09-08_KMT_Cherry Dagger Moth.jpg . I’m not sure what the swellings on the petioles are - although I have never seen images of the eggs of Acronicta hasta, these objects do not resemble eggs of other species of Acronicta for which images are available. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

1044. I live in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, and would like to ask for your help. Several times per year, a colony of ants will appear overnight. on the sidewalk alongside our house foundation.  I have a small dog so I have restrained myself from using chemicals. I have tried just hosing them away, tried soapy water, and it has been suggested to try boiling water. Some of these have got rid of their presence but does not seemed to have any effect on preventing their reappearance. Ted Stanway, Cambridge, ON
  Unfortunately it is difficult to identify the ant species in your photo.  I suspect they may be some type of field ant. I assume the photos were taken after you applied the soapy water or flushed them out by saturating the nesting area with water.  If you can get a positive identification you could then try using an appropriate ant bait.  If they are carpenter ants, bait will probably not have much effect.  A residual insecticide injected into the crack along the sidewalk/house joint in small quantities should eliminate the problem.     L. .Cross.  PCS Gulf Islands.

1043  Here is a photo of a spider that we have and would like to have it identified.  We have seen it in just the desert areas of Utah.   Along side it is its friend that I found thinking it was a rubber toy my son had and picked it up... to my horrific surprise it moved in my hand and I screamed like a child... Kristy W.  Price, Utah

1042  Hi, I found this caterpillar in Durham forest, north of Ajax, Ontario. I am curious what kind of bug this is. I haven't seen one like it before.  Chris.
Hopefully, someone else can pin a name on this one - all I can say is that it appears to be a caterpillar of either a noctuid (owlet moths) or notodontid (prominent moths). Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV .

 1041  This specimen was given to me 01 August 2006 for identification.  It was collected late July along the Mackenzie River, Northwest Territories,Canada at about 65 N 127 W. I believe it is a species of wood wasp (aka horntail), but I'd like to have someone more well-versed in entomology than myself confirm this. My biological expertise is more in the area of critters with fur. Are any of the wood wasps known to have a particular affinity for areas that have been burned by forest fire? Thanks in advance for any responses to this. Alasdair Veitch, Supervisor, Wildlife Management - Sahtu Region, Government of Northwest Territories, Norman Wells, NWT  Canada
 This is indeed a horntail/wood wasp (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) in the genus Urocerus (likely Urocerus gigas flavicornus a species reported from Alberta, Northwest Territories, Ontario and the Yukon Territory. See http://www.forestryimages.org/images/768x512/0805062.jpg for an image. Some wood wasps can be of economic importance, but they usually attack trees that already are unhealthy or under stress of some kind. See http://spfnic.fs.fed.us/exfor/data/pestreports.cfm?pestidval=24&langdisplay=english  for more details on their biology. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV .

1040  The kids found this little guy in our backyard yesterday.  I couldn't resist taking a picture of it. We live in the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia.  I'm going to assume it may be some type of butterfly?  Terry
  This is a larva (caterpillar) of a tiger swallowtail butterfly (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), such as the eastern tiger swallowtail, Papilio glaucus. See nos. 842, 688, 629, and 615 for other examples. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV .

1039  Hundreds of these little things are on my patio furniture!  The seem to have wings, but prefer crawling then flying.  I usual don't see the hordes of these until early fall or mid spring.  My husband cut the grass (after being away for a couple weeks) and next thing you know, we are covered with them and the smell is sickening.  They smell like rotting leaves when alive and the smell is even stronger if you squash one. What are they and how do I get rid of them???  I can't stand it! They do not bite, just stink and creep me and my family out!   Tanya.  Barrie, Ontario
 These appear to be true bugs (order Hemiptera), but the photos are too fuzzy to make a specific determination. Many members of this order (such as stink bugs, chinch bugs, squash bugs, etc.) have a very strong/unpleasant odor. You might try applying an insecticide registered for lawn/turf insects to your lawn area, and use an aerosol product to kill those on the patio furniture. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV .
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1038  This insect was in my  daughters Car. we have never seen one like and were wondering if  you could help us identify it... Thanks Teri Willier 
 The photo is very fuzzy, but this may be a large ichneumon wasp, such as the Megarhyssa species that are parasitic on wood-boring wasps such as horntails. See nos. 1024 and 962 for other examples. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV .

1037  Hi there,  I live in Atikokan Ontario. We have a huge stink bug problem here right now. Can you please tell me what the correct name is for this bug. When they get trapped in something or feel threatened they emit a horrific smell that can make you almost throw up. The smell hangs onto every surface. It is quite nauseating. Is there anyway to control these pests? Thank you.  Joanne Galbraith
 These appear to be ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae); most species are general predators on other small arthropods, and some species give off a very characteristic (and sometimes quite unpleasant) odor. It is possible that these are Nomius pygmaeus (see http://www.cbif.gc.ca/spp_pages/carabids/jpgs/images_e.php?image%5B%5D=14290.jpg3ANomius+pygmaeus.   Known as the stink beetle, this species has a particularly offensive odor that may persist for weeks on household articles upon which the beetle has crawled. Control may be difficult; one suggestion is to install an electric light above a container filled with soapy water, about 50 ft (15 m) from the house. Hopefully, the beetles will be attracted to the light, fall into the water and drown. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV .

1036  Hi.  This bug flew into my tea while I was sitting out on my patio in suburban Hamilton, Ontario.  Is it a flying ant?  Does it bite humans?  Thanks, Karen     

1035     I found this nest or web by my storage shed in my backyard in Fredericton , New Brunswick, I chased the mama away twice and she came back in minutes. I got my camera and tried to get a good pic but she turned sideways before I clicked then she ran when the flash went off so I only have one pic of her. After I took these pics I sprayed the nest with raid, ( either that or get a divorce … sorry) I have no idea what kind of spider this is, it was about 2 inches around , including legs, the head and body were over an inch.
This appears to be a female wolf spider (family Lycosidae), but it would be nice to see a frontal view to be certain (the eye placement pattern is characteristic). Female wolf spiders often leave silk ‘draglines’ as they move about, and some also may construct silken retreats, but these usually are at or below ground level. They do not construct nests as such, but females carry their egg sac about with them until the spiderlings emerge. In spite of their appearance, they are harmless to humans; large specimens can deliver a painful bite if mishandled. Some funnel web spiders (family Agelenidae) can reach the size of your specimen, but the females have long spinnerettes at the end of their abdomen that appear to be lacking on yours.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1034  I live in Manotick ON which is south of Ottawa. These ?beetles/bugs are pea sized, grayish and look wet. They actually look like a blob of mucus except for the dots on the sides and a thin line down the middle of the back. They walk quite quickly when disturbed and didn’t want to stay still for pictures. They are making a huge mess out of my milkweed that I’m keeping for the Monarch butterflies .I’ve never seen them before this summer and they are quite repulsive.  Cathy Mondello,
This is a larva of a beetle in the family Chrysomelidae, likely a milkweed beetle in the genus Labidomera (see http://www.lesinsectesduquebec.com/insecta/24-coleoptera/labidomera_clivicolis-lar-7mm.jpg  for an image). These larvae bear a close resemblance to those of the Colorado potato beetle. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
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 This is an exact copy of the colorado potato beetle larvae. The color, the spots and it looks wet, I have never known it to feed on milkweed. If left unchecked, the larvae can destroy a potato crop in a very short time frame. I speak with experience, I've been there. Cecil

1033  Hi there, we have found 3 of these in the past week in our house in Winnipeg, MB.  I think they are male carpenter ants, but I want to make sure.  Could you also tell me if they could pose problems for our house. Thanks, Matt.
  It certainly could be a male carpenter ant. These ants do not ‘eat’ wood as do termites, but excavate galleries for their nesting requirements. They usually attack unsound wood (often that has been water-damaged); seldom causing damage to wood that is sound and dry.  See http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/pubcd/B1225.htm  for detailed notes on their biology as well as control recommendations.Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1032  Hi ; I found this bug in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.  It was indoors walking across the floor.  It appeared more grey in colour than the picture shows.  It was about 1 inch long and approximately a ¼ inch wide.  I found it near a construction site.   It looked like it could pack a pretty significant bite.  What is it?  Thanks Barb
This appears to be a large rove beetle (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae). They are general predators on other small arthropods; especially those associated with decaying organic matter such as dung, carrion, compost, etc. Specimens as large as this one can deliver a painful nip to a careless handler, but otherwise are harmless to humans. See no. 663 for another example. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1031   I have two of these spiders near my home in Savannah, GA.  They are over an inch large, one being almost double the size of the other.  They seem to be pretty attached to their spot outside near our fence.  A tropical storm came through and knocked a tree down destroying the web, but a couple days later they were back in same spot as though nothing had happened.  Who are these guys??  Rebecca.
 This is Nephila clavipes, a large species found in the southern US, the Caribbean, and much of Latin America. It goes by many common names, including golden silk orbweaver, golden silk spider, banana spider, calico spider. Formerly classified as an orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae), it now has been placed with the long-jawed spiders in the family Tetragnathidae. Most members of this genus are tropical, and some species can be very large. However, all are harmless to humans. See http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/misc/golden_silk_spider.htm  for much more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
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1030  Hi there...my neighbor found this "bug" eating a wasp?? There were actually 2 of them ganging up on the wasp.  He caught this bug in a raspberry patch & we had to pin him down to take his picture. I guess that he can kind of fly...if that helps. We live in Taylor, BC Canada.  My neighbor is an older gentleman and has never in his 65+ years seen anything like this....please help.  Thanks. Mary
 This is true bug in the family Pentatomidae, a large family that includes the so-called ‘stink bugs’ among others. Most are plant feeders, but some species are predacious. One of the better known of this ilk is the spined soldier bug, Podisus maculiventris - see http://www.greenmethods.com/img_gb/podisus1.jpg  for an image . Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1029  We live on Vancouver Island British Columbia. The other day my daughter came home with this bug. We have never seen a bug like this before. Could you please help us to identify this beetle. The beetle was about 2 inches in length and his antennas 3 inches. Thank you.  Steve
This is a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae): likely one of the sawyers in the genus Monochamus - see http://www.forestry.ubc.ca/fetch21/FRST308/lab7/monochamus_sp/sawyer.html for an image. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1028 We were on a camping trip in Antioch, TN (Nashville essentially) and found this bug.  I don’t have a clue where to start trying to figure out what it is.  Can you help?  See attached photos. Thanks.  Erinn Erker
   This is a cicada.  -Oliver
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See no. 1014 for another example.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1027  Hello, I live in Brampton, Ontario, this is a new home that I am residing in. The builder left the vent opening on the side of the house open, we did not notice until we moved in and heard birds coming through the bathroom vent. Well sure enough after the birds were done, some of them died up there and we started to get these little bugs falling from the vent onto the bathroom, floor, toilet and counter top. I made my husband cover up the vent with tape until the builder came to fix the problem. The builder replaced the whole pipe that was in the attic and covered up the hole and replaced the vent unit in the house. When my husband removed the painters tape, this is what was stuck on it. What I think looks like a maggot there was two of them actually plus all these little black bugs that you see, which are the black specs.  The black bugs are still falling out of the vent, so I got the builder to come back in and replace the actually metal housing that the vent unit sits in because I thought possibly some bugs may have gotten into the cracks of the housing unit. But that has not worked either. There are not as many bugs falling out as before but they are still there. I am finding about 6-8 per day. I took  looked at them underneath a loop, problem is I picked them up with a lint roller sticky sheet , so they are upside down. They look black when you just look at them but up close they are black and creamy yellow colour. They do have legs, they move very slowly. Can you tell me what these are and how to get rid of them. Please and thanks.  Jenifer
  The photo is too fuzzy for a positive i.d., but the larger specimen could be a larva of a dermestid beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae). Many species in this family (such as carpet/skin/larder beetles) can be pantry/household pests, but they also will feed on many other items of animal origin, including dead insects, fur, and feathers. The small black specks simply are too small to see any detail; they could be bird ectoparasites (mites, lice, etc.) or scavengers in bird nests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1026  Hello, a swarm of these little bugs was found on our pine tree in the front yard, just yesterday (July 23). We live in Northern Virginia (suburbs of Washington, DC). The tree has a number of seed pods on it.  Around a group of the pods we saw what looked to be at least 20-30 of these bugs, whose thin, black, spindly legs immediately made me think we had a huge infestation of spiders. As we looked closer, we realized there were only 6 legs, not 8, but even in our relief, we still wonder what these are.  Their colors range from gray to orange and red, with two black dots like a ladybug on their backs. A few were also traveling single file along the branches. Are they anything to worry about?  I've looked on your website (a fascinating one, by the way!), and thought I may have recognized them as Hemiptera coreidae (as in your #675 picture), or possibly milkweed (#697)???  Thanks!  Christie

1025  These were found on an apple tree and on a maple tree in our backyard today (eastern Ontario, between Ottawa and Montreal). They were clustered together, some hundred or so, almost being herded around by larger, similar bugs with wings.  What are they?  Jacques.
  These are pscocids, sometimes called ‘bark lice’ (order Psocoptera; likely in the family Psocidae); some species often occur in aggregations on bark (see http://insects.tamu.edu/images/insects/common/images/cd-45-a/Img0035.jpg ). They are harmless, feeding primarily on decaying vegetation and fungi.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1023  Hi, I live in Southern Ontario. This beetle fell on me [back in May] and hitched a ride inside, I am curious what it is. It is roughly 1.5 inches long.
 

1022  I have these insects eating my potatoes in Northwest Connecticut.
They have small green legs and do not move very fast. Thanks for any help.
 This is a tortoise beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae; subfamily Cassidinae). As a family, they feed primarily on members of the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae), including sweet potatoes. Although a few species will feed on members of the family Solanaceae (including potatoes and eggplant), they seldom become numerous enough to cause severe damage. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
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Tortoise beetle – I found one on my tomato plants last year.  I relocated it because I read that they like bindweed, of which I have quite a lot.  Pat Banta         

1021  Hi, I live in Halton Hills, Ontario, just north west of Toronto.  This bug was spotted strolling across our driveway in June, mid-morning. You can see it was quite large. Is it some kind of beetle? Thanks for your help. B
 This is not a beetle, but a giant water bug (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae; see no. 902 for another example); sometimes called electric light bugs or toe biters, they can deliver a painful ‘bite’ if mishandled. They are general predators on other aquatic life, including insects, snails, tadpoles, and the occasional small fish, using their raptorial front legs to capture prey, then injecting powerful digestive enzymes with their beak. These enzymes are what causes the pain if one gets ‘nipped’ by one of these insects. Adults are strong fliers, and often are found at quite some distance from water. See http://www.naturenorth.com/summer/bug/wtbgF.html for more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
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This looks like a Giant Water bug. I've seen larger ones than that specimen. Be careful about getting your appendages near that critter!  Michael.   http://tinyurl.com/nrvpb

1020  hi, i live in Dalian, China, i have found many of these on the floor, they are about 1-2mm.can you tell me what it is? thanks. Wangkee

1019  Hello,  I live in an old (150 year +) house in Sackville, New Brunswick. We have been finding these bugs everywhere (including having seen them in front of a bar on our block); when the street light in front of our door is on at night, they crawl all over our front stoop. They fly and run very quickly, and lay green eggs in a honeycomb-like pattern. I keep worrying that they're some form of mutant cockroach, because we live next door to a restaurant. Although we haven't found them at our food, I have found one among the pots and pans in a cupboard. What are these?  Thanks.  B.
This is a ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae). They are general predators on other small arthropods, and often are found indoors. I suspect that something else is responsible for the eggs you are seeing, as ground beetles generally lay their eggs in soil, and then usually singly. See nos. 1016, 959, 955, and 918 for other examples.Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1018  This picture was taken after bug was sealed up in a ziploc bag for over 16 hours and finally died.  They are all over my deck, yard etc and about 3/16" long and have a nasty bite with even worse reactions (severe welts for days).  I sent two previous emails but was unable to send a picture.  Hopefully this will help.  I looked at the 1000 pictures on your site and did not see any that were like these.  I would appreciate any suggestions in how to rid my yard of these insects as I can't even mow while wearing "Deet " and not end up with at least 20 welts.  Thanks for any help. Susan in Albertville, MN.
 This is a sap beetle (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), possibly the picnic beetle, Glischrochilus quadrisignatus - see http://i.pbase.com/u17/tmurray74/upload/42311574.CRW_0341_RJ.JPG  for an image. As the name implies, they primarily are sap feeders, often attracted to sap flowing from wounds on trees and other plants. Some can be pests on soft fruits (such as strawberries) or vegetables (such as ears of sweet corn), and one species is a potential pest of bee hives. Although any insect with chewing mouthparts can be considered a potential ‘biter’ (I’ve often been bitten by lady beetles), I am aware of no reports of sap beetles biting humans. I suspect that something else is responsible for your bites - you might try contacting your county extension agent for assistance; see http://www.extension.umn.edu/offices/ for contact information. Also, see http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/field/corn/sap_beetles.htm for more information on sap beetles in general. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

 1017  This very large spider (body close to 1" long) is living on the side of my deck.  I have a few smaller ones too that look similar around the outside of the house.  I live in Lethbridge Alberta.  They all seem to hide under and behind things during the heat of the day and come out to fix their web and eat at night.  J. Hayward.
 This is yet another harmless orb-weaving spider (family (Araneidae); see nos. 1012, 997, and 946 for other examples. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
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1016  Hello, Can someone please identify this critter? I have my suspicions but I would hate to guess wrong. I work in a number of environments within the community as a police officer. I hope that I did not pick this up on my clothing and its already starting to evolve inside my new home. I was in contact with similar insects on July 15th. My clothing have been in a closet since that time. I have not observed any other activity or others. This came from the closet in which my uniform was stored. I have washed my clothes as of this email for 50 minutes on heavy duty in Hot water. Please advise. Much Appreciated. Steve

1015  Hello,  We live in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. We found this amazing creature among our peonies. Is it a spider? Is it harmful?    btw, excellent web site.  C. Lamond
  This is a crab spider (family Thomisidae); specifically, the goldenrod crab spider, Misumena vatia - see http://www.zoo.org/educate/fact_sheets/spiders/crab.html). These are ambush hunters that do not spin a capture web. Usually, they are found on flowers that more or less match their own color, which they can change to some degree. They are harmless to humans.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1014  Hi.  I found this in my backyard in Southern Ontario.  I don't know if it is a pest or not.  It is about an inch and a quarter long.  Can someone identify it?  Robert
  This is a teneral (freshly emerged) adult cicada (Homoptera: Cicadidae); possibly one of the annual cicadas in the genus Tibicen. In addition to the well-known periodical (17- and 13-year) cicadas, there are many species of cicadas with life cycles of one to several years. Some of these species that emerge during the heat of summer are referred to as ‘dog-day cicadas.’  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1013  Hi. love the site. my parents found this beetle in their kitchen in Carthage, NC, USA.  It is about 2 inches long and olive in color.  Can you name it.  It was the main attraction at the grandson's birthday party.  Thanks Jennifer
  This appears to be a female eastern hercules beetle, Dynastes tityus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae); the largest member of that family and indeed the bulkiest beetle in eastern North America. The larvae feed on rotting wood and the adults are sap/fruit feeders. See http://www.fcps.edu/StratfordLandingES/Ecology/mpages/eastern_hercules_beetle.htm  for more information.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1012  Hello there. I live in Central Eastern California near the Nevada boarder and I found this lovely spider on the side of my house. It is quite big and almost looks like a dried up leave sitting in his web. Any idea as to what kind he is and if he's harmful to humans??  Amy
  This is an orb-weaving spider (family (Araneidae); possibly the so-called cat-face spider, Araneus gemmoides - see http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/4dmg/Pests/catspid.htm for an image. This is a very large family of spiders, all of whom are harmless to humans. See nos. 997 and 946 for other examples.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1011  I live just north of Kingston Ontario.  We’ve found dozens of these tiny bugs in the basement.  We clean them up, and the next day there are more.  They were first noticed near where the dog sleeps regularly, but I don’t know if that’s a coincidence or not.  Also, I found a live larva near them.  I also don’t know if that’s related or not.  They’re so tiny, less than 1 mm long.  They have wings, and can fly.  Mostly we’ve found them crawling along on the couches and along the baseboards.  They are attracted to light, and many end up around the base of a fluorescent lamp or on the window sill.  What are these things and can you help us get rid of them?!!  Frank
  I cannot identify the adult beetle shown, but the larva appears to be that of a skin/hide/carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae). They likely are unrelated, as the beetle does not resemble any dermestid species with which I am familiar. You may wish to check any packages or containers of dry dog food for signs if insect infestation.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1010  Hello,  I was sitting in my basement at my computer and i kept hearing what sounded like a moth flying into the wall or light, but i couldn't see anything because it was so fast, finally it landed on the wall beside the computer and i caught it in a cup and slid some paper under it and placed it on the desk to have a closer look. i have no idea what it is. It looks like some sort of flying ant or small wasp. I have attached some pictures of it if you could get back to me, i would be very grateful. im very curious to see what it is. To help narrow down the search I'm in Winnipeg Manitoba.  thanks,,  Morgan.
  Sorry Morgan we can't send a personal reply to every inquiry.  There are just too many.  Your photo looks like a reproductive female carpenter ant.  Probably modoc species.  Check the photos on this page for comparison; Carpenter ant photos.  Larry Cross.  Webmanager.

1009.  A friend of mine took this picture of a bright beetle. We can’t seem to identify it. It is shown at approx the actual size. It was taken in Northern Saskatchewan, La Ronge.  Charlie
  This appears to be a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), but not a species that I recognize. If any specialist in this group is monitoring this forum, they may be able to provide a specific identification.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1008.   I found this on our window sill in New Jersey. It's about an inch long (or a little longer). It has a general mosquito shape, no stinger, but the proboscis looks like a spike. Can you tell me what it is and whether or not it bites? Thanks. Sharon
 This is a robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae). They are ambush predators on a wide variety of insects; they are harmless to humans, but a large specimen can deliver a painful ‘bite’ if mishandled. See nos. 987 and 915 for other examples. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. 

1007.  I live in the Beaches area of Toronto and found this bug on our screen door. Its about 2cm long. It may be the same as the grapevine beetle identified for another person.(#1002)  It is reddish brown. Can anyone help ID it? Alison
This is indeed a grapevine beetle (Pelidnota punctata - Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1006.  I live in the Youngstown, Ohio area and I have no clue what this is. It stung my dog and he pulled it out of his butt with his teeth. He puked twice, but i'm not sure if it was because of the bug and he's fine now. Eric.
 This appears to be a cuckoo wasp (Hymenoptera: Chrysididae; subfamily Chrysidinae - see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysidinae ). There also are some species of cuckoo bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae; subfamily Anthophorinae) that closely resemble wasps, but the wasps usually can be distinguished by having only three or four visible abdominal segments, with these segments concave ventrally. The bees usually have at least six visible abdominal segments, and these are not concave. Also, when they die, the wasps often curl up as did your specimen.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1005   I live in Cornwall, Ontario (eastern Ontario) and have never seen this bug....i found it in my patch of wild mint plants, at night...  When my hubby tried to catch it (at first we thought it was a grasshopper) it lifted it's back end up, to expose what we assume is it's stinger. ( We had to kill it, because my dog likes to put his nose in my flowers, and i didn't want him to get stung)  Anyone ever seen this before?  Carole
This is a wood wasp (Hymenoptera: Siricidae). Sometimes called ‘horntails,’ their larvae bore in wood, usually attacking unhealthy or downed trees. The ‘stinger’ actually is its ovipositor, which it uses to lay its eggs in wood; it is harmless to dogs or humans. The ‘See no. 914 for another example, and http://collections.ic.gc.ca/biodiversity/family/Siricidae.html  for more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1004.  Information about this insect:  I live in Cleveland Ohio in a wooded area.  I am also seeing these bugs in other wooded areas of north east Ohio.  The bug is approximately 1/2 of an inch and the yellowish markings are a true gold color.  Another unique feature is the curled body.  I have not seen this type of bug with a curled body anywhere or in any insect book.  I first started seeing these bugs in late May and it's now July and I'm still seeing them.  Any idea what is it? Thanks.  Jan  

1003.  I'm in Toronto and these beetles and their larvae are eating my nicotine. Any idea what they are? CP
  The photo is a little fuzzy to be absolutely certain, but these likely are three-lined potato beetles (Lema trilineata; Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). They can be pests on many solanaceous plants (including potatoes, tomatoes, and nicotiana); see http://www.entomology.cornell.edu/Faculty_Staff/Thaler/Lab/Danush%20adult.jpg for an image. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1001.  I found this insect alive on Ile Bizard (Montreal) Qc. on July 13, 2006. It looks rather nasty and it packs a powerful bite! It is now preserved until the species is identified and determined if it is harmful to people or the local environment.  Robert Dahlke.
This is another female dobsonfly (Corydalus cornutus; Megaloptera: Corydalidae); see No. 999 for another example.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV