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A little background on a volunteer expert respondent:
Ed Saugstad.
B.S. in Entomology - NDSU, 1963.
M.S. in Entomology - Purdue University, 1967
A life-long interest in natural history. Formally trained in entomology, he
also has a personal interest in herpetology and has read widely in many
biological fields. 21 years in the U.S. Army as a medical entomologist;
duties varied from surveillance of pest populations (including mosquitoes,
cockroaches, ticks, and stored products pests) to conducting research on
mosquito-virus ecological relationships and mosquito faunal studies. Ten years
as a civilian analyst for the Department of Defense, primarily on distribution
of vector-borne diseases worldwide.
He is a member of Entomological Society of America,
Society for Vector Ecology & National Speleological Society.
Publications
American Journal of Public Health, Contributions of the American Entomological
Institute, Japanese Journal of Sanitary Zoology, Journal of Economic Entomology,
Mosquito News, and Mosquito Systematics.
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The pictures below have been
submitted by visitors. If you can identify them you are invited to send us
your answers.
Your description is also welcome.
Please
Include the picture number
in your answers.
If you have a digital camera or
scanner send us photos of any pest you would like identified.
Please
include the location the pest was found and any other information you can offer.
Hopefully one of our visitors will be able to identify them. Send your photos
as an attachment, not embedded in the body of
your email to:
webmanager@pestcontrolcanada.com
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Click on the
photos to enlarge. They are usually much clearer. |
 1700
Hello,
I live in West Virginia and I have been finding these bugs in my living room
lately. I have never seen anything like them. When I first saw one, I thought it
was a bee, but it doesn't have a stinger. It does fly. If anyone has any idea
what this is, could you please let me know.
This appears to be a locust borer (Megacyllene
robiniae; Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) - see
http://entomology.wsu.edu/insectoftheweek/archive/locustborer.html
. They do no damage indoors, and their wasp-like appearance may give them
some protection against predators. There are several other species of
cerambycids that have a superficial resmeblance to wasps.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist;
Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1699
Hello, I spent a lot of time
looking but didn’t see this very small insect listed. We live in Colorado and
it’s winter. My wife noticed this small bug on the wall. After looking, there
are quite a few in the lower part of the house. She found a few near each of the
heat registers (vents), a few where the ceiling and wall meet, many closer to
the base board at the exterior wall where it’s colder, and a few in the room
near the carpet. So they’re spread out and not just in on spot - noticed more in
the darker areas. Please let us know what they are and if they are a threat. No
flying bugs around and we have plants in the entry and after looking closely, no
bugs. Thanks for your time, Dave and Monica.
Although the photo would not
enlarge, I suspect that this more likely is a so-called ‘duff’ or ‘bristly’
millipede (family Polyxenidae - see
http://myrmecos.net/insects/Polyxenus2.html
for an image) than a carpet beetle larva (see
http://www.kendall-bioresearch.co.uk/BEETLE94.gif
). Polyxenid millipedes use the tufts of specialized setae at the end of
their abdomen as a defense against ants. See
www.pnas.org/cgi/reprint/93/20/10848
for a detailed account. Like the vast majority of millipedes, these are harmless
scavengers on organic detritus, and they pose no threat to your home or its
contents. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
1698 My girlfriend and I found this larvae on Pachena Beach, West Coast of
Vancouver Island, BC, Canada, in April after my dog dug a couple of them up from
the sand. Its pretty large, about 2 inches long and as big around as average
persons pinky finger. Just wondering about the species. Thanks Stu Spencer
This is a larva (grub) of a beetle
in the family Scarabaeidae. The larvae of many species spend their development
feeding on plant roots beneath the soil surface. There are at least two species
of scarabaeiform beetles whose larvae may be found in sandy areas of British
Columbia. One is the long-haired June beetle (Polyphylla crinata;
Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae - see
http://www.bentler.us/eastern-washington/insects/long-haired-june-beetle.aspx
), whose larvae feed on sod and roots of trees. The other is a bumble bee
scarab (Lichnanthe rathvoni; Coleoptera: Glaphyridae) whose larvae
reportedly can be found in coastal dune areas, where they feed on decaying
litter and organic detritus under the sand surface. The adults are active
fliers, and may be found in the vicinity of flowers/foliage near the larval
habitat. See
http://www-museum.unl.edu/research/entomology/Guide/Scarabaeoidea/Scarabaeoidea-pages/Scarabaeoidea-Key/images/19.jpg
for an image of an adult; I could not locate an image of a larva.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1697
Please help identifying this beetle found dead in my backyard in Maryland.
This is a bess beetle (Coleoptera:
Passalidae); it also goes by many other common names, including bessbug, betsy
beetle, and patent-leather beetle. This specimen may be a horned passalus,
Odontotaenius disjunctus. These beetles are semi-social, often found living
in family groups in rotting wood. Both adults and larvae can produce sounds that
can be heard by humans. See
http://entweb.clemson.edu/museum/beetles/local/btle14.htm
for more information on these fascinating insects. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1696
Spider found on the wall, in an apartment. (as you can see) Sorry, but no other
information to tell? I really don't know anything about spiders!
Sarah.
Number 1696 - This appears to be
a wolf spider (family Lycosidae) - note the reflection from one of its
enlarged frontal eyes. It resembles the rabid wolf spider (Rabidosa
rabida); see no. 1669 for a similar example. Wolf spiders frequently are
found indoors where they have wandered in search of prey. They are harmless
to humans, but large specimens are capable of inflicting a painful bite if
mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1695
Hello, I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I found several of these insects in a
plastic box of socks in a drawer in my bedroom. There were also some insect
casings in the box. It looks similar to the photos of carpet beetle larvae I've
found. Is that right? From what I've read I should throw away any possibly
infested clothing! Yikes!
Thanks for your help. Julie
This could be a larva of a carpet
beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Attagenus. See nos 1660 and
1549 for similar examples. You should not have to discard infested clothing
items unless they are too badly damaged for use. See
http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/fabric/black_carpet_beetle.htm
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1694
Hi, we are in
Montreal, Quebec and have found 5 or 6 of these strolling across our floors in
the last month (January) ¼” – 3/8” long.
Murray
Champagne
This is a short-snouted/broad-nosed
weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, subfamily Entiminae); likely a black vine
weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) - see
http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/natural/insects/bugsfaq/weevil.htm
for an image and
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2016.html
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. This species often
invades homes in the autumn. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1693
help . Can you me identify this bug and how to get rid of it. We first started
seeing after my daughter moved form an apartment in Omaha, NE to our home in
Minnesota. We see it most in our laundry and family room in our walk out
basement and where things from Omaha were stored. It's about 3/8" long.
thank you, Dave K
This is a sow bug and it is very unlikely
it's presence has anything to do with your daughter moving things into your
home. They would not have survived the trip unless they were enclosed in a
container that remained very damp during the move. Sow bugs can not breath dry
air. Read more about them on this web page and you will understand why
they are in your home and how to eliminate them.
Sow bugs. |
  1692
Still love your site...I wanted to share a neat photo of what I
think is a 'jumping spider' (Delta, BC)...also a spider from Kenya that I have
not been able to identify..any help out there? hanks, Doug
The spider on the right definitely
is a jumping spider (family Salticidae) in the genus Phidippus; possibly
Phidippus johnsoni - see
http://www.dereila.ca/whispers/Phidippusjohnsoni.jpg
for an image. The spider on the left is in the family Nephilidae (golden silk
orb weavers); genus Nephila. They occur nearly worldwide in the tropics
and subtropics. Reportedly, some of their webs may be strong enough to capture
small birds. They are harmless to humans.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1691
Hello. I live in Innisfil, Ontario and I found this spider in my
basement. I first saw one in September of last year and I just spotted another
one a few days ago. It is a very small spider (about the size of a dime). I am
intrigued by the markings on it's back. Can you tell me what it is?
Thanks.. Bruce
This spider is in the family
Theridiidae (comb-footed/cobweb spiders), the same as that of the widow spiders.
This one is in the genus Steatoda, one species of which (Steatoda
grossa) is known as the false black widow. Yours could be Steatoda
borealis, the boreal cobweb spider - see
http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/natural/insects/bugsfaq/borcob.htm
. Some spiders in this genus are capable of delivering a painful bite if
mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1690
This insect in Palmer Rapids Ontario was about 2 inches long with 3 inch
antennae.
Brian.
This is a long-horned wood-boring
beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae); it could be one of the so-called sawyers in
the genus Monochamus - see
http://www.uvm.edu/albeetle/identification/whitespottedm.jpg
for an example. They get that name from the noise of their larvae chewing in
logs being loud enough for humans to hear. They can be important timber pests -
see
http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/fidls/ws_sawyer/ws_sawyer.htm
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is a long horned Wood Borrowing Beetle, commonly known
in the Maritimes of Canada as a "Stump lifter" Believe me don't want to get
bitten by one of these. Might as well take needle nose pliers and rip off a
piece of skin. Kyle |
 1689
Hi I'm from Antigonish, NS and my son discovered this bug inside
our patio canopy. I've never seen one before. It was quite large and didn't
move for some time. I also found this moth attached to our BBQ. My son
placed it on his red t-shirt to take a picture. Could you identify it for me.
Thanks. Joey.
The insect on the left is a
cicada (Homoptera: Cicadidae); likely one of the so-called ‘dog-day’ cicadas
such those in the genus Tibicen - see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibicen.
They have much shorter life cycles than those of the more famous periodical
(13- and 17-year) cicadas, and some adults usually emerge every year.
The moth is one of the giant silk moths (Lepidoptera:
Saturniidae); specifically, it is a cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia)
- see
http://www.geocities.com/rainforest/5479/
for more information on this, the largest native North American moth.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1688
Hi from New Zealand, I recently purchased a saw that was
manufactured in China. When the carton was opened I found this insect in the
box. It was dead, probably fumigated at the port of entry. Can you identify it
please. It is probably of Chinese origin. Cheers, Rob.
This is a solitary wasp in
the family Sphecidae. They provision their mud nests with paralyzed but living
prey (usually spiders) that their larvae feed upon. Ones like this sometimes are
called potter wasps because of the appearance of their nest. They can sting, but
usually are not aggressive towards humans.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1687
Hello: The photo of the green bug with black dots was taken
near Ste. Anne, Manitoba. I searched but cannot identify it. Also, the Bee
picture I have included, please identify it also. Txs... Larry. Ste. Anne,
MB
The green and black beetle is a
spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata
howardii; Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Their larvae are known as the
southern corn rootworm and feed primarily on the roots of corn, whereas the
adults are foliage feeders, often becoming pests on cucurbits, where in
addition to their feeding damage, they transmit a bacterial disease that can
be devastating to cucumbers and muskmelons/cantaloupes. For more
information, see
http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef311.asp
and
http://vegetablemdonline.ppath.cornell.edu/factsheets/Cucurbit_Beetles.htm
The other insect is not a bee,
but is a wasp in the family Vespidae. It is one of several species in the
genus Vespula collectively known as yellowjackets. They prey on other
insects, but also are attracted to rotting fruit and other sweets (including
soda pop); late in the autumn; they often are found scavenging in deadfall
apples and the like. They are social wasps, and woe betide the unwitting
human who disturbs their nest, no matter how accidentally.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1686
This is a home invader in
Connecticut. Appreciate input. Thank You J. Dube
This is a small winter stonefly, (Plecoptera:
Capniidae). Their larvae are aquatic, usually found under rocks or gravel in
small streams, and the adults usually emerge during the winter months. They are
completely harmless, and their occurrence indoors is strictly accidental; no
control is necessary. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
  1685
Hello! I saw this huge spider in my bedroom in Conakry (Guinea, West Africa)
last December... What kind is it? Thanks. Christine.
This is a huntsman/giant crab spider
(family Sparassidae); members of this family occur nearly worldwide in the
tropics and subtropics. Large specimens are capable of a painful bite if
mishandled, and females will vigorously defend their egg sacs. For more detailed
information, see
http://zipcodezoo.com/Key/Sparassidae_Family.asp
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV |
 1684
What the ? is this. I found it in my washing machine after doing a load of my
son's laundry.... it's creepy!! Any help is greatly appreciated. I
live in Pittsburgh, PA Carolyn
|
 1683
Could you please help identify this bug. is it a spider? i found one before it
but it was much lighter in color and had straight hard point fangs much longer
than this one has but his one is bigger in size and this one has a ripples on
the body . I live in southern san Diego , you have a great site .hope
someone can tell me what it is. Jen.
This is an arachnid in the family
Solpugidae (also spelled Solfugidae) - see
http://myrmecos.net/images/Solpugid1.html
for an image. Commonly known as sunspiders, wind scorpions, or camel spiders,
they are general predators on other arthropods, and despite their appearance,
they are harmless to humans. They can deliver a painful bite if mishandled, but
they are non-venomous. See
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solifugae
for more detailed information. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
  1682
Hi, We live in Fort McMurray, Alberta. We just bought a 1999 mobile home.
We find those 2 bugs on the floor and in the light fixture all over the house.
The more abundant is 2 mm long, dark brown (visible on the 2 photos). And we
found few 7 mm black bug with them (see photo with red background). Are they
eating wood? Should we be concerned? Thank you, Eric and Sophie
The two larger beetles are ground
beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae), general predators on other small arthropods.
The image of the smaller ones is not clear enough to make a definitive
identification. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1681
I live in St. John's Newfoundland and two nights in a row my
husband found this insect out on our back deck. They were both found at night
and our back light was on and attracting other insects like moths etc. My
husband grew up on a farm near here and he has never seen anything like this
around here before. These are the best pictures I could get so I hope someone
can help us. This bug is an inch to an inch and a quarter long and it flies, it
has big wings going the whole length of its body. The first one we saw we
thought had one orange stripe around its middle but the next one had two
stripes. Please help, and Thank You in advance. Donna S. St. John's Newfoundland
|
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 1680
Dear Sir ; I found this bugs at the back of a hutch. There were some
holes on the wood and one of them with a yellowish dust. I'd like to know if
they are termites, what kind of termites and the treatment. I'm in Caracas,
Venezuela. Thank you, Carmen Elena
|
 1679
I live in North Vancouver, BC.
Recently a visitor came to stay with me from Kelowna, BC & stayed for 2 months.
During this time we discovered 3 of these additional visitors. I'm thinking it
must have gotten in to my condo, which is on the 18th floor, by stowing away in
my visitors belongs. If anyone could enlighten me, it would be much
appreciated. Reta
|
 1678
Great site! Thanks to those who keep it up. I am trying to identify this
bug which has infested a house that I am renovating to move into. It seems to
like the windows or window sills. It does fly but not a lot. The house has had
no baseboard and window and door trim for the last ten years and I wonder if
they are coming up from the basement. The infestation seems to be ending- today
I only found 4. Some days there were 25 or more. I think the one in the photo
may have fine sawdust on it. Any ideas of what it is and whether I should worry
about it being in the house? Thanks for any help. peace, Tim Hughes
This an eastern Boxelder bug (Boisea
trivittata; Hemiptera: Rhopalidae). They feed primarily on the developing seeds
of boxelder trees, and although they appear to do little real damage, they can
be nuisance pests when they congregate on or in homes. See no. 1674 for another
example, and
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05522.html
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1677
We will appreciate your help in determining the name and habits of this bug.
We catch them occasionally as they crawl slowly
across a piece of furniture or drop off a ceiling. They seem to be very slow
and almost dormant. We have now caught about a dozen from Nov.-Feb. They fly
badly and seem to drop to the floor if they try to fly too far.. Only see them in Winter. Log house is in a heavily
wooded area. Forced air heating, lots of glass. Thanks for the help from anyone
who is able and willing. Jay. Tremblant
area of Quebec Laurentians
This is a leaf-footed bug
(Hemiptera: Coreidae); likely a western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus
occidentalis), a species that commonly invades buildings in the autumn. See
nos. 1559, 1642, 1643, 1653, and 1654 for other examples.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1676
I would like to know what
this Weird Bug is. I took this picture at about 8 P.M. on June 16, 2007. This
bug can fly. He shied away from me when I attempted to take his picture. Picture
was taken in Simonton, Texas( about 35 miles West of Houston) Any help would be
appreciated. Paul
Mont-
This an assassin bug
(Hemiptera: Reduviidae); specifically, it is a wheel bug (Arilus cristatus). It
is the largest species in this family in the United States, and can deliver
quite a painful bite if mishandled. They are voracious predators on other small
arthropods, and thus may be considered beneficial. See
http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek030901.html
for much more information on these fascinating insects.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1675
I found this little guy in the crawl space of a home in Courtenay B.C. It
appears somewhat similar to a Black Widow or perhaps a Cobweb spider which I
believe is related to the Black Widow. Can you give me some idea of what the
risk factor is with this guy?? The markings are quite distinctive. Any help
would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Keith
This spider belongs to the
family Theridiidae (comb-footed/cobweb spiders), same as the infamous widow
spiders. It is in the genus Steatoda, possibly Steatoda grossa
(also known as the false black widow), a species widespread in British
Columbia. See
http://www.sdnhm.org/fieldguide/inverts/images/stea-gro_jberrian.jpg
for an image. Its venom, while much less potent that of its notorious
relatives, can result in severe pain if one is bitten. I was bitten by one as a
small child growing up in North Dakota, and it was a very long time before I
would pick up another spider! Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1674
I live in southwestern Ontario. This bug has infiltrated our home and we kill 5
to 10 of them a day. They showed up a couple of years ago small in number at
first and they would be on our white siding outside. Last year there were a lot
more of them and this winter they are coming in somewhere. Any idea what they
are?? Neil
This is an eastern boxelder bug (Boisea
trivittata; Hemiptera: Rhopalidae); they do little real harm, but definitely
can become nuisance pests in and around homes. See
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05522.html
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1673
Hi, we moved into our apartment on
the second and third floor of an old house a couple months ago in central
Toronto, Ontario and I noticed these beige flying insects occasionally appearing
on the wall. They fly and remind me of a very small moth, which got me
concerned that my clothes were being eaten. However, I don’t know what they
are. Maybe they live in the attic space or something. Please help identify
these pests. Bug is photographed next to a Loonie dollar for comparison.
Cal
This could be a clothes
moth (Lepidoptera: Tineidae), but I cannot be certain from this image. There
are several members of this family whose larvae are harmless scavengers on
organic detritus of animal origin, including that which can accumulate in
birds’ nests, cracks and crevices in homes, etc.; and there are several
other microlepidoptera that superficially resemble clothes moths that may be
accidental invaders of homes. Nevertheless, it may be prudent to check any
woolen/silk fabrics, furs, etc. for signs of clothes moth larvae or their
damage. See
http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef609.asp
for images and detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1672
Here is a picture of a fellow that
keeps showing up in my toilet. We open the lid and there he is trying to get
out but can't climb the sides. I have since found him in our shower once, don't
tell my wife, and in the large garbage can outside my office. It is wet and
damp in the large garbage can. This guy is 3/4' to 1' long, when bothered will
often curl up into a ball, is very fast when moving, and almost bit his way out
of this baggie in about 2 hours which my wife doesn't know. What is he, is he a
problem, do I have to be worried? Does he come from our septic, we live out of
town and have septic. We live in Northeastern BC. in Taylor. Thank you for
your help. Wally.
This is a rove beetle (Coleoptera:
Staphylinidae). They usually are considered beneficial, as they are general
predators on other small arthropods. Unlike most beetles, their wing covers
(elytra) are very short, leaving much of their flexible abdomen exposed. Some
species will curl their abdomen up over their head in a threat posture (much
like a scorpion) when disturbed. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1671
This bug seems to be coming from under our dishwasher and stove or under the
baseboards in our kitchen, although some (not nearly as many) are found in our
bathroom down the hall as well. We have not seen them anywhere else in our
condo.
We live in Calgary, Alberta in a apartment style condo at below grade
level. They range in size from 3mm to 1.5cm. They are light in color, but
the bigger they are, the more dark marks they get. They are unbelievably
fast moving, making it it very hard to catch or squish. When squished, they
appear shiny/iridescent like fish scales. If someone knows what these things
are, we would be much appreciative, they are quickly increasing in numbers.
Thanks!! Jacinda
This is a bristletail (Thysanura:
Lepismatidae); likely a firebrat: Thermobia domestica - see
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7475.html
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1670
I have a lot of these insect in my basement. The
house is only 1 year old and I think I shouldn't get these insects in my
basement. I clean them up, used bleach, insecticide and I still see them
coming.... and don't know from where. Are these millipedes? How can I get rid
off them. I call the the Builder and left them a message a last Thursday and
they haven't get back to me yet. Should I call a pest control? if so, which
one? I live in the South East of Markham. The area is under development and
our neighbours don't have any of these insects. HELP! PLEASE! Alex.
These indeed are millipedes,
but there should be no need to call a pest controller. They are nuisance pests,
but will do no real harm indoors. These creatures need a very moist environment
in order to survive, so your first line of defense should be to locate and
eliminate/reduce all sources of unnecessary moisture (leaky pipes, dripping
taps, condensate from air conditioning/refrigeration units, etc. in and around
your home. For more information, see
http://www.oldham.gov.uk/ocfs-env-epeh55s.pdf
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1669
Hi ran into your website looking for mite information. Fell into
a search hole and poked around for a while. Nice site, it's neat to really see
all types of bugs. Found your spider section and read someplace that you
wouldn't mind getting more photos. So here's another to add to your
collection.
Details: Wolf spider found in an
electronics company on Long Island, NY a few years back. It spooked a few
employees due to his size, so myself and another decided to pick him up in a
paper cup and relocate him outside. We did try to keep him for a while but
finding other live bugs was too hard. He didn't like feeding on freshly
dead bugs, only for a drink. So we let him go. This is the only picture I
have up-close and personal before his dismissal. PS I found my mites, the
red spider mite. Cheers. Drew
This wolf spider is a
female, possibly a rabid wolf spider (Rabidosa rabia; see
http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/rabid_wolf_spider.htm
for images and more information.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1668
We have found these on and off in our basement and recently in
the main floor. They have jointed legs and can run pretty fast. I have seen one
on the basement wall once. We live in Ottawa Ontario. Minna
Even out of focus the multiple long legs are
characteristic of a house centipede. There are some better pictures
and descriptions on our
Centipedes web page.
|
 1667
Have nests of these both at home and cottage. Are these wasps,
hornets or yellow jackets. I do know that about a week after I took these
photos really close to the nest, a couple attacked when I was at least 10 feet
away from the papery nest (which was built on the soffit under an eaves.) Maybe
they thought I was paparazzi? Thanks. John
This one of the several species in
the genus Vespula (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) that collectively are called "yellowjackets."
Because of its hairiness, it most likely is a common yellowjacket, Vespula
vulgaris - see
http://www.dereila.ca/whispers/YJVulgaris.jpg
for an image. It has been my personal experience that these wasps have
absolutely no sense of humor when disturbed.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
  1666
I hope you can help me. I have these bugs that showed up just
before Christmas. I brought a rosemary plant in so it would not freeze and set
in my main hall way. I noticed these bugs underneath the plant. when I went to
clean hall Yuk so I killed them. The plant is now outside.
Last night I went in to do some laundry and in my piles of laundry are
tons of these bugs. I checked my cupboard and nothing and the dog food is fine.
I don’t know if this a grain beetle who likes my laundry better than my grains,
or a plant beetle that is lost and replicating like no tomorrow or a wood beetle
that is eating my house (new house 3 years old)? Please help. I want to believe
that once I have the laundry room completely cleaned out and disinfected that
they will gone but they are now appearing on ceramic tile? Help .
Nora.
These are grain beetles in
the genus Oryzaephilus (Coleoptera: Sylvanidae), either the saw-toothed
grain beetle (O. surinamensis) or the merchant grain beetle (O.
mercator). See no. 1661 for another example and
http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/sawtooth.htm
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  1665
this is a bug i found crawling in my bathroom. I live in the country in
Collingwood Ontario. it was crawling around really fast trying to get into the
wall i think.. maybe to escape the light as it was night time when i found
it. its kind of a silver color and about 3/4 of a cm, with little antennas on
its head and short legs you can only see when you flip it over, and they are a
clear maybe white colour (nearly invisible and so so tiny) what is it? thanks,
Jayna
This appears to be an immature
bristletail (order Thysanura). This order includes some species that may be
nuisance pests, such as firebrats and silverfish. See
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2108.html
for more detailed information, including control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1664
We saw this guy at night, on the sidewalk in Huatulco, Mexico (Pacific Coast).
He's about 6-8" (including legs). Can you identify it? Thanks, Tim
This is a tarantula (Araneida:
Theraphosidae); they belong to a suborder called Orthognatha (also known as
Mygalomorphae) and are differentiated from ‘true’ spiders (Labidognatha; also
known as Araneomorphae) by the orientation of their chelicerae (the structures
that support their fangs). In mygalomorphs, the chelicerae move up and down, in
true spiders, they move in opposition, sort of like chopsticks. There are many
tarantula species native to Mexico, and to the best of my knowledge, none are
dangerous to humans. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1663
Hello. I am from Toronto
Ontario and have the following two bugs in my condo. I am assuming one is the
larvae. Originally the black/red bug was found in the kitchen area near the
cat's litter box, but are now finding them in the living room & bathroom. I use
a wheat based cat litter and did not know if they were coming from that. They
are slow moving and easy to catch. The larger ones appear to have red and black
markings. The "larvae" I have only found in three places, behind the stereo
system, in the cats bed and under my bed. They have always been dead when
found. Are these two things related and what are they? Thanks. Heather.
The specimens are somewhat
damaged, but they could be a larva and adult of a carpet beetle. Although
these insects feed primarily on materials of animal origin, some also may
feed on some cereal products. 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.
|
 1662
Hi, great website, thank you. I finally discovered that the tiny
translucent bugs I see occasionally around the wash basin in my bathroom in the
UK are book lice. Thank you! I am on holiday in Lanzarote, Canary
Islands, and would love to know what this is. It is sitting on the washing
machine which is outside. I thought it might be a cockroach but it doesn’t
scuttle away when I put the light on, in fact it hasn’t moved since I first saw
it. Can you tell me what it is? Many thanks. Sue
This is a long-horned
wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). I suspect that it may be in the
subfamily Lamiinae; see
http://www.forestry.ubc.ca/fetch21/FRST308/lab7/monochamus_sp/5766-2.jpg
for an example. Some beetles in this subfamily can be serious timber
pests in conifers. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Ed. I just wanted to say thank you very much
for this and that certainly looks like what it is.We are having some
decking put down in the garden of our villa in Lanzarote and I guess the bug may
have come with the wood, which is a hardwood but I’m not sure what sort or where
it’s from. Do I need to worry about this? Apart from the decking our villa
also has wooden doors and window frames (the decking is new but the rest of the
house is 2 years old). Kind regards. Sue
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You needn’t worry about this
beetle, Sue - it will not reinfest finished lumber. Only a very few species of
cerambycids are known to do so, most notably the old house borer (Hylotrupes
bajulus) - see
http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/old_house_borer.htm
for details. I would worry more about termites, such as the West Indian dry wood
termite (Cryptotermes brevis), which will attack seasoned timber and does
occur in the Canary Islands - see
http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/urban/termites/west_indian_drywood_termite.htm
for details.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
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