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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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This space reserved for
your pest photo |
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
See Disclaimer Notice |
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Click on the
photos to enlarge. They are usually much clearer. |
 1900
A co-worker and I found this 'bug' inside our bug zapper (hanging
out on the inside up against - pretty smart, eh!). He thought it was a mantis
of some sort, I thought it was a dragonfly. We've come to the realization that
neither of us is correct. Please Help Us!
Thank You, Jason
This insect is in the order
Megaloptera, family Corydalidae. It most likely is a female dobsonfly (Corydalus
spp.) - see
http://www.windsofkansas.com/dobsonfly.JPG
for an image. The larvae are aquatic predators known as hellgrammites - see
http://www.scientificillustrator.com/art/insects/dobsonfly_larva.jpg
for an image. If the antennae were somewhat feathery, it could be a
fishfly (Chauliodes spp.) - see
http://www.insectidentification.org/imgs/insects/fishfly.jpg
for an image. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1899
My wife found a dead one in the baby's crib... And we aren't doing well
moneywise latly so any suggestions... Thank you in advance... If you can tell
me what bug it is at least and I'll learn how to rid us of this pest. Thor
This is a long-horned wood-boring
beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), likely an accidental ‘visitor’ to your home.
It poses no threat to your child, and is not a species that would infest the
structure of your house. Many species in this family are attracted to lights at
night, and thus may gain entry to dwellings.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1898
Hello. My husband recently came across this big bug in a dirt pile that he was
working in, located in Surrey, BC. No one he worked with has seen this before,
and nor have anyone else we've shown it to. Any ideas what this is, male or
female, what it eats, what its natural habitat is? We are keeping it as a
science project for the kids to find all this info, but so far, we have not
found anything online. Any information you can provide will be extremely
helpful. Thanks, Lara
This is a long-horned wood-boring
beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae); specifically, it is a banded alder borer,
Rosalia funebris - see
http://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=1192006
for an image. The larvae of this species
bore in the dead wood of hardwood trees, including maples, alder, ash, sycamore,
oak and willow. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1897
Hi, We have been finding this bug in increasing numbers since we moved into our
new home about a month ago. They especially love our master bathroom. I've
found over a hundred of them in our tub at one point. I also find them on
window sills, ceiling, baseboards, etc. They don't seem to be interested in
our food. We'd appreciate any help identifying this little nuisance. I've
attached a couple of pictures of a dead one. Hopefully they're not too blurry.
Thanks, Wendy
I could not get this image to
enlarge; although it resembles an ant-like flower beetle (Coleoptera: Anthicidae)
- see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/91629202
for an example - I have never heard of any members of this family being an
indoor pest. On the other hand, one of the commoner small beetles occurring in
new houses, the foreign grain beetle (Ahasverus advena; Coleoptera:
Silvanidae) looks nothing like your specimen - see
http://lancaster.unl.edu/pest/resources/NewHouseBug.shtml.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1896
Hello, Do you know what this insect is? I found it on my swingset. It has
lost a leg. It has something that looks like a loop hanging off of it.
Thanks, Bug learner
This appears to be a nymph of a
katydid or related long-horned grasshopper (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae).
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bug #1896 is an adult male Drumming
Katydid or Oak Bush-Cricket (Meconema
thalassinum) and, unless Bug Learner lives in Europe, that little guy
isn't native to his area. For more info, check out this recent article (
http://www.sfu.ca/biology/esbc/Journal/journal2007/JESBC_2007_91-92_Cannings.pdf
) as well as these sites with
maps, photos & general details (
http://buzz.ifas.ufl.edu/103a.htm ,
http://buzz.ifas.ufl.edu/103dm.htm ,
http://images.google.ca/images?q=Drumming
katydid&ie=UTF-8&um=1&sa=N&tab=wi ).
--ps: the little 'loop' is actually made up of two curved
sensory appendages called cerci that the male uses during copulation. C.S.
|
 1895
I decided to include a few photos and one video. It sort of looks like a
waterbug, but it was walking on my wall. I live in Chicago, Illinois. I know it
is an insect because it has six legs. It has two wings, one set, covering its
abdomen. What do you think it is? Periodically, its back "tail," I 'd call it,
would bump up and down. hope this helps in identifying it. Thanks, Andrew
W.
This appears to be an ensign wasp
(Hymenoptera: Evaniidae). They are parasitic on the egg cases of cockroaches,
and thus considered beneficial.
See
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/beneficials/beneficial-02_ensign_wasp.htm
for images and more information.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1894
Can you please help us settle a
neighborhood bet? We are having an argument about whether this is a type of
cockroach or a beetle. We live in upstate South Carolina and this bug was found
on a back deck near the swimming pool. Any help you could give would be
appreciated. Thank you. Paige.
This is a long-horned
wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in the genus Prionus;
likely Prionus pocularis, the "tooth-necked long horned beetle" - see
http://entweb.clemson.edu/museum/beetles/local/btle56.jpg
for an image. Beetles in this genus are the largest members of this family in
North America; their larvae bore in the roots of trees, and sometimes can cause
considerable damage. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1893
Found this bug in rural Connecticut, shoreline area. Seemed lethargic and had
trouble righting itself. It has claw-like front legs. Don't know if this is an
adult or a larvae or what stage it is. Can anyone figure out what it is?
Thanks. Zak.
This appears to be the nymph of a
cicada (Hemiptera/Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadidae). Depending on the species, they
spend anywhere from one to 17 years underground feeding on the sap from tree
roots before coming to the surface to transform to the adult stage. Usually,
they first find some object to climb, such as a tree trunk or fence post, before
shedding the nymphal exoskeleton. See
http://members.fortunecity.com/cicadaman1999/id41.htm
for a series of images showing molting.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1892
Greetings, and thanks for a great site! Found these insects in
great numbers on my driveway and climbing up the foundation of my home; they
move in trails (like ants). Not sure what they are, and if I should be
concerned. Any help is appreciated! Tom. Houston
|
 1891
I'm in the San Francisco area and just had this thing fly into my window. Never
seen it before and it is not native to this area. It's antennae is fan-like, and
he hissed loudly at me while I was catching him with the jar. What is it?
Daisy.
This beetle is in the family
Scarabaeidae, genus Polyphylla, likely the 10-lined June beetle (Polyphylla
decemlineata), see
http://www.parfaitimage.com/Insecta/polyphylla_decemlineata.html
for an image and an audio
clip of its hiss. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I was really struck by your pictures of this bug so I googled “hissing beetle
brown white stripes” and I think it is a ten-lined June beetle. Here’s a link
with more information:
http://jenny.tfrec.wsu.edu/opm/displaySpecies.php?pn=640 Pat
|
 1890
Hello, This was found in the carpet of our home in the metro-Phoenix area
of Arizona. My wife said she found one a week earlier on the carpet near a
doorway in the adjacent room. She said the previous one was fatter and lighter
in color. Any help is appreciated!!!! Eddie
This appears to be a beetle larva,
bearing a superficial resemblance to a mealworm (Tenebrio spp.;
Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) - see
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/teneb/Tenebrio_larva_1.jpg
for an image. They occasionally can be pantry pests in grain products - see
http://www.entomart.be/nouveaux/NEO-0489-Tenebriomoli.jpg
for an image of an adult beetle. Also, have your wife take a look at the carpet
beetle larvae at
http://www.bobthebugman.com/images/beetles/BEETLE94.gif
and
http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/diaglab/04images/504anthrenus-carpet-beetle.jpg
to see whether they resemble the ‘fatter and lighter’ one she saw
earlier. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist;
Sinks Grove, WV. |
  1889
Hi I have reviewed your insect pictures and cannot seem to find these two
critters. These bugs are new to my Barrie, On garden this year. The brilliant,
green bug on my pussy willow standard and has eaten, with its larva, most of the
leaves. Thus must go!! The black and red bug is in the rocks near my pond but
stay in a group and scurry away when disturbed. I would like to know if these
red and black bugs are beneficial in the garden. Thanks Rosanne
The beetle is in the family
Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles), it could be an invasive species, the imported
willow leaf beetle (Plagiodera versicolora) - see
http://www.invasive.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=5190061
for an image. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
Thx Ed about the info on the beetle. I need to get rid
of these fast. Rosanne
|
 1888
hi we appears to be saw dust in the general area with them
wondering if it is some found this bug on our counter top it is kind of reddy
brown in color with a smooth narrow body ind of termite we live in Creston BC
Canada. any help would be appreciated
|
 1887
We live 2 hours north of Toronto, in the Muskoka area. My
brother- in -law found this strange creature while tilling the vegetable garden
in April. He has kept it in a jar, in the soil, for over two months and it is
very much alive but has not changed. Seems to try to whip its 'hook' at us --
is it a cocoon? larva? Reminiscent of a tomato worm, to me....Any ideas would
be appreciated!
This is a pupa of a sphinx
moth (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae); and from its size, it’s quite possible that it
is a tomato hornworm (Manduca quinquemaculata). See
http://entoplp.okstate.edu/ddd/insects/tomatohornworms.htm
for more information. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I think it’s a sphinx moth pupa – I found a bunch in my flowerbeds when I was
planting this spring. They grow up to be tomato hornworms.
Pat |
 1886
can you tell me what this pest is, we have not found any live but dead ones all
over the house. thanks. Tobi
This is a very defunct house
centipede, Scutigera coleoptrata; a common peridomestic species (see
http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/iiin/housece.html).
They are general predators on other small arthropods, and large specimens are
capable of inflicting a painful bite if mishandled. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1885
I was worried this might be a kissing bug potentially carrying Chagas disease? I
live in Florida and the bug was probably about a centimeter long. Mike.
Although I’m not sure whether this
is an assassin bug (family Reduviidae) or a damsel bug (family Nabidae), it most
definitely is not a vector of Chagas’ disease. Only assassin bugs in the
subfamily Triatominae vector this disease, and they look nothing like your
specimen. See
http://www.azdhs.gov/phs/oids/vector/images/tsanguisuga.jpg
(this species has been reported from Florida) and
http://www.neurobio.arizona.edu/faculty/hildebrand/kissingbug/
for examples. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1884
The spider was found on my bathroom floor and is about the size of a quarter
with his legs spread out. Just wondering what he/she is... ~Elle~
This spider is in the family
Agelenidae (funnel web/grass spiders), likely in the genus Tegenaria -
see
http://www.biopix.dk/Temp/Tegenaria atrica 00002.JPG
for an image. Spiders in this genus often are found indoors; large specimens are
capable of delivering a painful bite if mishandled.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1883
Hi, I've found this little beetle looking bug in my apartment. My apartment has
parkay flooring throughout. I find them pretty much anywhere, no specific
area. I'm not sure what it is. Hope some you can identify it. Jennifer
This beetle could be in the
family Dermestidae, which includes both pantry and clothing pests; they will
feed on a very wide variety of organic matter, including accumulations of dead
insects in light fixtures, window sills, etc. See
http://citybugs.tamu.edu/FastSheets/Ent-1045.html
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1882
Please help identify this bug. I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba. I
don't recall having seen this bug before. There are lots of them all over our
new deck. They are relatively soft bodied at both stages. I have a couple in a
jar so I can see what they will turn into. Any help would be great.
Thanks. Lawrence.
These are a larva and pupa,
respectively, of a ladybird beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae).
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1881
Hi, here is a little creature that
is on our neighbors pine tree and there children’s wooden play station. We live
in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. They multiply fast. They are about twice the
size of an aphid. Is this bug a pest or harmful to the children? They are
annoying because they get on every thing including people. What bug is this?
Regards, Rod
This does appear to be a large
aphid, but the cornicles (abdominal structures characteristic of aphids) cannot
be seen in this image (they simply may be out of focus). At any rate, this is
nothing that would cause any harm to children; all aphids are sap feeders on
plants and some species can be quite serious pests. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1880
Hi there, I live in southern British Columbia. This area is open fields, near a
river, with mix of forest. There have been A LOT of these mostly blackish (maybe
a little iridescent?) flying beetles around. They are about 1/4" and have been
around for the past couple weeks or more. I think they are eating my plants! Any
ideas? Thanks. Heather
This beetle is in the family
Scarabaeidae, possibly in the genus Serica - see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/61928175
for an image. The adults in this genus are leaf feeders, their larvae are root
feeders. Other than hand-picking, any pesticide registered for use on the type
of plants you have should provide control.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1879
Here is a really colorful and pretty spider I found at my camp in Western
Pennsylvania. Can you please help to identify it. Linda
This is an orb-weaving spider
(family Araneidae) in the genus Araneus, possibly the marbled orb weaver,
Araneus marmoreus - see
http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/showimage/2421/
for an image. The color pattern of this species is extremely variable. All orb
weavers are harmless to humans. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  1878
Hello, Can you help me to identify these two
spiders? The thin one had about a 1.5 to 2" inch footprint on the water. The
fatter one had about a 2 to 2.5" inch foot print on the water. Best regards, …
PK :-)
Burlington, Ontario
These are fishing/dock/nursery web
spiders (family Pisauridae) in the genus Pisaurina. The smaller one is a
male (note the enlarged pedipalps) and the larger one is a very pregnant female.
See
http://www.spiderzrule.com/spiders063/PisaurinaMira600w.jpg
for an image and
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Pisaurina_mira.html
for more detailed information.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
  1877
I live in rural Ottawa, Canada. What are these beetles and how do I get rid of
them. Thanks Iris MacPherson
The images will not enlarge, but
these could be blister beetles (Coleoptera: Meloidae) - see
http://www.dpughphoto.com/images/blister beetle lytta
aenea durham 42308.JPG for an image.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1876
Hi there! I have these little creatures everywhere in my garden.
They are concentrated near a pine tree. I live in Regina, SK. At first I
thought they were spiders or ticks but I don't think they are either. If you can
identify them I would be so grateful and tell me how to get rid of them.
Thanks! Yvan
|
 1875
Beautifully coloured insect seen at Nutimik Lake Manitoba. Any
leads to a name?
|
 1874
Hi, I noticed your website today and it just occurred that I might be able to
finally get an I.D. on my insects. The caterpillar looks like a kind of
inchworm (Geometridae) and was crawling on some roses. The longhorn beetle was
on a tree stump and has a beautiful iridescent colour when in the sun. The moth
was flying around some White clover. They were all taken in Edmonton, Alberta in
Late-May to June. Thanks, James
The cerambycid beetle appears
similar to some in the genus Phymatodes (see
http://www.zone.ee/estfam/fam_ceramb_pics/Phymatodes
testaceus.jpg ), but I cannot be certain. Information on
this family in Alberta seems rather limited. The moth is in the family Noctuidae,
appearing very much like the species Heliothis ononis (flax bollworm)-
see
http://www.cbif.gc.ca/noctuoidea/jpgs/image_e.php?image[]=111077.jpg,Heliothis+ononis
for an image. The larva is indeed in the family Geometridae; it is
in the subfamily Geometrinae, the adults in this subfamily are known as
emeralds, as most are green in colour (see
http://fireflyforest.net/firefly/2005/10/01/southern-emerald-moth/
). Caterpillars in this subfamily can be quite bizarre in appearance,
including some that will camouflage themselves with bits of the plant parts they
are feeding upon. Some examples can be seen at
http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/larva.php?plate=1&page=6&size=s&sort=h.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1873
This bug was found in my back yard (Kitchener, Ontario, CANADA) I
have never seen any bug like this in my area before! It may have come in with a
dump truck load of stones I had delivered like 4 weeks prior? I had just
installed a bug zapper light and that night I saw this bug crawling on the pile
of stones..... It has 4 legs and 2 front claws / feelers? it has some light fur
on the under side. The head part is hard, and back softer. Thanks.
Josh
This is a giant water bug
(Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Belostomatidae). Also known as toe-biters and electric
light bugs, they are voracious predators on other small aquatic life, including
tadpoles and minnows. They are strong fliers, and often found at quite some
distance from water. Starting with no. 1792, you can find several similar
examples on this site. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1872
Hi, in Saint-Felicien (Lac St-Jean) in northern Quebec, I have an
infestation of these defoliating insects that look like tiny weevils. They seem
to have two stages green and dark brown colors as shown on the image. Any ideas
how to control them? Thanks, Francois
These also appear to be broad-nosed
weevils (see no. 1871), but two different species. Adults in this subfamily
usually are leaf feeders whereas the larvae usually are root feeders. As for
control, they should be susceptible to most conventional insecticides applied to
the foliage on which they are feeding. You might try
http://www.eauquebec.com/pesticides/apropos_en.htm as
a starting point. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1871
Found this one at our cottage in Sauble Beach Ontario. It
measures about 3/8th inch. Any idea what it is? Thanks. John
This is a broad-nosed/short-snouted
weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; subfamily Entiminae); such as the brown
punctate weevil - Otiorhynchus raucus, an introduced species - see
http://www.zin.ru/ANIMALIA/Coleoptera/images/foto/otiorhynchus_raucus.jpg
for an image and nos 1868 and 1852 for other examples of this group.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
  1870
I hope you can help. We live in eastern Ontario close to Lake
Ontario and every year at this time these critters appear enmasse. They
devastate my friends iris' but only the light coloured flowers not the purple
ones. She tried spraying the buds with an insecticidal soap but to no avail.
They don't seem to bother any other plants but destroy the iris' in a matter of
days and then seem to be gone. Thanks. Ken.
These are chafers, beetles in
the family Scarabaeidae. Several of these can be serious pests, such as the rose
chafer - see
http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/M1198.html for
a fact sheet that includes control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This looks like a Rose chafer (Macrodactylus subspinosus) in the
Scarab beetle family. James |
 1869
Hi, Every year about this time, the next door neighbor's house is covered
with beetles. They left us alone until this year and they love to come inside
and there are tons of them.
They mate and leave eggs behind. It's a terrible nuisance because I don't want
to injure them. They fly and are fairly smart. What are they? Thanks for any
info. -Carla
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks but I just found it. Boxelder, right? But we don't have those trees out
here. I'm in Oakland, California. Thank you - great site.
These might be western boxelder bugs
(Boisea rubrolineata) that will feed on a wide variety of plants. See
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74114.html
for more information. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1868
Hello, These little pests began invading our home about a
week ago, and it's getting worse every day. They appear to be weevil-like -
hard black bugs that can't fly. In the morning we find them on the ceilings and
in the bathtub, on the stair railing, etc. We can't find a source, don't know
what they eat. Please help us! They are driving us crazy! We live in a rural
area in central Alberta. Thank you.
These are
broad-nosed/short-snouted weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; subfamily
Entiminae). Some can be garden/agricultural pests such as the strawberry root
weevil and black vine weevil; these species commonly wander indoors. See no.
1852 for another example. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1867
Hello, We would appreciate some help identifying this insect.
Has been found in the bedrooms (upstairs), bathroom, kitchen and outside by the
rubbish bin. Have found about 12 in the last month. We live in Auckland, New
Zealand. Thank you. Paula
|
 1866
Hi, I found these bugs (photos attached) on my blanket was I was cleaning.
They don't look like bed bugs to me because they are more "round like a ball"
and bed bugs appear to be round like a pizza if that makes any sense. I can't
figure out what they are, but I do have a dog (who sleeps on the bed) so it
could easily be something she picked up...although they don't look like ticks or
fleas either. I live in Manhattan (NYC). Thanks! Alexis
These are spider beetles
(Coleoptera: Anobiidae; subfamily Ptininae). They feed on a wide variety of
organic materials, and sometimes can be pantry pests. See
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2117.html
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
These look like spider beetles (Anottidae, ptininae ) they feed on waste
grain and flour products and can be a sincere pest if not controlled. Thanks,
James |
 1865
Hello, We found this little bug in our flat in London, UK, in mid May. It
was about 5mm in length, under the naked eye looked quite yellow, with short
wings. After a while it 'jumped' away. We are very interested in what that bug
is, as we have never seen a similar one before.
Thanks, Spyridoula & Frank
This appears to be a nymph of a
planthopper (Hemiptera/Auchenorrhyncha: Fulgoridae). What it is doing indoors is
anyone’s guess. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1864
Hi ID people, Here is a spider (or some sort of arachnid) I found
underneath a log in the woods in Florida. This spider is missing a leg, but
clearly has 4 on one side. I don't have a picture with a size reference, but the
body is about 0.75 cm in diameter. What do you think?
Thanks, Zac
This is not a true spider, but a
closely related arachnid in the order Opiliones called a harvestman or ‘daddy
long-legs’; they are harmless to humans. See
http://www.arachnology.be/pages/Opilio_QandA.html
for much more information.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1863
Hello, Please find attached a few photos that I took of this
unusual looking insect. I know that it can fly as I watched it fly away. I was
in fact in a forest like area in Ottawa Ontario Canada, taking bird pictures
when this insect landed right before me. It was approximately 2 1/2 to 3 inches
in length and 3/4 inch wide. If you can help me with its type or specie I would
be very grateful. Thanking you in advance, Francine
This appears to be an eyed elater (Alaus
oculatus; Coleoptera: Elateridae). See
http://www.stephencresswell.com/s/elaters.html
for an image of this species as well as its close relative Alaus myops,
the blind or small-eyed elater. The larvae of some click beetles (often called
wireworms) can be garden/agricultural pests, but the larvae of these beetles
appear to be predaceous on other insects.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1862
This bug is invading one room in my house, an office above my
garage. It is about 3/16" in length and resembles a Beetle. Photos attached.
There are about 20 per day. It has ineffective wings, and seems to
prefer crawling slowly. Many are found dead. I have sprayed, which may be
causing their demise soon after they appear. For the life of me I can't tell
where they are coming from. My house is 58 years old. I live in Northern New
Jersey and the problem has only been occurring for about 2 weeks. Steve.
These could be black carpet beetles
(Attagenus ; Coleoptera: Dermestidae). Check margins of any carpeting
that contains wool fabric as well as any stored woolen/fur clothing items for
signs of their larvae (see ) or their damage. If you find anything suspicious,
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.
|
  1861
Seen and photographed in a tree in New Jersey. Can you identify
it? Thanks. Don
These are newly hatched nymphs of
wheel bugs (Arilus cristatus; Hemiptera: Reduviidae) - see
http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/trees/wheel_bug.htm
for much more information, including images of all life stages of this
prehistoric-looking predator.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1860
Had a Beetle shower last June 02 2008 in Sarnia Ontario Canada,
they seemed to be attracted to the light also got pics of others brown in colour
no front pinchers.
|
 1859
Hi – Thanks so much for the site!
We live in Arlington, VA and in the past week I have found 5 of these little
bugs. 4 were in one daughters room (2 alive, 2 dead) and 1 was in the other’s
room (alive). The live ones were found on a pillowcase, a bed sheet & a
comforter. The dead ones were found on a window sill and under a bed. These
are black, very tiny (they are next to a quarter in the picture) and oval. The
right side of the shell is damaged slightly on this one. They are flattish and
have a left side & a right side and then a top triangle type piece that makes
part of the oval. Out of the top piece are 2 antennas and there are 3 legs on
each site. HELP!!!!!! Julie.
This could be a black
carpet beetle (Attagenus unicolor; Coleoptera: Dermestidae). The larvae
of these beetles (see
http://www.insectslimited.com/Black Carpet Beetle adult &
larva.jpg for an image) will feed on a wide variety of
organic material, preferring proteinaceous materials of animal origin, including
wool, hair, hides, fur, etc. 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. |
 1858
I found this guy doing a bit of ant hunting on the edge of my
garden. As you see, it was a success for this spider. I thought at first it
might be a red backed jumping spider, but I'm not so sure now. The red markings
don't look the same. I live in Tsawwassen, just outside of Vancouver BC. This
one was pretty big, the abdomen about the size of a dime. The ant is very large
as well, a carpenter ant, I think. Margherita
This is a jumping spider (family
Salticidae) in the genus Phidippus; likely Phidippus borealis- see
no. 1816 for another example and
http://www.canadianarachnology.org/data/spiders/35437
for more information on this species. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1857
Hi, I took this photo at Jones Falls Locks in Ontario, Canada. This was
on my partner's shoulder. I am curious what this insect is. The photo does not
have any size reference, but the insect was about an inch in length and about
1/2 to 3/4 of an inch in width. The green spots that are visible on the wings
are actually iridescent, but the photograph doesn't pick that up.
Erin
This is a metallic wood-boring
beetle (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), possibly in the genus Chalcophora -
see
http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/choate/liberta_dorsal1.jpg.
Beetles in this genus collectively are known as sculptured/flat-headed pine
borers. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1856
Hi; We found this spider
outside on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia.
I'm thinking the attached is a Wolf Spider, would you know what it is? Cheers
Connie
|
 1855
Hi: This was found on a Tea Bag in Japan, any idea what this could be?
Is this wide spread in tropics specially Asia? Thanks. Lallini
This is an earwig (order Dermaptera);
they occur virtually worldwide, and can be nuisance pests when they occur
indoors.
See
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2068.html
for a fact sheet on these insects. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1854
Lima, Ohio, USA 5/25/08 - Not
really sure this is a bee and a stink bug but I was fascinated when I saw the
bee with the bug in its mouth, additionally, there were small aphid size bugs
crawling on the stink bug, you can see them. The bee flew off with
the bug in its mouth when disturbed. I thought bees only ate nectar and
pollen. Can anyone explain this curiosity? Thank you, PJ in Ohio
This is not a bee, but a
robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae); these are voracious predators on other
arthropods. Most robber flies are relatively long and slender, but a few
species, such as this one, are quite robust; some in the genus Mallophora
are known as bumble bee mimics - see
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/142/317468178_c4195d8514.jpg?v=0.
They all share one morphological peculiarity, their head is strongly depressed
between their eyes - see
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1174/801224147_447fdcae7f_o.jpg
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1853
HI, I like to know what kind of insect this is! I took the picture in Yuma,
Arizona yesterday. Please let me know if you can id this one, Thanks , Martina
This is a wasp in the family
Sphecidae (thread-waisted wasps), possibly Prionyx foxi - see
http://bugguide.net/node/view/162910/bgimage
for an image. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1852
Hi, This bug/beetle has been making it's appearance this spring. They are
hard-shelled and we most often find them climbing the walls. The picture is
about shoulder height climbing down the wall. We have killed a couple of dozen
in the past few weeks.
It doesn't appear in any particular room, rooms with carpet and rooms with
hardwood.
Thanks, Robert.
This is a short-snouted/broad-nosed
weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; subfamily Entiminae). This group includes
several pest species, such as the strawberry root weevil - see
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/insimg/05551F05.jpg
for an image. The larvae feed on roots and the adults are leaf feeders; these
beetles often wander indoors.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1851
Hi, I saw a copper colored insect like this one in Alexandria Bay, NY across
the St. Lawrence River from Canada. It was about 3/4 of an inch long and 1/4 of
and inch wide. Sorry, millimeters would be more precise. Can you tell me what
it is? I 'borrowed' this picture from another website since I didn't have a
camera. Thanks. Sayre Stevens Carthage, NY
This a metallic wood-boring beetle
(Coleoptera: Buprestidae; their larvae are called flat-headed wood borers);
likely in the genus Dicera - see
http://www.lesinsectesduquebec.com/insecta/24-coleoptera/dicera_tenebrica.JPG
for an image. This family includes several important pest species, such as the
emerald ash borer. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1850
Found these guys in neat, orderly rows of eggs on the underside of a leaf in a
package of organic basil. Some have hatched, and now that I've grown quite
fond of them, I can't decide if it would be best to keep them? set them free?
Not interested in raising some sort of harmful insect as a pet, or releasing
an introduced/invasive species in my ignorance. Hoping, since they came from an
organic farm, that they are aphid eating ladybugs or something equally noble.
any help with an identification? thank you!
The image is too small to make a
specific determination, but these are newly hatched nymphs of true bugs
(Hemiptera/Heteroptera) in the family Pentatomidae. Members of this family
collectively are called "stink bugs," and although it includes many
plant-feeding pest species, several others are beneficial predators on other
insects. See
http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/pests/e824-6b.jpg
and
http://k53.pbase.com/o6/88/582688/1/80474840.iUXIqlmI.0bug0794.jpg
for nymphs of a couple of predatory species.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
An update: I seem to be developing an inordinate fondness for beetles!
At least, I think they're beetles. All of the eggs hatched; 1mm, black with 2
red rectangular spots on their backs. Now, at the first Instar stage, if I'm
using the term correctly, 2mm, all black. All the pictures of immature beetles
I've seen show long/multi segmented bodies in the larval stage, but these guys
are, and have always been round. And no chewing mouth parts, so far. Hoping I
can move them from their terrarium to my garden... but not if they will just
eat all my plants. thanks again for your help |
  1849
I live in Nanaimo, BC. I found
this “bug” (I think it’s some type of beetle) in my garden. It has almost
completely annihilated my coreopsis and so far has not gone to any other plant
in my flower bed. The closest I have been able to identifying it is information
I have found on the red turnip beetle (which looks similar). There are several
dozen on my plant. I need to know how to get rid of it. Thanks, Renae.
These are leaf beetles (Coleoptera:
Chrysomelidae); possibly the species Calligrapha californica. Although
they will indeed feed on Coreopsis, they also feed on weeds - see
http://www.bccranberrygrowers.com/ipm/weeds.htm.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV
|
 1848
Hello, I live in Flushing, MI and I get these type of bugs in my basement. My
finished basement is below the foundation level and it gets pretty humid down
there when the weather gets warm, especially at this time of year. I see these
bugs at least 2 or 3 times a day, even when I turn on the humidifier, they're
still around. I tried Google & Google Images to find out what type of specie
this is, but it's not giving me the right one. Can you tell me what this is, and
how to get rid of it? Sincerely, Hossein Sutton. Flushing, MI
This is a ground beetle (Coleoptera:
Carabidae); likely in the genus Scarites - see
http://www.cirrusimage.com/Beetles/ground-beetle-scarites-1.jpg
for an image. They are general predators on other small arthropods, and thus may
be considered beneficial. Their occurrence indoors is strictly accidental; they
do not breed there. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV |
 1847
Hi, Can you ID this
pest. Once in a while we find these in our bedroom. We have new mattress,
spring cleaning has been done, hardwood floors washed with javex and water. I
tried putting powder under dressers etc. Spayed baseboard with pest
insecticide, but still once in a while we find them, mostly in spring and summer
months. I got a feeling they are hiding in the cracks of hardwood floor. Wish
we could get rid of these guys. Can you help us out. Thanks!
Daniel
This appears to be a larva of
a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) - 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 |
 1846
I live in Southern California can
you tell me what this is please? Thank You, Cindi
This appears to be a
young bristletail, primitive insects in the order Thysanura. Common household
pests in this order include silverfish and firebrats; see
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2108.html
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV |
 1845
I hope you can help me ID this creature. As you can see
someone has encased it in plastic resin and made a keychain out of it (
unfortunately ). It was purchased at a store in British Columbia,
Canada. Measurements of it are: 7/8" long from the tip of it's tail to the tip
of the head. The head is 1/4" wide and the thickest part of the body is 5/16"
It does not appear to have a stinger protruding out of the hind end. The
primary color is black with the yellowish color being on the pale side. I know
the pictures I attached are not the greatest but with any luck they will
assist. I appreciate any help you folks can offer. Regards, Guy
This is a wasp in the family
Vespidae (hornets, yellowjackets, etc.). Although it has some resemblance to the
European hornet (Vespa crabro - see
http://www.nicksspiders.com/insects/hornet_1.jpg),
without knowing where it was collected (as opposed to purchased), one can only
guess as to its specific identity. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV |
 1844
Found this spider in my laundry-room inside a bag of my toddlers. It is almost
as big as a US quarter. It moves rather quickly. We live in Shoreview, Mn.
Aaron
This is a plump female wolf spider
(family Lycosidae); note the enlarged anterior median eyes. They often wander
indoors in search of prey; basically harmless to humans, large specimens can
deliver a painful bite if mishandled.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1843
I found two of these guys while digging up my garden to plant this year. I live
in southern Manitoba. Any idea what they might be? Pat
This is a white grub, a larva of a
beetle in the family Scarbaeidae; examples include the Japanese beetle (Popillia
japonica - see
http://extension.entm.purdue.edu/pestcrop/2007/issue11/images/bug5.jpg
) and May beetles/June bugs (Phyllophaga spp. - see
http://www.gaipm.org/top50/images/1748023.jpg
). Both can be serious turf pests, feeding on shallow grass roots (see
http://www.urbanext.uiuc.edu/lawntalk/lawntalk23.html
). Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  1842
Hi! I live in the Bronx New
York and was wondering if anyone can tell me what these are. I caught these guys
on some duct tape. I'm thinking these are some type of moth adult and larvae.
The adult could fit under a dime. I'm told that clothes moths are larger than
this. I wanted to be sure before I tried to order a product to get rid of
them. Of course, if anyone has any suggestions as to what products will get rid
of these, I would appreciate it. Thanks in advance.
This appears to be an Indian meal
moth (Plodia interpunctella: Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), a common pantry
pest - see
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2089.html
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
  1841
Hi. There is an infestation of these, all dead, in the closet. Not
sure what they are. Just hoping they are not bed bugs or something like that. We are near Dallas, Texas. Thanks.
I could not get these images to
‘zoom,’ but I suspect that these beetles are saw-toothed grain beetles (Oryzaephilus
surinamensis; Coleoptera: Silvanidae) or a close relative; they are not wood
pests of any kind. See
http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/entomology/factsheets/sawtooth.htm
for a fact sheet.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1840
Hi, this was found wandering the kitchen. First picture is alive, second picture
dead and better quality. We are near Dallas, TX. We keep seeing this type of
spider several times. I thought it was a grass spider but the back part looks
different. This time was at about 3 am. We have seen it before during
the day,
night, etc.
|
 1839
I am getting these caterpillars(?) or larvae in my cucumbers (they love them)
and summer squash. What are they and how can I get rid of them. Are they
responsible for DEVOURING my squash flowers? They ALWAYS hit the cukes but only
sometimes hit the squash. Thank you, Carol Kartsonis
These could be pickleworms (Diaphania
nitidalis; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) - see
http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/veg/pickleworm.htm
for a fact sheet that includes images. Control of these apparently can be quite
difficult; you may have to keep your plants covered with a floating row cover
such as Reemay - see
http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/course/ent425/compendium/stonef~1.html.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1838
Greetings. This photo was taken in Edmonton, Alberta close to midnight. The
insect had made it up to the balcony of our apartment complex and was sitting
near the light. I’m very curious to know what it is as I’ve never seen one
before. Cheers, Jack.
This is an adult stonefly (order
Plecoptera). Their larvae are aquatic, often found under stones in streams; most
are herbivores, but a few are predaceous on other aquatic invertebrates. The
adults are relatively weak fliers, and usually are found fairly close to a water
source. See
http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/course/ent425/compendium/stonef~1.html
for more information on this order.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  1837
Hello I live in Camrose County south east of Edmonton Alberta and
in the past three years my spruce trees have been under attack. Last summer I
noticed a green cutworm type bug with a reddish red eating the fresh buds.
Yesterday I was walking by and the trees had just opened fresh buds and there
were hundreds of these flies all over them. The heavier one on the right
appeared to be laying eggs in the buds and the smaller guys were swarming
everywhere. If anyone could help me identify them and suggest possible treatment
I and my trees would be most appreciative! Thanks Jackie
|
 1836
Hi, we found this "bug" on our front porch. It is sitting there
all the time. We live in Boise, Idaho. We will be very grateful for any
information, my daughter (5) just loves any kinds of insect, and she really
would like to know what this one is. (We already tried 5 different books, but
this one is nowhere to find) Thank you .Lenka
This is a crane fly (Diptera:
Tipulidae), non-biting cousins to mosquitoes. See
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crane_fly
for more information on this very large family of flies. The adults are
completely harmless, but the larvae of a few species may be turf pests, feeding
on roots of grasses. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
1835 I live in Texas, and I have a porch in the back
garden. About 12 hours after a VERY heavy rainstorm, about 100 of the reddish
brown-colored bugs were to be seen dead on the concrete floor. I swept them up,
then about another 40 appeared. They would have either come from the overflowing
(and blocked) gutter above, or from below the decking just by the porch. I saw
one that was dying, and it looked to me like some kind of “shrimp”. I don’t want
to have all these horrid bugs on my floor every time it rains! Help!
Suzanne
These are amphipods, harmless
crustaceans. Most are aquatic, but a few are terrestrial, able to live on very
damp land; and often are referred to as ‘lawn shrimp.’ See
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN377
for detailed information. Unfortunately, you are likely to be ‘visited’ by them
after heavy rainfall, the good news is that they are completely harmless and
soon will die indoors - you just need to sweep/vacuum them up and dispose of
them. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist;
Sinks Grove, WV. |
    
1834 Dear Sirs, I am a Canadian living in north-eastern Italy in a old
farmhouse which was restructured completely 15 years ago. Please find attached
some photos of insects I very recently found burrowing in to/out of the porch
beams (treated pine wood I believe). They are seen flying around the beams
during the heat of the day and entering existing burrows, as well as burrowing
and pushing out a rough saw dust. People here don’t seem to be sure of what they
are, and our best guess right now is carpenter ants, though I dearly hope not.
Any help in identifying them would be much appreciated. This is our
first spring in this house and so I do not know whether the problem has occurred
in the past. Thank you in advance for any assistance you may be able to provide,
Christopher
These do not appear to be
either carpenter ants or carpenter bees; I suspect that they might be
wood-nesting wasps that are provisioning pre-existing tunnels with prey for
their larvae. You can check for this by carefully cutting away some of the wood
where you see them active to see if you find any paralyzed insects therein.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1833
Found in Caracas, Venezuela. Came to the light. Gonzalo
This is a long-horned wood-boring
beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), it bears superficial resemblance to the North
American species Eburia quadrigeminata (see
http://imagenes.infojardin.com/subiendo/images/opt1206500147e.jpg
) Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  1832
We had a swarm of giant ants attack our barn this morning. Most have wings.
They are a dark red brown color with large chilecea. The ones that don’t have
wings have 2 white lines on their abdomen. We thought they might leave until
they started digging holes. There were thousands working on holes throughout
the yard. My husband used a flame thrower to knock out a lot. Should we be
worried. Linda.
It really would help if you would
specify your geographic locality. These resemble reproductives of the Texas
leaf-cutting ant (Atta texana) - see
http://www.forestryimages.org/images/768x512/0795020.jpg
for an image and
http://insects.tamu.edu/extension/bulletins/uc/uc-033.html
for a bulletin - but if you are not in the southern USA, this could be ruled
out. They do not appear to be carpenter ants.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1831
A few days ago, I saw at least several dozen of these worms crawling around the
outside of our house (Coatesville, PA, USA). They're 1-2" long, fuzzy,
black/brown with a white stripe. What are they? Thanks, Bob H.
This appears to be an eastern tent
caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum; Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae). When the
larvae mature, they leave their protective ‘nest,’ and wander about in search of
a place to pupate. See
http://www.hort.wisc.edu/mastergardener/Features/insects/ETC/etc.htm
for more information. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1830
Are these beetle larva?
These appear to be the larvae of
dobsonflies (Megaloptera: Corydalidae). Commonly known as hellgrammites (see
http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/course/ent525/water/aquatic/images/14.jpg
, they are predaceous on other small aquatic organisms, and can give a painful
bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist;
Sinks Grove, WV. |
  1829
This red and black creature was skittering around in the garden this
morning...any help? Its length is less than half an inch. (El Cajon,
California)
This appears to be a small
milkweed bug (Lygaeus kalmii; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Lygaeidae) - see
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/okwild/misc/smilk.html
for an image. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1828
Hi there, Found this guy in my apartment in Ottawa. It was maybe 2.5
inches long not including antennae before it died and curled up. Thanks for
your help! Jen
"This is a house centipede (Scutigera
coleoptrata), a cosmopolitan species frequently encountered indoors. They
are general predators on other small arthropods, and unlike most centipedes,
have well-developed eyes. Generally harmless to humans, large specimens can
deliver a painful bite if mishandled. See nos. 1746 and 1595 for other examples
and
http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/INSECTS/Centipedes.htm
for additional information." |
 1827
I really do love this site. I have
been saving all my spider pictures and am just
getting to sending them. I live in Western PA and found this spider in my
house. I guess that is an egg sack. Can you tell me what kind of spider it is
and how many babies it would have? Thank you so much for your time.
Linda
This is a female fishing/dock/nursery web spider (family Pisauridae) carrying
its egg sac. Like their close relatives, the wolf spiders, they exhibit some
degree of parental care, spinning a protective web for their spiderlings shortly
before they hatch - see
http://www.cirrusimage.com/spider_nursery_web.htm
for details. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1826
Can anyone help in identifying this spider. I’m not sure if it
was carrying babies on her back, if that is what the bumps are, or if the bumps
are always on this spider. she is having the babies crawling off of her as you
can see in the one picture. Linda
This is a female wolf spider (family
Lycosidae). They often carry their young about on their back for a few days
after their eggs hatch - see
http://www.cirrusimage.com/spider_wolf.htm
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1825
This was a very aggressive little spider, I am in Black Diamond Alberta and it's
the first time I have ever seen one of these. John
This a jumping spider (family
Salticidae); likely in the genus Phidippus; see
http://www.canadianarachnology.org/data/spiders/35467
and no. 1816 for another example. These spiders have excellent eyesight, and
react strongly to visual stimuli. I’ve sometimes have experienced them
‘watching’ me while going about my gardening chores.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1824
Please help. In the past 2 days we have seen a half dozen of
these insects inside our house on or near our kitchen window sills, kitchen
slider doors or adjacent family room. They fly and are creeping us out. We
live in Toronto Ontario. Thanks! Steve.
This is a long-horned wood-boring
beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). It is not a species known to cause damage to
houses; they likely are coming from nearby woods.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1823
Hi, I live in the the South East of England UK. My wife found a large number of
these beetles with iridescent green backs with red stripes. They are about 6-7
mm long excluding legs and feelers and were munching our rosemary leaves.. Any
ideas? Best wishes, Hugh
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks, but I've managed to identify the beetle as Chrysolina Americana (the
Rosemary Beetle).
I have to say, you have a great website -long may it flourish! Hugh |
 1822
This spider was found in a basement bathroom in central
Maryland, USA. Can anyone help identify it? Is it poisonous? It measured
approximately 8 inches in length (including the legs). Thank you so much!!
Dana
This a male fishing/dock spider
(family Pisauridae) in the genus Pisaurina; see
http://www.yale.edu/opa/images/pr/2008pr/nursery-web-spider.jpg
for an image of a female. Like their cousins the wolf spiders, they actively
hunt down their prey. Basically harmless to humans, large specimens can deliver
a painful bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove,
WV.
|
  1821
Hello, I Live in Southern Ontario and in the older section of my
basement I have a few house guests hanging out, there are lots of these guys.
nice markings. Thanks Dan
This a cobweb spider (family
Theridiidae); possibly the triangulate cobweb spider, Steatoda triangulosa
- see
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/okwild/misc/images/tricob.jpg
for an image. Although this spider belongs to the same family as the infamous
black widow, it is harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1820
I found this beetle on my Acer Shirasawanum Aureum. There was also another that
was a bit larger and more brown on the back. It was hard to get a picture of
this bug and the photo does not show the bright green martini glass mark on its
back very clearly. Can you tell me what it is, and if it is a beneficial insect
or not. Thanks. Karen
This is a stink bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera:
Pentatomidae); appearing similar to Banasa dimiata - see
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1235/605213224_7b0e92bd64.jpg?v=0
. It is a plant feeder (reported hosts include birch and bearberry), but does
not appear to be a serious pest. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1819
We found this bug behind our couch in our house in Spanish Fork, Utah. We have
a general idea what it might be but we are not sure. Any info would be very
appreciated.
Thanks, Clif Swain
This is a nymph of a true bug
(Hemiptera/Heteroptera), possibly that of an assassin bug (family Reduviidae).
See
http://www.invasive.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=1386024
and no. 605 on this site for similar specimens, and
http://extension.usu.edu/files/publications/factsheet/Fact_Sheet_No__89.pdf
for a fact sheet on assassin bugs in Utah.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1818
Hi, I have many white translucent grubs with tails in my very wet composter. The
composter is oozing out the bottom and the hundreds of the grubs are writhing in
the ooze. There are also lots of red worms in less wet and deeper parts of the
soil. The grubs are ½ to 1 inch long and have a tail about 1/3 body length. I
live in Victoria BC. A picture is attached. What are they? What will they
become? Are they harmful or good for my garden? Regards, Kevin
|
  1817
Hello, We found these bugs on and around our
guest room bed about a week ago. Last night, our guest woke up with bite marks
and this morning we noticed bite marks on our 1 year olds face. Originally, the
bugs were sandy brown in colour but the more recent ones are more of a darker
brown. Could these bugs be anything other than bed bugs? Thanks, Lisa
These insects would not be
responsible for your bites. They are weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae);
specifically, they appear to be broad-nosed/short-snouted weevils (subfamily
Entiminae) - see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/80266109
for an example. This is a very large subfamily, with more than 12,000 species
known worldwide. Adults of most of these weevils feed on plant leaves, with
their larvae feeding on plant roots; some may be pests such as the strawberry
root weevil. Indoors, they primarily are nuisance pests. See
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2069.html
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1816
Hi there, Looking to indentify this spider my father found in his back
yard in Nanaimo, BC (on Vancouver Island). Appreciate any help you can
extend. Many Thanks, Julia
This is a jumping spider (family
Salticidae) in the genus Phidippus. Specifically, it appears to be
Phidippus borealis - see
http://www.canadianarachnology.org/data/spiders/35437
for an image and more information. These spiders have excellent eyesight (for
spiders) and a large ‘brain’ in proportion to their body size (see
http://www.tolweb.org/accessory/Jumping_Spider_Vision?acc_id=1946
); they actively stalk and hunt down their prey. Some large species, such as
Phidippus audax, are capable of inflicting a painful bite if mishandled. At
least 45 species of salticids have been reported from British Columbia.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1815
Hi, I live downtown Toronto in a condo on the 18th floor. I found these
bugs on my balcony last summer when I moved in. I started seeing these again a
few weeks ago. They are all over my windows and screen door. It's so gross (I
hate bugs) I can't even open my balcony door to get fresh air. Someone please
help me identify this bug and also tell me how to get rid of them! I don't live
near water. There are some trees below on the ground but probably not more than
5 or so? Please help, I'm afraid of bugs and I hate them. Thanks!
This is a non-biting midge (Diptera:
Chironomidae); they often become nuisance pests when they occur in large
numbers. Unfortunately, there is little you can do other than to keep your doors
and windows securely closed and keep exterior lighting to an absolute minimum at
night (they are strongly attracted to artificial lighting). Not all species have
aquatic larvae; some can develop in very wet soil or in decayed vegetation,
dung, fungi, mosses, or under bark.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1814
Found these two on the bedroom floor, live in Leeds, England and are puzzled
about them. thought they were caterpillars at first, but think they may be some
kind of beetle larvae. An I.D. would be greatly appreciated! Many Thanks.
Jessica
These are most likely beetle larvae;
as they bear some resemblance to certain carpet/furniture beetle larvae (see
http://www.insectslimited.com/Black Carpet Beetle adult &
larva.jpg for or an image), you may wish to inspect any
wool-containing fabrics (including carpeting) in your bedroom for signs of these
insects or their damage. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1813
Found on front porch in Victoria, BC. It's light beige/pink rear
end was about 1/2 inch long. Can anyone identify this for me? John
If this spider has greatly enlarged
chelicerae (‘fangs’) for its size (not seen in this image), it could be a
woodlouse spider (aka slater spider); Dysdera crocota (family Dysderidae)
- see
http://www.canadianarachnology.org/data/spiders/4397#image
for an image. Their large mouthparts enable them to prey on sowbugs/pillbugs,
which otherwise are pretty well armour-plated. They are harmless to humans.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1812
I found this monstrosity of a spider on my bathroom wall this
evening! (2nd floor of my townhouse). It was the biggest spider I have ever seen
in my home, and underneath it was all this white stuff....my wall is a dark
chocolate brown...the white stuff didn't look like a web...but it definitely
came from the spider. The spider had these yellow markings on its body....
the body was about 2 inches long and when its legs were
extended, the thing was at least 3 inches across...I live in Cloverdale, BC,
which is in the Fraser Valley area. Thanks for your help! Melanie
Difficult to tell from
the photo (image would not enlarge); could be a house spider in the genus
Tegenaria (see
http://www.canadianarachnology.org/data/spiders/21222
for an image); some of these have a leg span exceeding 3." However, I cannot
recall seeing one with such a vividly coloured abdomen.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1811
I am getting quite a number of these in my unfinished basement.
I know about them because they shed their shells, so there are all over the
basement floor. I was able to photograph this one when it was crawling around.
I forgot to measure its length, so my guess is about 1.5 inches. The shed &
dried shells are about 3/4 of an inch. Please help me identify it. Thanks.
Cindy, Edmonton Canada.
This appears to be a centipede in
the family Lithobiidae; in which the adults have 15 pairs of legs and simple
eyes (ocelli); see
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/185/414240737_42b98aae7f_o.jpg
for an image. They are general predators on other small arthropods, and are
harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 1810
This insect was found in a bathroom. Torso about 2" long and wing span about
5/8". Was in bathroom for 2 days then flew away after his picture was taken. No
one has ever seen anything like this. ep
This is a plume-winged moth
(Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae); they characteristically hold their wings in a
T-shaped posture at rest. See
http://www.cirrusimage.com/moth_family_Pterophoridae.htm
for images and more information on this family.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1809
Could you please help me identify this little guy? I'm pretty sure it's a
baby/young wolfie and I highly doubt it's a young fiddler... he's too hairy..
just found him creeping around outside.
Thanks!! -April
This does indeed appear to
be a female wolf spider (family Lycosidae) - see
http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/okwild/misc/images/wolspi.jpg
for an image. They can be distinguished from similar appearing spiders in
the families Agelenidae (grass/funnel-web spiders) and Pisauridae
(fishing/dock/nursery web spiders) by their greatly enlarged anterior median
eyes and short spinnerets (not readily visible from above). They basically
are harmless to humans, but larger specimens are capable of inflicting a
painful bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks grove,
WV.
|
 1808
Hi, We've been getting bitten at night so have been inspecting
our beds very closely. We've found this bug (only very few despite weeks of
close scrutiny) and what appear to be its casings in the sheets. My sons have
had many itchy 5-6mm red bites over the past 6 weeks, and I have much smaller
red spots almost exclusively on my ankles. That's the tip of a pen in the photo,
the insect is about 2 mm in length. It has a very compressed body, and the live
ones do seem to have blood in their body when they are squished (so I really
think they are doing the biting). They don't appear anything like bedbugs, and
there is no other evidence on the mattresses or sheets. We've cleaned and
vacuumed everything and washed the coverings in hot water but they seem to
persist. Thanks, Scott, Toronto Canada
This is a flea, likely
a cat or dog flea (there are no fleas in Canada for which humans are the natural
host; but several species of animal-hosted fleas will feed on humans,
particularly in the absence of their usual host). See
http://www.pmra-arla.gc.ca/english/consum/fleas-e.html
for a fact sheet that includes control measures. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks grove, WV. |
 1807
I live in a rural area of Caledon. I find these small bugs running on the
carpet, tile floor and kitchen counter. Could you please tell me what it is.
Ron.
|
  1806
I found this on my leg this morning. It isn't 'rounded' like a photo of a bed
bug. It is also flat. I don't see a bite me anywhere. I live in Northeast Ohio.
What is it and how can I get rid of them if there's more? James
This is a partially engorged female
hard tick (family Ixodidae) in the genus Dermacentor; see
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1350/880728153_57c451a8c0.jpg?v=0
for an image (the material at the front of the tick is a bit of skin from the
host still attached to the tick’s mouthparts). These ticks commonly are
encountered in grassy/weedy areas at the edges of woods; see
http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1350/880728153_57c451a8c0.jpg?v=0 for
a fact sheet that includes preventive measures. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist;
Sinks grove, WV. |
 1805
Hi, found this little critter crawling across my floor. What is it? Hilary,
Niagara Falls, ON
This is a sowbug, a terrestrial
crustacean in the order Isopoda. They basically are scavengers on decomposing
organic matter and are harmless to humans, but may be considered nuisance pests
when they occur indoors. They require ample moisture and high humidity in order
to persist; See no. 1748 for another example, and
http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/sow_bugs.htm
for more information. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1804
I found this spider crossing the floor of my kitchen. Its body is 1/2' long, 2'
w/ legs. Someone, identify please! Alice.
This is a fishing/dock/nursery web
spider (family Pisauridae); specifically, it appears to be a six-spotted fishing
spider (Dolomedes triton) - see
http://www.spiderzrule.com/spiders063/d triton.jpg
for an image. These spiders often wander some distance from water and may
accidentally come indoors where they may be mistaken for wolf spiders. They are
harmless to humans, but larger specimens are capable of inflicting a painful
bite if mishandled. See
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Dolomedes_triton.html
for more information on this species. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 1803
Just wondering if it could have been a type of deer tick. I was near a very
dead deer carcass not long before I found it. Thanks! Dave
This is a pseudoscorpion, a tiny
arachnid related to scorpions, ticks, spiders, and the like. They are general
predators on other small arthropods, and are completely harmless to humans. See
nos. 1728 and 1537 for other examples, and
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2062.html
for a fact sheet with additional information. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
   1802
I'm scared to ask- I live in South Florida in an 100 year old home and earlier
today- all of a sudden a bunch of these guys showed up. I've never seen them
before but they all seem to be dying. Some have wings, some don't. They're
termites, aren't they? Ugh. Thanks. Leia
These are indeed termites; namely
the winged reproductive caste (swarmers) that emerge to mate and found new
colonies. They usually lose their wings shortly after mating. See
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ig097
for information on termites in Florida and
http://www.termite.com/florida/
for a guide to professional termite control companies in Florida. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  1801
Dear Madam or Sir, I live in Toronto. I currently have a problem on
leaves of my birch tree. The attached picture shows the disease and bugs
on the leaves. This started happening in the beginning of this spring.
Most of leaves of the tree have this problem. I would greatly appreciate
If someone at your Office could identify this disease and a solution for it.
Forwarding this email to a relevant department/person at your office much
appreciated. Thank you for your time and help. Sincerely, Namik Otazca
I believe that the insects in the
photos and the leaf damage are unrelated. They appear to be nymphs of
planthoppers/leafhoppers (Hemiptera; suborder Auchenorrhyncha),which have
piercing-sucking rather than chewing mouthparts. See
http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/hemipt/49.jpg
for an example. The leaf damage could be the result of secondary bacterial
infection after minor trauma from a leaf-feeding insect; it does not appear
consistent with any of the common tree leaf diseases of Ontario - see
http://cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/subsite/glfc-treedisease/leaf-diseases
and
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/Business/Forests/2ColumnSubPage/STEL02_167000.html
).
FYI, the two most important insect pests of birch trees are the bronze birch
borer
(see
http://www.treehelp.com/trees/birch/trees-insects-birch-borer.asp
) and the birch leaf miner
(see
http://www.treehelp.com/trees/birch/trees-insects-birch-leafminer.asp).
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
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