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This  site is fascinating! We just finished watching the new David Attenborough series on "Life in the Undergrowth". These creatures you are identifying are very important to life on the planet and I am very happy to have discovered your site after watching the series! Spellbinding! thank you.... Beth I'd like to add my sincere thanks to everyone responsible for this very informative web site, especially Ed Saugstad.  Publishing 1000 pest photos and identifying them must have taken many hours.  I recommend this site to all my students as a reliable learning resource.  Charles McD.   Toronto. Congratulations for having received question #1000, and I'd also like to join the previous readers in thanking Ed Saugstad for his conscientious work of providing great answers to all questions; I also like this site a lot, I even added it to my browser's toolbar! Best regards, -Peter (Canton, MI) This is a wonderful web-site! I learn something every time I visit, and have even had a couple of our own pests identified by your resident experts (including the weevil, #989 which is presently visiting our home, in northern Alberta) :)     What I really want is to send a big thank-you to Ed Saugstad for the frequent responses and very helpful information, including web-links, for the many "bugs" that appear on these pages. He clearly loves what he is doing, and we are all beneficiaries of his beneficence.  Thank you, Ed!     Ted Drouin,  retired biologist (not entomologist, though)   Thanks to Ted Drouin and others for the kind words - this actually is fun, and teaches me how little I really know!    Ed Saugstad

Click on the photos to enlarge.  They are usually much clearer.

Q1000  Hi, I came across just one of these bugs the other week in my yard in Southern Connecticut thought it was an odd one and thought nothing of it, now they are all over the place!!! what are they and what are they doing? kill them or let them do their thing??  Thanks for any help.  Dicken 
This is a seed bug (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae); possibly the small milkweed bug, Lygaeus kalmii. They feed primarily on developing seedpods of milkweeds (Asclepias spp.), but may be found flowers of other plants as well. - see http://www.eeb.cornell.edu/agrawal/photos/milkweed fauna/pages/lygaeus kalmii adult.html  for an image.  They are not considered economic pests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

Q999  This insect was found in Brantford Ontario on July 11, 2006, lying dead on the pavement. It measures 8cm long. Faye Roberts
This is a female dobsonfly (Corydalus cornutus; Megaloptera: Corydalidae). The male of this species has enormously elongated mandibles and looks quite fierce, but is quite harmless. The female, on the other hand, can draw blood with a nip from her smaller but much stronger jaws. The larvae of these insects are aquatic predators called hellgrammites, and often are used as bait by fishermen. See http://www.fcps.k12.va.us/StratfordLandingES/Ecology/mpages/dobsonfly.htm  for more information on these fascinating creatures. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

Q998  Hi there,  My question is a bit different than most on this site, I've only got pictures of the eggs that were laid and not the bug themselves.  I found the egg cluster on a pair of raw hide mukluks.  I have no idea how old the eggs are, the can be picked off the with some gentle prodding.  The eggs have hatched and there is no evidence of the insects in the immediate area.  So can identification be made with only pictures of the eggs?  Any information would be great, even if it is just a general insect type.  Thanks in advance. Alanna
These could be eggs of a true bug (order Hemiptera). See http://insects.tamu.edu/images/insects/hemiptera/Img0075_sm.jpg for an example. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#997  Threw an ant into a web and this guy quickly came, wrapped it up and ate it for lunch.  It is now living outside my front door, just wondering if its harmful/ needs to be destroyed? –Jordan Kelowna, British Columbia.
This is an orb-weaving spider (Araneidae), a very large family of spiders all of whom are harmless to humans. Let it dine in peace. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#996   Help...What is this and is it eating my wood deck?
The photo is too fuzzy to make a determination, but it is very unlikely that it is ‘eating’ your deck. At worst, it might be a small wasp scraping up tiny bits of wood that it uses to make ‘paper’ for a nest. However, it also could be a syrphid fly; several species in this family resemble bees or wasps. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#994  Hello. i found this bug outside laying on the ground alive but not moving much. it looks like it has a large stinger or barb at its tail end. i have no idea what its called. it was found in North Vancouver British Columbia.  cori
This appears to be a wood wasp (Hymenoptera: Siricidae), possibly the blue horntail (Sirex cyaneus). The ‘stinger’ actually is an ovipositor, which the female wasp uses to bore into wood (usually pine) where she deposits her eggs. The larvae then tunnel in the wood..Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#993  Found this guy on my hat near Kempville ,Ontario and was wondering if you knew what it is , Thanks , Mike.
This is a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in the genus Clytus. It may be Clytus ruricola, a species native to eastern Canada (see http://www.lesinsectesduquebec.com/insecta/24-coleoptera/clytus_ruricola-a8mm.JPG ). These beetles often are found on flowers. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#992  Hello.  We found this grey worm on an apple tree, in Brantford, Ontario in mid-June.
At first the worm appeared as a dead twig, as we went to prune it off we realized that it was not a piece of wood. The worm stood still for a long time, as we were staring at it for quite a while. It appeared to be symmetric on both ends ('claws' on both ends). We are very curious as to what this is, and if its bad or not.  Thanks.  Anthony

#991 Hi... I live in the Albany, NY area and we have had a VERY VERY rainy season for the last few weeks. About 2-3 weeks ago I began to notice clusters of worms (millipedes) on my basement walls especially those which in which the wall was below ground level and in contact with the wet soil outside. The walls are becoming very moldy/mildewy and the worms seem to concentrate near the wettest areas. The worms are cream to dark brown/black in color have short antennas and are at most 1.5 inches long. I have lived here for about 13 years and this is the first time I've seen these pests. I must have shop vac'ed 3-4lbs of these creatures since noticing them. I've also attempted clean up with a bleach solution. Any assistance (advice) in their identification and removal would be much appreciated. Thanks. Eric
These are millipedes (Class Diplopoda), a common pest in damp environments. Although some species can be minor pests on very tender greenhouse plants, they are for the most part considered nuisance pests by their very presence. These appear very similar to the garden millipede, Oxidus gracilis (see http://www.bioterium.com.br/bioterium/animais/Diplopodos/Imagens/OxilusGracilis.jpg  for an image. The best control methods for these pests is to (1) eliminate as many sources of unnecessary moisture in and around the house, and (2) remove potential harborage (such as plant debris, logs, rocks, etc. form the immediate vicinity of the house. Chemical control would be a last resort. See http://www.uvm.edu/extension/publications/el/el21.htm for a fact sheet that includes additional recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#990  He's awful pretty, but what kind of caterpillar is this living in the mountains of North Carolina? Is he dangerous? His yellow skin, humps and 'fur' remind me of my chenille spread but the spike on his backside tells me to stay away but I LOVE caterpillars and the way they feel walking on my skin.  Patti
  This is a tussock moth caterpillar (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae), possibly in the genus Orgyia (see http://eny3541.ifas.ufl.edu/Tussock/Orgyia.htm). Some tussock moth caterpillars have urticating setae (‘hairs’) that can cause a rash on sensitive skin.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

 #989  Hi,  Thanks for maintaining such a nice and helpful site.  I just noticed around 5-6 of these around the house. They were mostly in the foyer area. I live in Massachusetts and the house is just a year old. This bug is around 7-8 mm long. Thanks in advance for any help identifying this bug. --Anuj
This is a weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), but does not appear to be a species known to be a household pest. Many species accidentally wander indoors. See no. 949 for another example.

 #988  Hi, we encountered this beauty on a road-side bush in the coastal region of southern Jalisco state in Mexico. It was on the road between Melaque/San Patricio and Cuastacomates.  4-5 cm in length.  Not really a pest, but what the hey?  Dave
Beautiful photo, but of what I’m not sure. My best guess is that it is a nymph of a leaf-footed bug (Hemiptera: Coreidae). http://www.photovault.com/Link/Orders/EntomologyInsects/HemipteraBugs/OEHVolume01/OEHV01P07_03.3302.jpg  appears to be an adult of this species, but unfortunately, the photographer did not provide an identification.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

 #987  Hello.  I live in Southern Ontario, and this bug was on the side of my house mid afternoon. At first it looked as if it had no wings. After taking the photo, it looks as if it has transparent wings folded up. Is this a wasp of some kind? Is that a stinger at the end?
Thanks.  Tracy
This is a robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae; see no. 915 for another example). They are ambush predators on a wide variety of insects. They usually wait on a favorite perch until some potential prey item wanders into range, at which point the fly launches into rapid flight, (usually) capturing the prey, then returning to its perch to dine in leisure. They are harmless to humans, but a large specimen can deliver a painful ‘bite’ if mishandled.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#986  We were searching and found your address.  We hope you can help us in this regard. We were heading to bed last night and we saw what we thought was a very large item on the hall wall on the way upstairs.  We disturbed it, and it flew over onto the ceiling near a light where we were able to catch it.  It was about 1/2 inch long with wings and had a two part body with a narrow joining part in between.  I had to kill it to stop it from flying away and it was quite crunchy when it was crushed. I was of the opinion that it was a flying ant but am not sure.  I hope my pictures will help. Kind regards.  Ross
This is a wasp in the family Sphecidae, subfamily Sphecinae (thread-waisted wasps). All of these wasps are general predators on other small arthropods; some construct burrows in the ground that they provision with insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. Others construct mud nests in sheltered areas (such as on walls) and prey on spiders.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#985  Hello; I just discovered this wood eating parasite in my basement yesterday. Based on Google research, it appears to be a round-headed borer. My house is less than 2 years old.  I actually HEARD it chipping away at the wood. It sounded much like a mouse chipping away at a sunflower seed. Do you know what it is? There appeared to be only 1, but it created this labyrinth of sawdust packed tunnels about  2 feet long and 3 inches wide at the bottom of a 2x6 beam in my basement.  Do I need to have the problem diagnosed further, and if so, what could you possibly do to determine whether or not any unexposed wood is infected? Thanks for your help,  Pete Vancouver Island 
It is possible that you have an infestation of the old house borer (Hylotrupes bajulus; Coleoptera: Cerambycidae); see http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/old_house_borer.htm  and http://www.anticimex.se/fileobjects/386_HUSBOCK_LARV.jpg See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2126.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

 #984  Having a feast on my sage with a side order of basil (right next door) as well as my greek oregano in an adjacent bed.  I am located in Ontario, Canada just below Georgian Bay right next door to Lake Huron. The bug is about 1/4 to 3/8 inches long. Any thoughts? Liz
This appears to be a four-lined plant bug (Hemiptera: Miridae; Poecilocapsus lineatus); see http://www.sel.barc.usda.gov/selhome/gbu/poecilocapsus.html for an image. Although they will feed on a wide variety of plants (including basil), they seldom become abundant enough to cause serious harm (see http://www.extension.umn.edu/yardandgarden/ygbriefs/e121plantbugs-fourlined.html). Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

 #983  I was wondering if you could help identify this bug, I looked through all of your current photos but did not see it in any of them. We live in SW Florida and one of our dogs found this in our bathroom. It appeared to be struggling with itself, I am guessing that it was in some transitional stage. Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance,  Erwin
This is a male phenogodid beetle (Coleoptera: Phengodidae; Phengodes spp.); see http://www.cedarcreek.umn.edu/insects/album/024054002ap.html for an image. Sometimes called glowworm beetles, the females remain larviform throughout their life (see http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/misc/beetles/phengodidae03.jpg) , and can emit light when disturbed (see http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/misc/beetles/phengodidae05.jpg .  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

 #981  Possible origin: N. Carolina; S. America (if from imported broccoli) Source: inside sandwich.  Submitted by: ConAgra Foods Taber, Alberta.
 This could be the remains of a scarab beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). However, only a specialist in this group would be able to provide a positive i.d. from such an incomplete specimen. Without a specific i.d., it would be nearly impossible to determine the origin of the beetle. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

 #980   Can you tell me what type of hornet this is?   We live in Anchorage, Alaska and this guy is twice as large as most hornets we see up here. He was in our back yard on a weeping birch tree.   He was very slow and clung to that leave circling it for a long while.  My husband even put his hand right up next to it to show the size.  He is very black with the yellow stripes on his back only.   Would appreciate any help on this one.  Thank you.  June

#979 This spider was found in my swimming pool. We live in eastern Quebec, (Montreal Area). It was found around 9 am on the walls of my pool. Can anybody tell me what it is?  Chuck
Hard to tell for sure from the photo, but large wandering spiders (including wolf spiders and fishing/nursery web/dock spiders) often wind up in swimming pools. All of these spiders are harmless to humans, although large specimens are capable of a painful bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#978  We live in South Eastern Ontario. This bug is devouring the blossoms on our rose trees and any other scented shrub and they fly.  Please identify.   regards,
These appear to be rose chafers (Macrodactylus subspinosus; Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). They occur throughout the eastern United states and southern Canada. See http://wihort.uwex.edu/flowers/RoseChafers.htm for a fact sheet that includes control measures. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#977   Hello,  I would really appreciate it if you could identify this bug/fly or what ever it is. I've searched through all the available photos you have and really haven't found anything close. These bugs fly and have become a nuisance. I kill about 20 of these a day and they linger around my slider.  A.W.
This appears to be a parasitic wasp in the superfamily Chalcidoidae, a complex of at least 19 families. For the most part, they are considered beneficial, being parasitic or hyperparasitic on the immature stages of other insects. However, a few species in two families attack plant seeds, and members of one family pollenize figs. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

 #976  Hi there:  We live in Paradise (not joking) Newfoundland & Labrador which is on the very east coast of the Island - a bedroom community on the outskirts of the Capital City of St. John's.  Over the weekend we found some pretty (?) but very destructive pests in one of our Golden Elder (we call them Golden Alder) trees. The tree in question is quite mature (maybe 5 or 6 years old) - - the other 2 are quite young (only about 1 year old) and all 3 are spaced out more than 25 feet apart. No sign of infestation on the younger trees.. The pests are a vivid color of blue and gold and they were quite numerous. A closer inspection today reveals that they appear to actually be boring into the tree and living there !! Here are several pics so that you can pick the one that is best for your purposes: Any help with identification and course of action to rid our poor tree of these would be greatly appreciated.  Cheers = Roger
This appears to be an elder borer (Desmocerus palliatus; Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). See http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/okwild/misc/elderborer.htm for an image and http://www.biosurvey.ou.edu/okwild/misc/elderborer.htm for a fact sheet that includes control measures. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#975  Hi, I live in Kettleby, a small community just north of Toronto, ON. I found these little creatures swimming in our decorative pond. They're white, long and skinny, with a long white tail behind them. Any idea what it is? If they're harmless or if I should look at controlling/ ridding them. If so, how? Thanks! Mel B.

These could be young rat-tailed maggots, larvae of certain species of flower/hover flies (Diptera: Syrphidae); see http://www.entsoc.org/Pubs/Periodicals/News/2005_issues/photo2.jpg  for an image. They are for the most part harmless scavengers, although they occasionally can occur in large enough numbers to be considered pests. See http://ipm.ncsu.edu/AG369/notes/rattailed_maggots.html for a fact sheet.

 #974  We really enjoy your website. There seems to be a lot of these insects around southern Ontario this season, can anyone identify what they are?
This appears to be a treehopper (Homoptera: Cercopidae; see http://tolweb.org/tree/ToLimages/Cercopidae-Philaenus-leuco.250a.jpg  for an image. Their nymphs are called spittlebugs because of their habit of hiding in masses of foam that they secrete; see http://www.ppdl.purdue.edu/ppdl/images/spittlebug_nymph_close.jpeg  for images.

 #973  Hi,  Unknown Bugs, Montreal, Canada. Found May - June, 2006. I live in downtown Montreal and found the smaller bugs (size about 3 mm) inside the apartment and the larger one climbing the window outside the apartment (on the balcony) of a seventeen floor apartment. I have found  5 of the small bugs inside the apartment. I only found the bigger one which was on the outside of the window (balcony side). The bugs shown in the pics crawl (move slowly). I also saw a couple of long (about 8 mm) and hairy bugs moving fast on a carpet. I don't have pics of them. Thanks.
The larger insect is a larder beetle (Dermestes lardarius; Coleoptera: Dermestidae; see no. 942 for another example). Their larvae will infest a wide variety of stored food products (including dry pet food) that contain animal protein. See http://pmo.umext.maine.edu/factsht/Larder.htm  for a fact sheet that includes control measures. The images of the two smaller beetles are too fuzzy for identification, but you may still wish to inspect infestable products such as flour, baking mixes, dried fruit, and dry cereal for signs of infestation. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#972  Hi, we are in SE Wisconsin.  I woke up last night to this one biting (or poking?) me on the hand.  It's about the size of a small spider but has six legs and the long poker!  I can't seem to find anything about it.  Thanks.  Shawn
This is a nut/acorn weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae); likely in the genus Curculio. Weevils in this genus are characterized by the females having a proboscis as long as or longer than their body. Their jaws are at the end of this probiscis, and this combination allows them to bore deep holes in nuts/acorns into which they deposit their eggs.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#971 Unknown Bug, Newmarket, Ontario, Canada.  Found June 22, 2006 Size: Size of a grain or sand.  These bugs were found in a brand new particle board bathroom cabinet, there is thousands of them. This picture is of them stuck to a piece of masking tape that was holding the door closed. Zoom in on the picture to see it more clearly, the camera magnified it 10x.
Thanks a lot for your help.  Teresa
These appear to be mites. If their front pair of legs are much longer than the others (sometimes mistaken for antennae), they likely are clover mites (Bryobia praetiosa), a widespread species that sometimes invades buildings in large numbers; see http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2095.html for a fact sheet. The other possibility is that they could be spider mites, which are plant pests. If you have many house plants, you may wish to check them for signs of such mites; see http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2012.html for a fact sheet. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#970  Hi, Enjoying your website.  I mistook the beautiful insect for an oversized bumblebee as I was picking dead flowers from the petunia bush. The creature seemed drunk with enjoyment as it flew from flower to flower, circling the plant for about 15 minutes. Our "Bird Book" describes a sphinx moth rather poorly, but is my guess. Hoping someone can proof this for me!  Thanks,  Michael at Grand Marais, Manitoba.
This is indeed a sphinx moth (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae), specifically, it is one of the so-called "hummingbird clearwings" in the genus Hemaris. See http://cumuseum.colorado.edu/Exhibits/MothMatters/Images/hemaris-senta_large.jpg  for a clearer image of one.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

# 969  Found this on my Evans Cherry Tree, Grande Prairie, Alberta. 2-3 branches were completely covered with them.  The rest of the tree and surrounding trees were not infested at all. What is it…and any treatment options.  Julie
 These are larvae of lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), likely feeding on aphids or other soft-bodied pests on your trees. These insects are to be encouraged, not controlled!  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV
        ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

# 968  Been living in (Southeastern) North Carolina for a while now and this is the first time I have seen this insect.  I found it on my house, it fly's and has a hard shell.  Please could you tell me what this insect is and whether I should be concern about their presence. Thanks. Robin
 This an eyed elater (Alaus oculatus), the largest click beetle (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in the United States. The adults may feed a little on leaves, but their larvae reportedly are predaceous on other beetle larvae, particularly those of wood borers.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#967  I live in Louisiana I have seen a few of these bugs in the bushes right outside my door. I was wondering if someone could tell me what they are.  Christopher.
 This is an assassin bug (Hemiptera: Reduviidae); possibly Zelus longipes - see http://www.floridanature.org/species.asp?species=Zelus_longipes
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#966  Hello,  I am hoping that someone could help me identify this guy.  I live in Northern Michigan and I found him in my back yard.  He appears to live in a hole that he burrowed there.  His body is about 1 1/2 inches in length.  Thank you very much!!  Stephanie.

This could be a female burrowing wolf spider (Geolycosa spp.; Araneae; Lycosidae)
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#965   I've just moved into an old house on the coast in Central California and have found a few of these the past few evenings, crawling across the lounge carpet, or hitting the wall near a light., usually after a warm day.  Please could you tell me what they are and whether I should be concerned about their presence.  thanks.
This is a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), but does not appear to be a species likely to cause any damage to an existing structure. They probably were attracted to your house lights, with some accidently intruding into the house.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#964  Hello-  I was hoping someone at your wonderful site could help us identify this insect.  There are many throughout my windows in my home, as if they nested there last year, and they have just hatched.  We live in central Connecticut, and it has been very, very wet here the last 8 weeks. These guys showed up about two weeks ago.  The insects are only a little over an inch in size. They are predominately black, with an iridescence blue color on the wings if viewed from an angle. They have very tiny waists, large eyes that cover over 60% of their heads. They also have a “furry” torso appearance through a jeweler’s loupe, and a very small “stinger” on the tip of the bottom.  We have a sushi dinner riding on the verdict. I say “spider wasps”, and my son says “winged carpenter ants”.   Thank you so much for any information you can shed on these little guys. Teresa
On the basis of this being a wasp and not an ant, your son might lose the bet. However, because of its very slender petiole, this specimen more likely is in the family Sphecidae, subfamily Sphecinae (thread-waisted wasps), than Pompilidae (spider wasps), so you may call it a draw.
See http://spiders.entomology.wisc.edu/pred_para/pompilidae/spider_wasp.jpg    for a typical spider wasp and http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/resources/obrien_marjorie/wasp.JPG/view.html  for a thread-waisted wasp. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#963 Hello.  Can you identify the attached flying bug? The picture was taken near Smithers BC and is of a large flying bug of some sort. The bug was not causing any problem and was released to see another day, we're just curious as to what it is.  Ian
This appears to be a fishfly (Megaloptera: Corydalidae). They usually are found close to water as their larvae are aquatic. [When I first studied insect taxonomy 40+ years ago, these were placed in the order Neuroptera.]  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist;

#962  I saw that beautiful beast in the spruce near my balcony here in Montreal. Can someone identify that insect? Thanks. Marc 
This an Ichneumon wasp (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae); likely in the genus Megarhyssa. These largest of our ichneumon wasps are parasitic on the larvae of wood wasps, such as the pigeon tremex or horntail.
See http://www.cirrusimage.com/Hymenoptera/megarhyssa_fem_15.jpg for an image of a female boring into wood to lay her egg. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#961  A friend of mine and I were hiking in the foothills of the western San Juaquin Valley (outside Avenal, CA) and came across this interesting insect that we think might be some type of wasp. There were quite a few of them on a patch of sunflowers. They were not pests; on the contrary, they were quite tolerant of us photographing them. I looked around on the web and can’t seem to find anything that looks like them. Can you help? ( They were HUGE- about 2” long.)  Thanks so much, Terry C., Fresno, CA
This wasp appears to be a tarantula hawk (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae), either Hemipepsis or Pepsis spp. The female wasp paralyzes tarantulas with her sting, drags it to her burrow and lays an egg on it. The larva then feeds on the still living tarantula. These wasps are reputed to have the most painful sting of any North American wasp, but they are not aggressive, and one likely would have to actually pick up a wasp in order to get stung.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#959  We just moved into a house that's about 6 months old.  We live in Wilton, CA, which is near Sacramento.  We're out on 3 acres in the country and found these bugs in the garage and inside the house.  They're mostly around the baseboards in the house, although some have been found in open areas.  There's also some that are brown that look identical to these in the pictures.  They look like some sort of beetle, but we can't figure out what kind they are.  Any help is appreciated.  Thank you!  Jason
This is a ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae). Most species in this family (such as the specimen in your photograph) are general predators on other small arthropods, and thus considered beneficial from a human viewpoint. They frequently are accidental invaders of houses. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#958 This moth was flying around outside my house at night near the light.  The next morning it was dead and lying on my deck.  What kind of moth is this it is so big.  I live in northern New Jersey. Thanks Jill
This appears to be a cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia; Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), usually considered the largest moth native to North America; see http://www.doubledw.us/DSC_3656-cecropia-moth.jpg for an image of a freshly emerged specimen. Their colorful larvae (see http://www.uwgb.edu/biodiversity/econotes/2001/cecropia_caterpillar2001082.jpg ) feed on the leaves of several species of trees, but seldom become abundant enough to be considered pests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#957  I live in Spokane, WA. I found several of these crawling on the lawn mower after I used it. It's about 1/2 inch long and has hairs or spines on his back. I have browsed most of the pictures here and haven't seen anything that matches. Anyone know what it is? Thanks, John
This is a larva of a lady beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). The vast majority of species in this family are considered beneficial, feeding on a variety of smaller insects such as aphids and scale insects. A few black sheep, such as the Mexican bean beetle, can be plant pests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
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Photo #957 is a lady bug larvae. This is the stage before it goes into a type of a cocoon and comes out as a red and black lady bug we usually see. The larvae are the opposite colors that the adult has. They look like mini dragons. They only stay this way for a few weeks. Treasure them. They are very important.  Penny
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This  is the larvae of a Harmonia axyridis ladybird, which is known by many names: Halloween/Multi-coloured Asian/Harlequin ladybird. They may give a nip if handled.  James

#955  Hello! My name is Andrea and I recently found this bug or something in my home. I am not sure what it is so I found this website. I live in Mapleton, Minnesota. This bug was found in my home, and it was actually crawling on my step-brother's foot when he noticed it. So we put it in a cup of water...surprisingly it was able to swim... There are actually 2 different bugs in this cup but I am most curious about the freaky looking black one on the bottom of both of the pictures. It looks scary and as if it would bite or something because of its big teeth on its head. Thank you!
The upper (brown) beetle is one of the scarab beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) commonly known as June bugs or May beetles They are leaf feeders, primarily on trees and shrubs; their larvae can be important turf/lawn pests feeding on roots of grasses. The lower (black) beetle is a ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae), likely in the genus Scarites. They are general predators on a wide variety of smaller arthropods. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks grove, WV.

#954  I found this spider on my deck. I live in Northern NJ. Can you tell me what it is?
This is not a true spider, but a harvestman (sometimes called ‘daddy long-legs’), an arachnid in the order Opiliones. Unlike spiders, they lack venom and are omnivores; they are completely harmless to humans. For more information, see http://www.xs4all.nl/~ednieuw/Spiders/Opiliones/Opiliones.htm  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks grove, WV.

#953  These millipedes were found in Canby, Oregon -- just south of Portland, in the Willamette River Valley.  The photos are not really clear or up-close, but can you tell me what they are?  I think they are spirobolid millipedes, but can't find out if they're native to western Oregon or not.  Douglas.
This millipede could be in the genus Tylobolus, a spirobolid native to Oregon; see http://www.myriapoda.org/diplopoda/Spirobolidae/thumbs/Tylobolusuncigerus_WL.jpg  for an image. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks grove, WV.

#952   I live in Hawaii.  Every year in late spring we get these pesky little insects.  We had a swarm of them 2 nights ago (May 22)...literally hundreds of them attracted to the light of our kitchen windows from outside.  They are small enough that they could work their way into the house around the window screens.  They have long, transparent wings which drop off, and then the insects don't live long afterwards.  We found dozens of them on the floors all around the house the morning after the swarm.  This morning as I was out walking, I could see the sidewalks in the neighborhood littered with the discarded wings.    I was lucky to find a dead one with its wings still attached.  The other one was still alive when I took this photo.  Can you identify them?  J.F., Kahalu'u, HI 
These are termites; specifically, swarming reproductives that shed their wings after a nuptial flight. You may wish to have your premises inspected by a certified termite control specialist; see http://www.termite.com/hawaii    Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks grove, WV.

#951  Hi, we recently moved into a apartment close to Lake Ontario in Oakville, Ontario and we have notice hundreds, if not thousands of these bugs on the balcony and window screens. They have also been noticed swarming around the building and as you can imagine with this amount of insects there is a healthy population of small spiders trying their best to consume them.  The most annoying thing about these bugs is that they are somewhat attracted to light and we have a hard time using our balcony in the evening because the seem to swarm around the lights. I have no idea what these little guys are except that they are most annoying!
Best Regards, Jason G
This is a midge (Diptera: Chironomidae), a non-biting cousin of mosquitoes. Although they do no actual harm, they can occur in such enormous numbers as to cause considerable discomfort by their very presence. Control of these insects is difficult primarily because their larvae can occur in such a wide variety of aquatic/marshy environments. Modifying your outdoor lighting might provide some relief. See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2129.html for a fact sheet that includes specific recommendations.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks grove, WV.

#951  Hi, we recently moved into a apartment close to Lake Ontario in Oakville, Ontario and we have notice hundreds, if not thousands of these bugs on the balcony and window screens. They have also been noticed swarming around the building and as you can imagine with this amount of insects there is a healthy population of small spiders trying their best to consume them.  The most annoying thing about these bugs is that they are somewhat attracted to light and we have a hard time using our balcony in the evening because the seem to swarm around the lights. I have no idea what these little guys are except that they are most annoying!
Best Regards, Jason G
This is a midge (Diptera: Chironomidae), a non-biting cousin of mosquitoes. Although they do no actual harm, they can occur in such enormous numbers as to cause considerable discomfort by their very presence. Control of these insects is difficult primarily because their larvae can occur in such a wide variety of aquatic/marshy environments. Modifying your outdoor lighting might provide some relief. See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2129.html for a fact sheet that includes specific recommendations.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks grove, WV.

 #950   We live in Lynchburg, Virginia in the central part of the state and have recently been seeing these flying insects in the garage and in the house.  They attach themselves to curtains, walls, and occasionally fly about mostly at night. When killed, or squeezed, they leave a blackish powder that is very difficult to remove from the surface that they are on. When we first observed them, we thought they were originating in some paper products that we keep in cabinets in the garage, but since we have removed the paper products they are still hanging around. We call them "Millers" for lack of a better word. I have used a "Bug Bomb" in the garage, and it seemed to get rid of some of them, but they are still flying about. Would appreciate any help we can get to eradicate these creatures. Thanks. Tyler
This is an Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). As their larvae can infest a wide variety of stored food products, you should inspect any infestable foodstuffs (including dry pet food) in your house for signs of infestation. In addition to feeding damage, items infested by these caterpillars usually will have bits of silk webbing as well. See http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/urban/stored/indianmeal_moth.htm  for a fact sheet that includes control measures. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks grove, WV.

#949 I live in Riverview NB Canada.  We find this bug walking up the wall or across the ceiling all over the house but mainly in the kitchen and near the back door. This is the 3rd summer it has appeared. I would guess that it is about 0.5 cm long. I would be most thankful if someone could tell me what it is and how to get rid of it.  Judy Bulmer.
This is a weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), but it does not appear to a species known to be a household pest. It most likely is an accidental invader, and there should be no need for control. See numbers 896, 850, and 844 for other examples. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks grove, WV.

#948  Can you identify these? I am attaching picture that I scanned of ones found in my house. I am finding a lot of these little bugs in my house this spring. The large one with reddish orange was a lone one but wondered if it was related.  The small ones (about 1/4") are found in the basement, bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms on the floors and usually dead. Few on kitchen floor but have not seen any in cupboards or food.  When alive they seem to "jump" about two feet.  I do not recall ever seeing them before and have lived in this house for over 35 years. Any help in identifying and controlling them would be greatly appreciated.  I live in Nova Scotia if that of any help. Helen

#947  Hi, we've been finding these all around the house in impressive numbers. Just today we've found over 40 of these. If anyone could tell us what they are and how to get rid of them, it would be greatly appreciated.  There also seems to be a recent boom in their numbers, i believe it is related to the heat as our weather has gotten significantly warmer recently. We live in Coquitlam, British Columbia.  Thanks in advance.  Terence.
This is a silverfish firebrat (Thysanura: Lepismatidae; see nos.920 and 853 for other examples). They may be household pests at times, feeding on materials containing starch such as book bindings, wallpaper, starched clothing, etc.

#946  I live in St. Albans WV.  I have this spider living outside my front door for the past month.  It never bothers anyone and is only seen at night, so I have left it there. It grows at a good rate, it has almost doubled in size since it first appeared.  I have killed two smaller ones that have made there way into the house.  Can anyone tell me what kind of spider this is? Leslie
This appears to be an orb-weaving spider; a very large family, all of whose members are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#945  I found dozens of these bugs in our home tonight having never seen them previously. I live on Vancouver Island, BC. It may not be clear but there appears to be three sections to the body with the head slightly tucked under in the picture after this one was poked and prodded a bit.  Found crawling on the floor, does not appear to be capable of flight.  Thanks.
This is a click beetle (Coleoptera: Elateridae). They are not household pests, but are accidental invaders. The adult beetles are leaf feeders active at night; their larvae (often called ‘wireworms’) feed underground on a wide variety of vegetation, including potatoes, sweet potatoes, and corn; some species may be serious agricultural pests (see http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/entfacts/fldcrops/ef120.htm ). Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#944  I live in Auburn, Alabama and i found this bug on a fence post behind my house.  it was about the size of a dime to the outside of its legs.  i can't find any pictures on the web that look exactly like it.  the closest that i can find is a type of leaf footed bug.  any ideas??  ( photo shows the fence post which is about 6 inches in diameter just to give you an idea of the size of the bug)  thanks, Thomas Boutwell
This is a nymph of an assassin bug (Hemiptera: Reduviidae); these insects are for the most part general predators on a wide variety of arthropods, but some tropical/subtropical species are blood feeders. This specimen likely is a wheel bug, Arilus cristatus, the largest species in this family in eastern North America. When it becomes an adult, its appearance is very different from that of the nymph - see http://www.sas.org/tcs/weeklyIssues/2004-08-27/mimsci/art/Mims_Assasin bug_Dscn5674.jpg
   Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#943  I live in Muskoka, Ontario, Canada. I have numerous flies like this attached one on a tree on my front lawn, they are attached to the leaves. To be honest, I'm not sure why type of tree it is ... but it was invaded by Sawflies (the worm version) last year that killed all the leaves. They have started from the ground up, I see them attached to the leaves on the tree but also to long blades of grass on the ground around the tree.  Basically they are a black coloured fly with a small orange area behind their head. This one is "small" at about 75mm from head to tail, but I have two more in a jar that are still alive (can't take a picture of them without taking them out and asking them to "stay still") that are a full 1cm (100mm). Any help would be greatly appreciated. Kevin Plested
This likely is a ‘typical’ sawfly (Hymenoptera: Tenthredinidae); see http://www.planktonik.com/museum/images/insects/0505aschurenji01_s.jpg  for an image. This is a very large family, whose larvae are for the most part leaf feeders on a variety of trees and shrubs (a few are leaf miners). Some species, such as the larch sawfly, can be very serious pests. See http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG6703.html  for information on several pest species that includes control measures. If you want to try for a clearer photo, place the jar with the insects in your refrigerator for an hour or so. This should keep them still long enough for you to photograph them.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#942  Hi! We have these bugs in our furnace ductwork. What are they? Thanks for your help! Linda 
This is a larder beetle (Dermestes lardarius; Coleoptera: Dermestidae). They can be general pantry pests, whose larvae will infest a wide variety of stored food products that contain animal protein. See http://pmo.umext.maine.edu/factsht/Larder.htm for a fact sheet that includes control measures. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#941     Hi there,   Can you please tell me what I’m looking at here?  The second picture shows the parasite under high magnification.  Wim vH
As this parasite appears to have at least some rudimentary legs as well as a head capsule, it more likely is a hymenopteran (wasp) than a dipteran (fly) larva. In that case, it could be a larva of a tiphiid wasp (Hymenoptera: Tiphiidae). Wasps in the genus Methoca in particular appear restricted to tiger beetle larvae as hosts. There also are some bee flies (Diptera: Bombyliidae; see no. 940) whose larvae prey on tiger beetle larvae, but these larvae (maggots) are legless. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#940   Hi there, we're from Nova Scotia Canada and love your site. Found this little guy dying out in our bug hut and thought he was interesting. Kind of had the wings of a horsefly but hairy like a bumble bee and he looks like he has a nectar drinking tube perhaps? Just haven't noticed them before. Thanks for any assistance :) 
This is a bee fly (Diptera: Bombyliidae). The adult flies are nectar feeders and their larvae (as far as is known) are parasitic on the immature stages of a wide variety of other insects. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
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#939  Can you please help me identify this insect? We have been seeing several appearing on warm days- almost always on the kitchen/dining room and bathroom windows (but also on windows throughout the house). They fly. I only saw a few last year but his year I have seen up to 6 or 8 a day on the warm spring days for a month or two now. I have seen them on the outside of the house too. Are they something to be concerned about? I can't see where they are coming from. We have a cedar timber-frame type ceiling- could they be coming from there? I did see a few holes in the wood in one area that looks like an insect has been boring- would that be related? I can't seem to find anything like in on your website. Thanks so much - I appreciate any assistance Rosanne, Smithers BC

#938    I found this little bug in my bed once and one other time 4-5 months ago. it looks like a Sow bug or Pill bug. It was light red and .5 cm long.  Can you give me some more info?  Thanks.  Alberto
 This could be a larva of a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae). They feed on a wide variety of organic material including woolen fabrics. You may wish to inspect any woolen blankets, carpets, etc. for more of these insects or signs of their damage. See http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7436.html for a fact sheet that includes control measures. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#937.  Can you identify this moth please.  Evelyn
 This is either a clothes moth or Indian meal moth. im pretty sure its a indian meal moth because clothes moths are one whole color. indian meal moths like to be in food and by ceilings and on walls. mostly in kitchens or where stored food is. they even eat through boxes and plastic. i hope this helps you. QTP.
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This moth appears to belong to the family Pyralidae. This is a large family, most of whose members are relatively small and nondescript, and includes several species that can be pests. Although I cannot be certain, this specimen resembles the Indian Meal moth (Plodia interpunctella; see http://lancaster.unl.edu/enviro/Images/Insects/Indianmeal.JPG  for an image), whose larvae can infest a wide variety of stored food products. You should inspect any infestable foodstuffs (including dry pet food) in your pantry for signs of infestation. In addition to feeding damage, items infested by these caterpillars usually will have bits of silk webbing as well. See http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/urban/stored/indianmeal_moth.htm for a fact sheet that includes control measures. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#936 We just moved into a remodeled home in near Portland, Oregon and have been finding these spiders frequently. I have seen them on top of walls near the ceiling and running across the carpet. Please let us know what they are if you can.  Heidi.
This spider is an active hunter rather than a capture-web spinner. I cannot be certain, but it might be a ground or running spider (family Gnaphosidae; see http://www.samford.edu/schools/artsci/biology/zoology/invertzoo-05f/pages/163.htm  for an image). They are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#935  I have found 3 of these on my body only. I think it may be because they are so tiny I  might not notice them otherwise. 1 was found on my ear a week ago and 2 more on my hands tonight. At first I was horrified by the thought of bed bugs but I had and exterminator come to my house to tell me that I did not have bed bugs. Could you please take a look at it!
Peter
Hard to tell from the photo, but this likely is a mite (Acarini), especially if it is a millimeter or less in length and soft-bodied (ticks that small still would be hard-bodied). The chances are that it is a plant-feeding species (such as spider mites) that is an accidental invader. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#934  Great site! I went through about 400 bugs and didn't find one that matched what is in my house in upstate NY lately. I have a suspicion that they were in some logs I brought in for firewood and have not used. On the first warm day this Spring is when I first noticed these guys on the floor, walls, window casing, etc. Mostly confined to one location...near the fireplace. They are a bit over 1/8" long. Half of them have the antennae similar to the picture, while the other half seem to have just two thin antennae. Other than that, they all look the same. They also all have tiny "graspers" on their hind ends. Color is black.  I'm sure this is not something out of the ordinary, but I haven't seen any similar pictures anywhere. Any help would be greatly appreciated.  Todd
Nice photo! This beetle most likely is a drugstore/death watch beetle (Coleoptera: Anobiidae) in the genus Ptilinus (see http://212.84.179.117/i/Ptilinus.jpg for an image). This genus is characterized by the males having fan-shaped (flabellate) antennae (the antennae of females are more ‘normal’ in appearance. The larvae of beetles in this genus feed primarily in the branches of oaks and maples. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

#933  Hi,  I hope you can help me.  I live in southeast Louisiana.  I have a river birch tree that is infested with these worms.  They start out tiny, rest in a tight circle, and get to be about two inches when full grown.  Then they disappear.  I have no idea what they are.  I'm attaching a picture for your consideration.  Thela.     Louisiana
These are sawfly larvae, likely the elm sawfly, Cimbex americana (Hymenoptera: Cimbicidae). Although most commonly a pest of elms, they will feed on other trees, including birch. The adults superficially resemble large bees; see http://cedarcreek.umn.edu/insects/newslides/025005003cim.jpg for an image. If control becomes necessary, most ‘garden-variety’ pesticides (such as Sevin) should suffice. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#931  Hi, My name is Nancy and I recently bought A package of Oriental lilies and planted them two weeks ago and yesterday noticed that the leafs were eaten ( small wholes) and in between the leafs I found this strange bug. There are about 10 to 12 of them. Am I right in saying that they are the Lily Leaf Beetle? (Hope the photo is clear). And what should I do to get rid of them? I purchased the lilies @ a store in Newport, R.I., which is where I live. Any info would be greatly appreciated!  Nancy
This certainly does appear to be the lily leaf beetle (Lilioceris lilii), a European species, now widespread in North America; see http://gillesgonthier.com/Photos/Coleoptera/p_lilioceris04.jpg  for an image, and no. 862 for another example. See http://www.uri.edu/ce/factsheets/sheets/lilyleafbeetle.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#930  Spider(?) found in Hotel in Shanghai. Also found were many small red itchy bumps on legs and arms. Any connection??  Thanks for your help.
Although I cannot identify this spider from the photo, it does not appear to be a species known to be medically significant, and likely did not have anything to do with the skin condition you noted. Unless one actually catches an arthropod in the act of biting, it is very difficult to assign ‘blame’ to a particular species. Also, there are many other conditions that can cause skin blemishes similar to arthropod bites. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#929  Please help me identify this bug. I live in Los Angeles, CA. I typically only see these outside. Thanks. 
This is my wife’s least favorite insect, an earwig (order Dermaptera). Most commonly considered nuisance pests, some species can damage very tender plants. The forcep-like cerci at the end of their abdomen are mobile, and large specimens can give a slight but harmless pinch with them. See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2068.html for a fact sheet. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
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I was browsing your site and noticed one of the insect photos was not yet identified. #929 is an earwig. This particular one was found in California and i'm writing from Nova Scotia ;  they must be everywhere. I use soapy water to deter them.
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The insect in photo #929 is an earwig, Forficula auricularia .  They are harmless, but can be quite a nuisance.  There is some good information on them on Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earwig   Bobbi Bauer,  Florida

#928   Found this bug sitting on vertically hung white fabric with his head pointed downward. He was apparently sleeping and not easily disturbed. I'm in eastern North Carolina, USA. Anyone know what it is?  Thanks, Richard
This an adult caddisfly (order Trichoptera). Close relatives of the Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), caddisfly larvae are aquatic, usually constructing protective ‘cases’ out of small pebbles, twigs, or other debris, held together with silk or a glue-like substance. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#921  Hi, I live in the Niagara region of Canada and found these bugs living in my shed. The can fly and are living in the insulation of my shed. Can anyone tell me if they are harmful to wood. I want to drywall the shed but will hold off until I can identify these interesting creatures. I have caught some and taken them to the end of the yard to live elsewhere. I try not to kill bugs or anything else as they are just like us, trying to get by. Thanks, Ed
This is leaf-footed bug (Hemiptera: Coreidae). With a few exceptions, these are plant pests, with some of economic importance, such as the western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis; see http://www.lesinsectesduquebec.com/insecta/20-hemiptera/Leptoglossus_occidentalis.JPG
for an image and nos. 811, 786, and 716 for other examples), which your specimen closely resembles. This species often is found indoors during cooler months. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
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 This is a leaf-footed bug see
http://www.uoguelph.ca/pdc/Factsheets/Insect/WesternConiferSeedBug.htm  Jay

#920   Hi I'm located in Fort Lauderdale area Florida. This bug was on the wall close to the ceiling. They tend to hide in the carpet. I've spotted them all over the apartment. I would like to get a name for this bug. Thanks a lot!!!!  Reg
This is either a silverfish or a firebrat (Thysanura: Lepismatidae; see no. 853 for another example). They may be pests at times, feeding on materials containing starch such as bookbindings, wallpaper, starched clothing, etc.
See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2108.htm  for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#919  I live in western PA and have been having problems for about 9 months now with these small worms in my bathtub.  They stay between the tub seal and the tub and you may only see a few of them at a time.  They are so small that my husband tried to tell me that they weren't worms even after he saw them move.  The other day I sprayed with cleaner and separated the space between the seal and the tub and was able to get a quite a few of them out.  Can anyone tell me what they are, how to get rid of them, and will the cause damage?  Thanks for a great site.  Linda
These appear to be larvae of flies in the family Psychodidae. Commonly called sewer, drain, or moth flies (the adults have broad, fuzzy wings and superficially resemble small moths - see http://hortipm.tamu.edu/pestprofiles/chewing/mothfly/mothfly.html ), they may be found in damp situations such as floor, sink, or shower drains and the like, where the larvae feed on decaying organic matter, such as the gelatinous film underneath drain plugs and screens and inside of pipes. They do no real harm there, but are considered nuisance pests. See http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/iiin/mothfli.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#918 What kind of beetle is this? I found it in my backyard on my sidewalk, it was dead and there are anthills all around it.  It's black and has a few sets of dotted lines on its back. It appears to have wings.  I live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada.  Dustin
This is a ground beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae); likely in the genus Carabus. Beetles in this genus (as well as the vast majority of species in this family) are general predators on other small arthropods, and thus considered beneficial from a human viewpoint. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#917  Hello,  I found this spider outside on the east side of the house. It seems to resemble a widow in shape, and I found it eating another spider, but the colorization is very different. Though it does have some similarities to a few orb weaver spiders. So I’m not sure what line it belongs to. The picture does not show the web ,but it was a tangled and messy in structure. I live in Surrey BC. Any information would be helpful.  Thanks.  Nat
This a cobweb spider (family Theridiidae); see http://www.oeko-msc.de/Achaearanea-tepidariorum.JPG for an image. This family includes the infamous widow spiders (Latrodectus spp.), but cobweb spiders are harmless to humans. Many people consider them nuisance pests because of their unsightly webs. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#916  I live in Singapore - I know that's very far away from Canada - but I couldn't find a better site to ask this question. These little critters have been appearing every couple of weeks. Brown, six legs, beaded feelers, about 8mm long. I don't know what they are, but they run pretty quickly and like to hide in nooks and crannies.  Occasionally I see clusters of brown eggs, like large grass seeds, in the hundreds under my dustbin in the bedroom. I never got to saw what laid those eggs.   What are these insects, and what do they eat? A. Chern.  Singapore
These appear to be termites that have shed their wings after a nuptial/dispersal flight. You may wish to have your premises inspected by a certified termite control specialist. The eggs you noted are from something entirely different, as termite queens only lay eggs within a special chamber in the colony. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#915  Dear folks,  I need your help in identifying the insect shown in the picture. Its size is
1/2 inch from the eyes to the tip of the wings. Several (exactly 6) of these fellows showed up in our family room window INSIDE the house, at the exact same time. (I'm speculating that they may have hatched in one of the many plant pots in that room; I really don't think they came from the outside, it's just too much coincidence.) I live in South-East Michigan, and the mysterious creatures appeared on April 22. (By the way, even it seems the same as #894, I don't think it is. This one has that distinctive that orange spot on its back, and also the abdomen section under the wings has orange-black patterns.) Thanks a lot, -Peter
This most likely is a robber fly (Diptera: Asilidae); see http://delta-intkey.com/britin/images/bent1531.jpg for an illustration). One way to distinguish members of this family from similar appearing ones is to look at its head from the front. If the area between the eyes appears lower (depressed) than the tops of the eyes, it is a robber fly. These insects are general predators on a wide variety of other arthropods, and generally are considered beneficial. They are not aggressive towards humans, but large specimens can deliver a painful ‘bite’ if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

 #914  This large wasp like insect was found inside a room under renovation in a house in Alberta.  It is approximately 4 cm long from antennae to ovipositor.  Any ideas anyone? Russ
This is a wood wasp (Hymenoptera: Siricidae). Sometimes called ‘horntails,’ their larvae bore in wood, usually attacking unhealthy or downed trees. See http://collections.ic.gc.ca/biodiversity/family/Siricidae.html for more information. Please note that the species illustrated is an example of the group, and not necessarily identical with your specimen. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
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This appears to be a horntail check out:  http://www.insectsofalberta.com/horntail.htm   Jay

#913  This particular species only showed up in the last couple years. We have lived here in Northern Ny for over 10 years. They are quite aggressive and will actively move forward towards a human to attack them if given the opportunity. We have not seen them do any specific jumping but they do run at human hands as the case may be when on the counter for instance. They have red to orange stripes/dots on the top of the thorax and white lines while the rest of the body tends to be grey, brown, and black. I pegged this guy just barely with the edge of a jam jar. So, I apologize for the sticky looking bit on the head. They very easily run over the surface of water as to be expected with a hairy spider like this one. It can spin webbing but they do not make webs. I killed one yesterday and then this one today I managed to get with out entirely squishing it.  Bryan from Ny

#912   I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia and I just noticed these bugs outside my back door (which is concrete) the other day when it had been raining for a few days  They're still there, but not in a carpet like they were before.  They look a bit like a thin, tiny pill-bug, but they sometimes bend themselves into the shape of a 'C' and they can jump like fleas. When they do jump, they land on their back end by sticking on and then putting their feet down and then release their bum from the wall.  They're definitely not fleas or ticks; they look a bit like weevils with the little antennae sticking out front, but walk low down like pill-bugs. They have 6 legs, so they are insects not arachnids or crustaceans. Any ideas?  Thanks,  Andrew
Great image of such small specimens! These are primitive arthropods (there are arguments as to whether or not they should be classified as true insects; see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collembola) in the order Collembola, often called ‘springtails’ from their distinctive mode of locomotion; your specimens could be in the family Poduridae. Harmless as far as humans are concerned, a few species in the family Sminthuridae can be agricultural or greenhouse pests. When found indoors, collembolans usually are confined to areas with plentiful moisture, as they are quite susceptible to dessication. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
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They appear to be springtails. See http://www.uoguelph.ca/pdc/Factsheets/Insect/Springtails.htm .
Jay

#911  Dear Pest Control Canada, These aren't really pests, but I was still curious about their identification.  I found them outside on my porch in eastern Pennsylvania around August of last year.  They were quite large (object in picture is a regular wooden stirring spoon) and slow-moving. Do you guys have any idea of what they might be?  Thanks so much!  Lisa
Nice picture! This is a pair (possibly courting; the female is the larger of the two) of wheel bugs (Arilus cristatus; Hemiptera: Reduviidae). The largest assassin bug in eastern North America, they are general predators on other small arthropods. They are capable of  a painful ‘bite’ if mishandled; see http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/entomology/factsheets/wheelbug.html  for a fact sheet. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#910  I live in Central Virginia, US...and I found this flying around my living room this evening.  It is not a normal sized wasp/bee/hornet that I've ever seen.  It's face is also a yellowish color...and before it curled up when it died it was about 2 inches long.  It looks like a Japanese Hornet to me but I didn't think those are found anywhere in the US.  I can't really find anything else on the web that looks like this insect.  Any ideas/help?  Where should I be looking for this guy's friends?  I can't risk getting stung.  Your help is appreciated!  Thanks.  Kimberly
This may be a European hornet (Vespa crabro; Hymenoptera: Vespidae); see http://www.sef.nu/landskapsinsekter/images2/crabo_ake.jpg for an image and http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2128.html for a fact sheet. These wasps are relatively non-aggressive; I’ve worked within a few feet of a nest entrance and foraging workers, and have never been stung by them. Can’t say the same for yellowjackets! Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#906  I am from Pensacola Florida.  I first noticed a few small black flies then a few weeks later I would have these "black maggots" in my shower stall.  It seems like they come from the underside of the shower door frame (which is full length to the floor).  I have not been able to get a photo of the fly portion of it, but it is quite small with rounded wings.  It seems to cycle about every 3 weeks.  I see the flies for a day or two, then when the larvae start to appear, they last about 3-4 days of washing them down the drain.  What are they?  How do I get rid of them?  We have cleaned everything we can, except for taking the entire frame off of of the shower, we would like to avoid that if we could.  Please help!   These things freak me out!  Thanks alot for any help we can get.  Joni
The image of the larva is too fuzzy to identify, but from your description of the adult flies, you might have an infestation of moth flies (Diptera: Psychodidae); sometimes called drain flies. They do no real harm, but are considered nuisance pests just by their presence indoors. See http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/iiin/mothfli.html for a fact sheet that includes an image of the adult fly as well as control measures. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#905  This spider was crawling on my wallet when I pulled my wallet from my purse, on the Westside of Okanagan Lake, between Kelowna and Vernon BC. That is worn green fake outdoor carpet the spider is crawling on. This spider is about as big as any other spider and not overly large or small. He looked hairy to me.  I am wondering if he could hurt me lol !!  I tried to find a similar spider around the internet but couldn't find anything.  Hoping someone else will know what type of spider this is.  Shar 
This a jumping spider (family Salticidae); specifically, it appears to be the boreal jumping spider, Phidippus borealis (see http://dereila.ca/dereilaimages/Spider49G.jpg for an image. These spiders are active hunters, relying on their keen eyesight to detect prey. Large jumping spiders can deliver a painful nip if mishandled, but none are known to be dangerously venomous to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#904  This little critter feasts annually on my Spanish Broom. I live in Mesa, AZ, USA. This same critter feasted on the same plant in Albuquerque, NM.
What is it and how do I kill it and all of its friends?
 The photo image is too fuzzy to attempt an identification. If no one else submits an i.d., I suggest that you contact your county office of the University of Arizona’s Cooperative Extension Service to see if someone there can be of assistance. See http://ag.arizona.edu/extension/counties/index.html for contact information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
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It appears to be the infestation of Diamondback Moth - Plutella xylostella. Caterpillar. Any contact insecticide/dust work well against this pest.  Prem Sharma

#903  We found this spider while hiking the Bruce Trail in Burlington Ontario Canada.  It was found underneath a rock and we were wondering what it is. Thanks, David
This could be a nursery web/fishing spider (family Pisuaridae), such as Dolomedes tenebrosus (see http://spiders.entomology.wisc.edu/Pisauridae/Dolomedes/tenebrosus.jpg ). Closely related to wolf spiders (family Lycosidae), the primary difference is in the arrangement of their eyes - in wolf spiders, two of the forward-facing eyes are greatly enlarged (see http://www.accessexcellence.org/LC/SS/wolf_spider/spider_section1.html ); pisaurids lack this feature (see http://www.uark.edu/depts/entomolo/museum/dolomede.html ).    Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#902 We found this bug near my work in Toronto, Ont and were wondering if you can please take a look at the picture I posted and tell me what it is. It is about 3-4 inches in length and about 2 inches in width.  Your help is greatly appreciated, thanks a lot and hope to hear back from you soon.  Stephanie 
This a giant water bug (Hemiptera: Belostomatidae). Sometimes called electric light bugs or toe biters, they can deliver a painful ‘bite’ if mishandled. They are general predators on other aquatic life, including insects, snails, tadpoles, and the occasional small fish. Adults are strong fliers, and often are found at quite some distance from water. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

#901  Hello. I live in Winnipeg, MB. I was recently renovating an attached, heated sunroom on our home, and discovered several wood studs in the wall with extensive insect damage. I looked closely for possible culprits, but found none. A few months later, I observed several of these insects (attached photos) on one of the window sills. They are pale brown to white, and just over 1 millimetre in length (the photos were taken through the ocular of a microscope). Any thoughts?
This appears to be a booklouse (Psocoptera: Liposcelidae). These are not structural pests, but feed primarily on molds; they tend to favour areas with relatively high temperatures and humidity. See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2080.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.