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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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What is this pest?
Submit photos of any pest you would
like identified. Hopefully one of our visitors
will be able to identify them.
How to send your photos.
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
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 2200
found this bug in my bathroom. I only see them in the morning and I have only
seen one at a time, almost always on the rug in front of the bathtub. They seem
to be quick like silverfish and when I kill them they seem to turn to a silvery
powder like silverfish. Are they possibly firebrats? I live in Winnipeg. Thanks,
Beth.
This does look like a
firebrat (Thermobia domestica) - see
http://tinyurl.com/crpj98 for an
image. Both firebrats and silverfish collectively are known as bristletails,
primitive insects in the order Thysanura, family Lepismatidae. See
http://tinyurl.com/bzx2w5 for a
fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad. Retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2199
Hello, We live in Southern Ontario. We have never encountered this bug in our
house before. It is the only one we have seen so far but its rather large
pincers seem like it could give a nasty bite. Thank you for your help, Lisa
This is a pseudoscorpion, not a scorpion at
all, although it looks a bit like one. It is more closely related to spiders and
eats insects and
mites that are smaller than it. Normally it would live in the leaf litter
outside but this little guy has somehow made its way into your
home. So bottom line is it is beneficial so don't worry about it. You can either
let it live in your house perhaps amongst your plants (not
that it will stay there, they do tend to wander) or you can find it some
sheltered place outside (a wood shed or wood pile perhaps) and hopefully it will
live on becoming active again in the spring. Here are some websites to visit:
http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/natural/insects/bugsfaq/pseudo.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudoscorpion
Sincerely, Kathryn Nystrom - Forest Insect Diagnostics and
Identification/Diagnostic |
 2198
Hi. We live in small Northern Ontario town. I found this "shell" in the corner
of our basement while spring cleaning. The actual size is around 3/4"
long. Looks pretty creepy.
This a camel/cave cricket
(Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae; formerly a subfamily within Tettigoniidae).
They basically are harmless, but can become nuisance pests indoors; see no.
2163 for another example and
http://tinyurl.com/bxzlc6 for a
fact sheet. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2197
Can someone help me id this bug. It first showed up in August. I am located in
Northeast PA. The bug found its way inside the house. For awhile I thought it
was gone. But now, I seem to have a infestation in my house. I would like to
know what the bug is so that I can get rid of them living in my home. They have
a very hard shell and its belly is whitish color. It will fly and has a very
loud buzz when it does fly. It appears that flight is short and they prefer to
walk around. Thank you for any help you can offer. Sue Merlino
This is a stink bug
(Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). The image is too fuzzy to be certain, but
it might be a brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), a species
that commonly invades buildings in search of shelter - see
http://tinyurl.com/2bc2n2 for
detailed information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  2196
Hello, I have had a series of insect encounters that has led me to a curious
creature I had never before seen. In late August we had learned the Milwaukee
Wisconsin home we had just moved into had a wall infestation of yellow jackets.
After about 3 months of fighting them I feel I had seen and killed my last one.
Then in early January I had found on 3 different locations a brown bug that
appears to be some sort of seed bug photo attached). Then in Late January my
wife swatted this black and yellow beast into her dish water and drowned it. She
thought it might be the queen yellow jacket photo attached), but I have found
nothing to support that. It oddly enough looks like a combination of seed bug
and yellow jacket. Interested to see if someone can help me identify and see if
we should be concerned of further infestation. Thank you, Cliff.
This also appears to be a western
conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis; Hemiptera/Heteroptera:
Coreidae) - see nos. 2195 and 2191. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV |
 2195
Hi, We've caught a dozen of these bugs in our house in the past months and we're
not sure what they are. They are fairly large (about 1 inch long) and fly around
but often I've found them just on the wall, not moving or moving really
slowly. Thanks!
This is yet another western conifer
seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae), a
very common home invader - see no. 2191. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist;
Sinks Grove, WV. |
  2194
Hi I'm living in India. your website provide nice information. the above
attached insects was found in my kitchen sugar box. thanks very much. Hope you
can help? These insects are
accidental ‘visitors’ to your sugar container; there are no insects that
actively infest sugar. The one on the left is a small caterpillar too desiccated
to identify further; the one on the right is a water beetle - it might be a very
small predaceous water beetle (family Dytiscidae - see
http://tinyurl.com/dlst7m) or a
closely related burrowing water beetle (family Noteridae - see
http://tinyurl.com/dh4yot). Many
water beetles are good fliers and may be found quite some distance from any
water source, especially when attracted by light at night. Ed Saugstad. Retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2193
This creature is in my basement. This is the second one I have found in a Month.
Now we are in full blown freezing cold winter here in MN and it is alive down
there. Actually I have placed it in a jar with vent holes.. I thought maybe a
wasp of some sort? Thanks so much in advance for any light on the subject
This is a wasp, but a very
beneficial one. It is in the family Pelecinidae, likely Pelecinus polyturator
- see
http://tinyurl.com/bxb2gg for an
image of a female. Males are rarely seen, and have a much different appearance -
see
http://tinyurl.com/cwg4ny. The
larvae of these wasps are parasitic on the grubs of June beetles (Phyllophaga
spp.; Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
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 2192
I saw this in the mountain range of Alberta while on a hike in the parks. I
thought it was a cricket it has a black back like one but I had never seen a
face like this one...almost something out of a movie...even the noise it made
was similar to a cricket. This one was a bit over an 1-1/4" inches long...I have
more pictures but some were focused on the grass and blurred the
subject...thanks so much, hope you can help. Is it an alpine beetle perhaps?
|
 2191
Is this a cockroach or a beetle. Anyone know what kind of bug this is. Found
indoors, very slow moving. Some do fly.
This appears to be yet
another western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis;
Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae) - see
http://tinyurl.com/8djb6f for a
fact sheet and nos. 2186, 2046, 2033, and 2031 for other examples. Ed
Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2190
I found these bugs in many places in my house in Alberta this year. They would
be crawling across the ceiling or up walls, on furniture. They were upstairs and
down. I would put them outside when I found them. I was waking up with single
hole bites on my head and blood scabs. I didn't see anything in my bed and the
sheets were always washed once a week. I do hike close by. I have problem that
started this summer around may (my leg is now lame). I'm getting tested for lyme
disease. I was wondering if these could be deer ticks. Geoff
The image is too fuzzy to
be certain, but this might be a broad-nosed/short-snouted weevil (Coleoptera:
Curculionidae; subfamily Entiminae) such as the strawberry root weevil (Otiorhynchus
ovatus), a common home invader. Their larvae feed on plant roots and can
do a good deal of damage, but the adults do no harm indoors; they definitely
do not bite humans. See
http://tinyurl.com/7ygutl for
more information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2189
I found this guy sitting on his web behind my couch while giving my apartment a
much needed cleaning. I could see from the web that it had been eating
silverfish (which is A-OK). Its legs are about 5cm long. It has a black spot
behind its eyes, brown stripes on its abdomen and black knees. I live in
Vancouver, BC Thanks! Kate
|
 2188
I found this trying to get into my house, sorry for poor picture quality was
taken on my phone, is about an inch and a half long. Mat
The image is too fuzzy to
be certain, but this could be a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera:
Cerambycidae). Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2187
We recently had a guest from New York City, USA. The guest's suitcase had a
number of these bugs of which at least some have have taken up residence in our
home. Please identify them and any health risk associated with them. The bug is
about pear shaped and about 3/8 inch long, see attached photo. Thanks for your
time and help. Aldo, South Lyon, Michigan
This appears to be the
mortal remains of a German cockroach, Blatella germanica. They
primarily are nuisance pests, but there are reports of people suffering
allergic reactions to their presence. See
http://tinyurl.com/8yhau6 for a
Michigan Department of Agriculture publication on cockroaches for control
suggestions. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2186
This bug was found inside our house, just over the front exterior door frame.
Note it's the dead of winter, mid January, right now, so it couldn't have come
from outside. Was it living somewhere in our house all along, or did it "hitch a
ride" inside somehow? Thanks
This appears to be a
western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis; Hemiptera/Heteroptera:
Coreidae) - see
http://tinyurl.com/8djb6f for a
fact sheet and nos. 2046, 2033, and 2031 for other examples. They often come
indoors, especially in late autumn. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist;
Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2185
I found this bug in my kitchen last summer and have only seen that 1. It was
about an inch long. What is it? Alicia, Orillia, Ontario
This is a leaf-footed bug
(Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae), but the image is too fuzzy to be more
specific. Some, like the western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus
occidentalis - see no. 2186), will invade buildings in search of
shelter. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2184
I wonder if anyone can help me identify these bugs. I found them January 12,2009
in my house on the second floor landing. I live in Toronto Ontario. The bugs are
about 1/2" long, have a small head and thorax, are black with specs of gold dots
on their back abdomen (abdomen seems split down the middle). Thanks Katie,
Toronto, ON
These appear to be black
vine weevils, Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) - see
http://tinyurl.com/9uy4ws for an
image. The adults feed on the margins of the leaves of several plant
species; the larvae are root feeders and can be serious pests. See
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2016.html
for a fact sheet. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2183
Ok, this is not so much of a pest but a fascinating beetle I found on my deck
one day. Any idea of what it is? Neil, Waterloo, ON
This is a predaceous
diving beetle (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae). Both adults and larvae (‘water
tigers’) are voracious predators on other small aquatic life forms. See
http://tinyurl.com/82uy25 for
more detailed information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV.
|
 2182
We have a home in Leavenworth, WA and my wife found this larvae on the carpet of
our bedroom/closet. It is just under the size of a dime in its curled up
position. Can you identify it? Thanks. Fred
This is a millipede; for
the most part, they are harmless scavengers on decomposing organic matter,
but some few species in the group to which yours belong can be
greenhouse/garden pests on tender vegetation. See
http://tinyurl.com/9zf35u for
more detailed information, including control recommendations. Ed
Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2181
Greetings from south of the border; Recently I had a pool of the attached
insects for after a heavy rain in my area. The pools on my back patio had
several of these insect 'clusters' and I became curious as to what they were. As
I was out fly fishing a few days later, I noticed more clusters floating in a
spring-fed creek. My curiosity really piqued, I snapped a few images of them. I
zoomed in the best I could; for size comparison, the 'cluster' is about the size
of a quarter, no larger. These insects surfaced in late December/early January
in southeastern Pennsylvania. Temperatures have been moderate (mid 30's or so).
Any help in identifying these would be appreciated. We have come up with a lot
of theories on my fly fishing forum, but haven't been able to pin anything down
as of yet. Many thanks, Geoff
These are mites of some
sort, but I have no idea as to why you would find them in such a cluster on
the water surface; they do not appear to be water mites (Acari:
Hydrachnidiae) - see
http://tinyurl.com/9ewtdf. You
might try taking some of them to your county office of Pennsylvania State
University’s Cooperative Extension service (see
http://tinyurl.com/9azpg2). If
no one there can assist in identification, they should be able to forward
specimens to the appropriate University office. Ed Saugstad. Retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2180
It is a moth found in a raisin storehouse in Xinjiang, China. We want to control
it ,so it is urgent to know its scientific name. Thank you for your
identification!
This appears to be an
Indianmeal moth (Plodia interpunctella; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), a
cosmopolitan pest of dry food products. See
http://tinyurl.com/8x6o46 for
detailed information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad.
Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2179
I found this insect crawling on a desk in my house. Its jaws don't show in the
photo, but they are visible anteriorly when it is disturbed or eating. When
disturbed, it sometimes scurries forwards, sometimes backwards. I have kept it
as a pet for 2-3 weeks, and it eats Cricket Feed (grain products). Is this a
pest that would eat wood, and should I be concerned about finding it in my
house? Thank you. Karen
This is a larva of a
snakefly (order Raphidioptera; formerly considered a family - Raphididae -
in the order Neuroptera). They are general predators on other small
arthropods, and are otherwise harmless - see No. 2122 for another example,
and
http://tinyurl.com/7zkys6 for an
image of an adult. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
  2178
These seem to be destroying my almond tree (Honduras) Not sure if the white,
scaly ones are just a different stage of the black, white, and yellow ones, or
are something completely different, but they are each on the branches and leaves
of the almond tree, and now almost all of the leaves are gone from the tree. How
do I get rid of these pests and, I hope, save my tree? :-( . Rob
These are two entirely
different insects, although both are sap feeders. The colorful ones are
treehoppers (Hemiptera/Auchenorrhyncha: Membracidae) and the whitish ones
likely are scale insects (Hemiptera/Sternorrhyncha: superfamily Coccoidea).
Treehoppers seldom cause any significant damage, and control measures
usually are not called for, but some scale insects can be extremely serious
pests, and very heavy infestations can result in leaf drop. As you have but
one tree, you could try spraying with an insecticidal soap (see
http://tinyurl.com/a85q7o) or a
horticultural oil (see
http://tinyurl.com/6subt8).
Please note that if your leaves are disappearing because they have been
chewed, neither of the insects in your images would be responsible. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2177
We live in Massachusetts and have never seen these bugs. All of a sudden we have
found several of them in our home. They seemed to appear at the same time that
my husband threw a new load of wood into the cellar? Can anyone tell me what
they are?
This is a long-horned
wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in the genus Xylotrechus
- see
http://tinyurl.com/8dwwut for an
example. This is one of several species that may emerge from firewood and
that pose no threat to wood structures. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2176
I found this spider inside in Edmonton, Canada in December. Please tell what it
is called, what it eats and if it is a male or female. Thanks!
This is a female spider in
the family Agelenidae (grass/funnel web spiders), genus Tegenaria -
see
http://tinyurl.com/a9dkn5 for an
example. They are general predators on other small arthropods, and sometimes
will wander quite some distance from their web - especially males. Larger
specimens can deliver a painful bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2175
This spider picture was taken in the back yard of Spruce Grove Alberta in
September 08 in the evening. The spider had been hanging in this spot for a few
nights. We have numerous amounts of them all over the place from August to
October. Usually found in corners of the fence, shed, eaves trough etc... What
are they?
This is an orb-weaving
spider (family Araneidae), likely in the genus Araneus, If you scroll
down through these pages, you should see many other examples. All are
harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV.
|
 2174
This was taken in June of 2008, in Ladysmith, Quebec. What are they and do they
sting?
This is a parasitic wasp
in the family Ichneumonidae, genus Megarhyssa; likely Megarhyssa
atrata - see
http://tinyurl.com/axadon
for an image. Your specimen is in the act of using its long ovipositor
to bore into the tunnel of its wood-boring prey, the larva of a wood wasp in
the family Siricidae. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove,
WV.
|
 2173
I saw this insect while on a walk in a park in Winnipeg... I have no idea what
it is but it is rather interesting looking... can you help?
Other than saying that this is a
true bug (Hemiptera; suborder Heteroptera), I can’t say much more, as I
cannot see enough diagnostic characters in this image. If a specialist in
this group monitors this forum, he/she may be able to help further. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
  2172
What is this INSECT? Robert P. DeVry University
This is a larva of bagworm
(Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis; Lepidoptera: Psychidae) in its
protective case. The adult female remains larviform and never leaves the
larval case, laying her eggs in the case and then dying. The males are
winged, and follow a scent trail given off by the females in order to find
mates. These insects can be very serious pests on some conifers such as
arborvitae. See
http://tinyurl.com/4nyaa for
more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
  2171
Brantford Ontario. ( west of Hamilton, south east of London.) Zero Celsius.
Overcast with some sunshine. Saturday it had been 15 Celsius. It was crawling
slowly on my asphalt driveway. I took it into the house to photograph it and it
stopped moving. It made the photos hard to take. That's why I sent two photos.
Thanks, Frank G.
This caterpillar is in the
family Noctuidae (owlet moths, underwings, cut worms, etc.). It might be the
larva of a large yellow underwing, Noctua pronuba - see
http://tinyurl.com/9xk982 for an
image. This is a European species that accidentally was introduced into
eastern Canada around 1978, and subsequently has become quite widespread.
The larvae frequently will become active in the winter during spells of
warmer weather. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2170
Can anyone identify this?? I found in in a rotten stump in the yard - December
2008. I live in Arkansas -- USA Becky
This is a larva (maggot)
of a fly in the family Syrphidae (drone flies, flower flies, hover flies),
likely in the genus Eristalis - see
http://tinyurl.com/7slull.
Larvae in this genus usually are found in very wet habitats (some are
aquatic), where they feed on decomposing organic matter. The adults of some
species superficially resemble honey bees, see
http://tinyurl.com/7vuh92 Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2169
I was told that you are a great source for identifying pests and that you are a
quick responder. I have tried a number of sources already and have so far been
unable to identify the spider seen in the attached picture. Found two in the
apartment in one day. Any information you could provide regarding the spider's
identification and/or characteristics, whether it is poisonous or not and how to
get rid of it? We have had a previous spider bite and would like to avoid
another issue if possible. Thank you for your time. Dena
This is not a spider, but
a closely related arachnid in the order Opiliones, often known as a
harvestman or daddy longlegs - see
http://tinyurl.com/9aph3x. They
are completely harmless to humans. No control other than simply vacuuming
them up is necessary; it will be nearly impossible to completely exclude
them (or any other small arthropods for that matter) from occasionally
dropping in for a visit. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV.
|
 2168
We are noticing an ever increasing number of ants in our home, some larger
winged ones and many more smaller "sugar" ants (?). They tend to come out in the
evening rather than during the day. The small unwinged ones travel in trails to
food sources. The larger winged ones, which fly but rather poorly, tend to be
attracted to light sources. Could someone identify the type of ants we have, and
an appropriate extermination technique to kill them. Our home is on a concrete
slab with no crawl space, but we have a large attic. These little buggers seem
to come out from multiple areas (heating vents, behind our fridge, corner cracks
in the floor molding, etc.) Thanks for any help.
It is likely that you have
at least two different species of ant, but the image provided is not clear
enough to see diagnostic characters for specific identification. Effective
ant control is dependent on knowing which species you have, as there is no
one method that works well for all pest ant species. See
http://tinyurl.com/373zfj for a
fact sheet that might help in identification and that also gives control
recommendations for several commonly encountered species. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2167
I found this caterpillar in my persimmon tree. It was about 5 inches long, and
about an inch thick. I live in Ohio. Can you identify it for me?
Thank you.
This is a larva
(caterpillar) of a regal moth (Citheronia regalis; Lepidoptera:
Saturniidae, subfamily Citheroniinae). It commonly is known as a hickory
horned devil, because of its somewhat fearsome appearance, but is completely
harmless. See
http://tinyurl.com/9d444u for
more images. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2166
I am not sure that this is a "pest", but I am interested it giving it a name.
Any idea what it is? Keith M Stewardship Forester - Kamloops Forest District
This is a female
orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae) in the genus Argiope, namely
the banded garden spider, Argiope trifasciata - see
http://tinyurl.com/6wg7cn for an
image and more information. All orb weavers are harmless to humans. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2165
We have been finding these pests in our fully finish basement, they can fly a
bit but mostly we’ve been finding them crawling along the baseboards.
This appears to be a rove
beetle (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) with its abdomen curled up in a defensive
posture - see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/rove_beetles_subfamily_aleocharinae
for some examples. Rove beetles are general predators on other small
arthropods, and often wander indoors during their search for prey. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2164
Hello we need some help with what bug this might be I found the bug on my 100%
cotton sweatshirt I have enclosed a pic at the bottom.
This is a larva of a
beetle in the family Dermestidae (hide/skin/carpet beetles and the like);
likely in the genus Anthrenus - see nos. 2124 and 1225 for other
examples, and
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2103.html
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2163
These insects are all over the basement in my home in Southern New Jersey, USA
(near Philadelphia). They sometimes appear upstairs, too - esp. in the kitchen
and bathroom. We call them sprickets because they walk like spiders and jump
like crickets, but I don't know what they are. Thanks for the help!
This is a camel/cave
cricket (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae; formerly a subfamily within
Tettigoniidae); see no. 2130 for another example and
http://entweb.clemson.edu/eiis/pdfs/hs21.pdf
for a fact sheet. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2162
These have been showing up on my kitchen floor this past week. I find 1 or 2 at
a time, but they are never near one another. They are typically near the center
of the floor which is linoleum. They crawl very slowly and are about 1/2 inch
long. They curl up and don't move when I pick them up with a napkin. I have been
searching and searching to try to figure out what they are.
This is a larva of a
soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) - see
http://picasaweb.google.com/sphwolf/OkieFlies#5178825685327358306
for an image. They are for the most part harmless scavengers, feeding
primarily on decomposing organic matter. Some species also may be found in
dung, compost piles, or in decaying fruit, vegetables or under the bark of
rotting wood; a few aquatic/semi-aquatic species are predators on other
small aquatic organisms. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV.
|
 2161
This was dead on my porch about 1/2 in across - thanks. Ed Catenacci. Rocky
Point, NC
This is a stink bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera:
Pentatomidae); but I do not recognize the particular species. Most are plant
feeders, but there also are many predatory species in this family. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2160
Hello, can you please identify this caterpillar which we found on our rug in the
living room in the UK, we would love to know what it is. I have tried to
identify it from your pictures but without much luck. Many thanks. Best Regards,
Anne
This appears to be a caterpillar of
a moth in the family Noctuidae. This is a very large family, and as the
caterpillars of many species can be quite variable in colour pattern, I cannot
attempt a more precise identification. The caterpillars all are plant feeders,
and are not indoor pests; this one likely entered your home accidentally. You
might try locating a copy of The Colour Identification Guide to Caterpillars of
the British Isles, by J. Porter (1997).
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2159
A ladder was brought into the house from outside (garage) to change a light by
the staircase. After changing the light, the bug was found on the rug. So, the
bug could have originated from the ladder or from the light fixture.
You may wish to have your
premises inspected by a professional termite control company, as this is a
winged (reproductive) termite. It is by means of these reproductives that
termites establish new colonies, see
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN369
for more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove,
WV.
|
 2158
About the size of a grain of rice... found in a bed.
This is an immature
bristletail (order Thysanura), a group that includes nuisance pests such as
firebrats and silverfish. 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.
|
 2157
Can you tell me what this is, and what to do with it. I found it in the closet
on my coat? Thanks, Joe
You don’t need to do
anything with this other than to dispose of it. It is the empty pupal case
of a moth in the family Arctiidae (woolly bears and the like). What it was
doing in your closet in the first place is another question altogether, as
the caterpillars are plant feeders, and would not damage anything in your
house. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2156
I found this bug on top of my sheets in my bed. At first I thought it was a
tick, but then I noticed that it has six legs and antennae, so not a tick,
right? Living in New York I am somewhat terrified by the prospect of it being a
bedbug, but I didn't see any others when I checked my mattress, and it doesn't
look flat like the pictures of bedbugs I saw online; it is definitely more
round/plump. Also, its body seems somewhat hard and shiny to me, not hairy or
striated. From the tip of its antennae to the back of its legs it's about .5 cm,
but its body is much smaller than that, probably half that length.
This is a spider beetle (Coleoptera:
Anobiidae; subfamily Ptininae); possibly a shiny spider beetle, Gibbium
psylloides - see no. 2051 for another example. These can be pantry pests,
feeding on a wide variety of organic materials. See
http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/spiderbeetle.htm
for a fact sheet that includes control
recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2155
We don't know what this really is, just it was really big. About 2.5 to 3
inches. Photographed at Otter Lake Portland Ont. in Aug. 2008. thanks for your
help
This is a sphinx moth
(Lepidoptera: Sphingidae), sometimes called hummingbird moths or hawk moths.
It is in the genus Hemaris, possibly a hummingbird clearwing moth,
Hemaris thysbe - see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/54452582
for an image. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2154
This bug is in my pool in Tucson Az Dec 08. Can you identify please? I
don't like to kill innocent bugs but don't want kissing bugs around.
Not to worry -
this bug is a plant feeder and not a blood sucker. It is a bordered
plant bug, sometimes also called a largus bug (Largus succinctus;
Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Largidae) - see
http://www.forestryimages.org/images/768x512/5369781.jpg
for an image. They do not appear to be serious pests. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2153
Hello, I found this beautiful beetle walking down the street in Buenos Aires,
Argentina .I think it is a Nicrophorus beetle or some pretty close to it. Thanks
for your help, Gui. Buenos Aires
This is a scarab beetle (Coleoptera:
Scarabaeidae) in the subfamily Cetoniinae, Gymnetis spp.; likely
Gymnetis pudibunda - see
http://beetlespace.wz.cz/e_Gymnetis_pudibunda.html
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2152
Hello, I live in Lake Worth, Florida and I've been seeing these little worms
crawling on my walls (enclosed photo titled IMG_6191). They appear to be living
in a small cocoon. The tiny worm will poke it's head out of the end of the
cocoon and drag the cocoon behind it. It's very tiny (about 2-4 centimeters
long). Here is a youtube clip of the worm:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRk5m1UDJYw
I've asked around and nobody seems to know what they are. I've seen empty
cocoons, so I think the worm may leave the cocoon at some point of its life
cycle. I'd really appreciate if you could identify this little creature for me!
Thanks, Angie Lake Worth, Florida
This appears to be a household
casebearer (Phereoeca uterella; Lepidoptera: Tineidae). They belong to
the same family as clothes moths, but appear to prefer to dine on old spider
webs and the like instead of fine woollens. See
http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/urban/occas/household_casebearer.htm
for much more information. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2151
A friend found this unusual spider with a body about 1 inch across on his deck
in N.W. Calgary. Is it a pregnant Orb-weaving spider? Thanks, Garry
This is a female
orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae), in the genus Araneus. There
are several species in this genus that are highly variable in colour
pattern, and therefore can superficially resemble one another. Because of
the angularities at the front of its abdomen, I suspect that this one could
be Araneus gemmoides, sometimes known as the cat-faced spider
or jewel spider- see
http://www.pbase.com/terrythormin/image/54587190
for a different colour phase. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV.
|
 2150
This specimen was one of at least four that we found, on at three different
occasions, in our toilet. We sent pictures to two doctors for identification
with no results. We really would like to know what they are and where they came
from. Thanks
Without some idea as to
its size, I cannot be certain, but it may be a larva of a fly in the family
Psychodidae, commonly known as moth flies, drain flies, filter flies, or
sewer flies. The larvae feed on decomposing organic matter, including the
slime that can build up in floor drains and the like. The adult flies
resemble small moths and fly in a series of short hops. They are harmless,
but usually are considered nuisance pests when the occur indoors. See
http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/mothFliesHome.htm
for more information, including images of an adult and larva. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2149
Hi there. Love your site for the great info you provide. I found
this orb weaver in a sign in Port Hope, Ontario. Keep up the good work! Pete
This is a female
Argiope aurantia (an orb weaver in the family Araneidae) along with its
egg sac. Like all orb weavers, they are harmless to humans; for more
information, see
http://www.canadianarachnology.org/data/spiders/15350
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2148
Hi - This bug was in my apartment in Chicago - it’s the second
one since I moved in about 2 months ago. The wood floor panel is about 2.5
inches. Both were hiding by empty cardboard boxes in the dining room. What the
heck is this, and do I need to move? By the way, this photo was taken the day
after I sprayed it (probably excessively) with Raid. Thanks so much!
This is a nymph of a cockroach, possibly an Oriental
cockroach (Blatta orientalis) - see
http://entweb.clemson.edu/cuentres/cesheets/hhold/ce181.htm.
See
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/pdf/2097.pdf
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. As you are in an
apartment, you might want to check with the management to see if other
tenants have reported a cockroach problem. Control of these insects in an
apartment complex depends on close cooperation between tenants and
management. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2147
I'm wondering if some can identify these insects and tell me how to eradicate
them and how to avoid getting them. I have two small plants in my apartment in
downtown Dallas which I put on my balcony, weather permitting. I first noticed
some very small, flying gnats on the soil of the plants. I let the soil dry out,
hoping that would take care of them.
I travel a lot and my apartment is closed up. I am meticulously clean and
have all foodstuffs either in their original, unopened containers, or in sealed
containers, once opened -- nothing is in open boxes or even in plastic bags. I
have no observed any bugs in any foodstuffs.
I came back today, after being away for two weeks and noticed a few, dead
small gnats on my counter. When I opened my pantry, there were quite a few of
the pictured insects which are considerably larger than the gnats. They don't
startle or run when I open the door. They have wings and can fly, they also
crawl. They're about 1/4 the size of a housefly (about 2-3 mm long). They're not
on the plant. In fact, no insects seem to be on the plant -- the original gnats
were just hanging out in the soil. (The plant, by the way is a 'ZZ' plant
Zamioculas zamifolia.) I've had the plant about 3 months.
Thanks for your help, Sharon
The image is not clear
enough to be certain, but this beetle appears to have an exposed pygydium
(last dorsal segment of the abdomen), making it possible that it could be a
pea/bean/seed weevil (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae; subfamily Bruchinae) - see
http://www.hear.org/starr/hiinsects/images/thumbnails/html/caryedon_serratus.htm
for an example. The larvae of these beetles feed inside whole seeds/grains,
usually not noticed until the adults emerge. Do you have any grains of any
kind (including bird seed and in ornamental displays) that are not tightly
sealed? The gnats you noticed likely were fungus gnats, whose larvae often
are found in the soil of potted plants when the soil is overly damp. Drying
out the soil was the proper control measure. Ed Saugstad. Retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2146
Was wondering if you could help us identify the spider in the attached pictures?
Found two in the apartment in one day. Or if you could send a contact of someone
who could help us identify this spider. Any information you could provide
regarding the spider's identification and/or characteristics, whether it is
poisonous or not and how to get rid of it? Thank you for your time. Cheers, Dena
This is not a true spider,
but a related arachnid in the order Opiliones, which often are called
harvestmen or daddy longlegs. They feed primarily on other small arthropods,
and are harmless to humans. See
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/harvestmen_opiliones
for some more examples. There is no need for any specific control; if they
really bother you, simply vacuum them up. Ed Saugstad. Retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2145
I found this spider in a bucket last summer, and it seems to be more than a
standard spider. Do you know who can tell me about it. It has a couple of
unidentified ?? ( prongs ) sticking out of the front and/or back. Thanks Jim
The image is too fuzzy for a
specific determination, but it is a male spider - the ‘prongs’ at its front
end are pedipalps, appendages that the male spider uses in transferring
sperm to a female spider. The projections at its hind end are its
spinnerets, where silk emerges from the spider’s body. The creature in front
of the spider is an arachnid in the order Opiliones, often called harvestmen
or daddy longlegs. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
  2144
I am writing from Boston, Ma I recently found
these little about 1mm in length bugs on my wall in my living room (my cat was
chasing them). I saw about 4-5 killed them then saw 5 more and more as i looked
around the entire living room. there are 5 pictures here I did the best I could
with clarity of the photos. I have no idea what the are but I decided to go to
bed and my husband noticed one on the wall spreading its little wings but have
not actually seen them fly. as I looked around I found them on my walls, bed and
clothing and I am freaking out! HELP they are everywhere. I recently
purchased a Christmas tree that is dying on the inner sides I also purchased a
wreath which is where I first noticed them.
There are at
least two possibilities: (1) They could be drugstore beetles (Stegobium
paniceum; Coleoptera: Anobiidae). They and their relatives, cigarette
beetles, can be pantry pests, infesting a very wide variety of dry organic
material, even including some poisons. See
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2083.html
for more details, including control recommendations. (2) They could be one of
the so-called ‘deathwatch beetles’ (also in the family Anobiidae - see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/84703722
for an example. These are wood borers, and if they are present, you should
see small round emergence holes as well as fine ‘sawdust’ in the wood of your
pantry. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2143
This bug was found in Mannsville, NY. We have had six or
so of them in the past two months. They've been found mostly in the living room
on carpet, a couple in bedroom on carpet. Thank you for this site and any
information you can provide.
This is a long-horned
wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in the genus Xylotrechus
- see
http://www.entm.purdue.edu/forest/images/popups/xcolonus.jpg
for an example. These will not infest your house; their larvae feed under
the bark of trees, primarily hardwoods such as hickory. Do you have any
firewood in or around your house?
Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove,
WV.
|
 2142
Can you help me to identify the insect in this photo? It spent the summer eating
my Scarlet Runner leaves and flowers. I live in Chelsea, Quebec, just north of
Ottawa, Ontario. Thanks for your help. Adrienne
|
 2141
Dear Sir, This insect was found in a packet of prepared lettuce purchased in
Ireland. We’ve never encountered a similar insect before and would be very
grateful of any assistance you could give us in identifying it. Many Thanks,
Andrew; Galway, Ireland.
This is a grasshopper (Orthoptera:
Acrididae), but it may be a species not native to the UK. You say that the
lettuce was purchased in Ireland, but was that also the country of origin?
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2140
I have been searching the internet for information that would help me identify a
bug that I found last September. I would really, really appreciate it if you
could help me. My first thought was that
it was a bed bug (that's where it was found). However, it has eight
evenly spaced legs, not six, and the legs are all short and relatively
fat - almost like fat tubes. It appears to have a hard shell without
an antenna. Almost everything that I've found so
far says that insects don't have eight legs, only mites and spiders do.
Yet I don't think this is either a mite or a spider.
The top of the bug appears to have a hard reddish shell and the legs
appear to be translucent with a brownish tint. In order to give some
perspective to the size of the bug, I've included the tip of a needle at the top
of the picture. The size of the bug is roughly three millimeter in length. I
can't tell where the head is. I have not
been able to find anything like this on the internet. Please help.
Unfortunately, the image
would not enlarge. As it has eight legs, it would be an arachnid and not an
insect. I suspect that most of legs have been broken off, and that they
would have been much longer when the critter was alive. Possibilities
include a hard tick (Ixodidae) or a harvestman (Opiliones). Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2139
I am hoping you can help
me identify these larvae. They have been found on the carpeting under a bed.
There has also been the occasional little beige moth-type flying creatures with
long wings that is about 1/4 inch long. The moth seems to match images of
clothes moths that I have found on Google Images but the larvae do not match.
The images of clothes moth larvae show them as being white with dark heads. The
larvae in the photo are in a plastic Ziploc bag. I have also found tiny beige
granules on an antique braided rug that may have wool remnants in it. The rug
was stored under the same bed. The home is located in Oakville, Ontario. Many
thanks
These appear to be more
carpet beetle larvae, likely in the genus Attagenus - see no. 2136.
See
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/IN/IN14400.pdf
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2138
Hi could anyone tell me what this insect is I live in Australia.
I suspect that this beetle
is in the superfamily Cucujoidea, possibly one of the fungus beetles, but I
cannot provide a specific i.d. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV.
|
 2137
Hi, I live in the parish of St. Catherine in Jamaica W.I. at Hellshire which is
an area on a beach coastline, I am on a hill facing the
Caribbean sea with lower area surrounded by wooded areas and a pond that only
fills up when rain falls. I found these insect living in swarms on the inside of
my hurricane shutter at the onset of night they tend to fly or find groves thru
the windows to crawl through to the inside of my house. Can you help me identify
what they are and if they pose any health risks.
|
 2136
I have found a few off these larva under our love seat's cushions I think they
are Carpet beat Larva can any one confirm this for me...
|
 2135
We live in Toronto, this spider was found in our basement bathroom. Can you
tell me if it is a threat?
Although I cannot provide
a positive i.d. for this spider (it might, and I emphasize ‘might’ be in the
family Corinnidae), it is not any of the few species that are dangerous to
humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2134
This insect has been driving my family crazy- all summer (60-90 degrees; living
in Utah- near mountains/Park City) we found approximately 5 of these daily. They
seem to be EVERYWHERE in our house! We just moved into a new house (less than 5
yrs old) that is very clean and dry. They seem to be coming from outside, as we
see them on the porch and in the grass (not to mention commonly on windowsills
and around the doors leading outside). We sprayed some basic pesticide from Home
Depot, but we're still finding them. After continual spaying, winter has brought
less... luckily some of them dead. They typically are approximately 1/2 inch in
size and are speedy suckers. However, we've seen some up to almost 1.5-2 inches
in size!! Please help identify these so we can rid our house of these pests!!
Thanks so much! Stacey
This is an earwig (order Dermaptera). They
are very common, and often can become nuisance pests; they usually do little
real damage, but can damage tender plants. See
http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=2092
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2133
Can you tell me what these bugs are? I see a couple of pics on the site that may
be these critters. I have sprayed all around the house and laid a barrier and
they just crawl over it. Seem to be coming in at the door. We are now seeing
them crawling up the stairs too. Any suggestions on what to do to get rid of
them? Thanks...Jim
These are weevils (Coleoptera:
Curculionidae), but without a size scale, I cannot be completely certain as to
their identity. If they are quite small (3 to 4 mm long), they might be grain
weevils in the genus Sitophilus - see
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Sitophilus.oryzae.jpg
Just in case, you should check your pantry and any other food storage areas for
signs of insect infestation; see
http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/cereal_pantry_pests.htm
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2132
We live in Pasadena, CA...at least 40 or more miles from the
beach but we have recently been finding dead bugs just like the Beach Fleas in
picture #136. We noticed them after a day of heavy rains. There were about 4 of
them dead on the kitchen floor and I've found at least two or three (always
dead) every morning since the rain. What gives? Gail
These are indeed amphipods of the type
sometimes referred to as "lawn shrimp" or "beach fleas." They might be
Arcitalitrus sylvaticus, an Australasian species introduced to California that
has become quite widespread. You can find out more about them in "Insects of the
Los Angeles Basin" by Dr. Charles L. Hogue - See
http://www.acornnaturalists.com/store/INSECTS-OF-THE-LOS-ANGELES-BASIN-P3714C417.aspx
Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2131
Can someone tell me what this little guy is? These have taken up
residence in the eve of my house in Akron, Ohio. Are they bees and/or will they
die off during the winter months? Or do I have to have them removed.
Gary
This is a wasp in the
family Vespidae, likely in the genus Vespula ("yellowjackets") - see
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2075.html
for a fact sheet. [Note: Some authorities raise the subgenus Paravespula to
genus status for a few species, including the common yellowjacket.] Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2130
I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada .wondering if anyone knows
what this bug is .Found alive and floating in a toilet at my work place probably
came from a overhead vent. How did it survive our November weather?
This is a camel/cave cricket (Orthoptera:
Rhaphidophoridae; formerly a subfamily within Tettigoniidae); they can be common
indoor (that’s how they survive the winter) nuisance pests - see
http://entweb.clemson.edu/eiis/pdfs/hs21.pdf
for a fact sheet. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2129
New York, NY. Scores of tiny bugs like this started to appear out of a plant
that we recently purchased from a nursery at a street fair. The nursery is
probably located in NJ or upstate NY. We potted the plant in soil that we had
outside in a bag for some time. This was one of the larger specimens I found. It
appeared in the house several days after I moved the plant outside. Most were
about half the size and were perhaps younger. The pictured bug is on a Lifesaver
candy for scale. No more have appeared.
This appears to be a shiny spider
beetle, Gibbium psylloides (Coleoptera: Anobiidae; subfamily Ptininae) - see
http://www.kendall-bioresearch.co.uk/BEETLE95.gif
for an image. Spider beetles can be pantry pests, feeding on a wide
variety of dry stored food products. 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.
|
 2128
Location: Ontario, Canada. Date: November 29. Temperature: around
32 degrees F. Was working in my garage when this appeared on a pine board.
Suspect the heat from a quartz work light drew it out of hibernation. Cold
enough though that he was very sluggish. Also seemed to prefer being in shadow.
I'm sure Amazing Ed the expert will readily provide an ID.
Thanks, much appreciated.
John
This fly appears to be in the family
Syrphidae (flower/hover flies); possibly an Eristalis spp. - see
http://www.aida.nu/Eristalis-Tenax-1.jpg
However, this is an extremely large family with many species that superficially
resemble one another (see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/syrphid_flies_syrphidae
for some other examples), so I hesitate to attempt a more specific
identification. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2127
We found this spider out side of our home in
Costa Rica, can anyone identify it for us? Thank you
This is a
wandering spider (family Ctenidae); possibly a Cupiennius spp. - see
http://www.americanarachnology.org/JOA_online.html
They can deliver a painful bite, but otherwise are harmless to humans, whereas
some South American species in the genus Phoneutria are very dangerous.
Cupiennius spp. are arboreal, and some species will take small reptiles and
amphibians as prey. `Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2126
This evening I stomped on a bug I've seen for
years but have never identified. Any idea what it is? Photos attached. Rob P.
This is a leaf-footed
bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera:Coreidae) in the genus Acanthocephala - see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/86628156
for an image. These are plant feeders that can be garden pests. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2125
We found this guy behind our micro fiber couch in
Hood River OR. Looks pretty much like 2124. Appreciate the identification,
thanks!
This is indeed another
larva of a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus such
as no. 2124. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2124
I live in Cincinnati, OH. I found these bugs in my kitchen cabinets today
(11/26/2008 mid 40’s outside). We started noticing our brand-new oven mitts were
getting chewed up. At first I thought a mouse was to blame, but I didn’t see any
evidence of “droppings”. Once I began to remove all items from the drawers and
cabinets, I started noticing these little critters. Can someone please tell me
what they are? Thank you, Jason Mayer
This is a larva of a carpet
beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus. 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. |
 2123
Hello, I found this cluster of beetles on my Vine Maple. Being
smaller in size, I noticed them originally because of the way they were
patterned on the seed wing. So I got the camera and started shooting images.
Then I realized that they had eggs underneath and nymphs around. I am not sure
whether the eggs are being laid, eaten, hatched or tended to by the nymphs. At
one point all the adults walked off leaving the eggs and the nymphs behind. It
appeared as if the nymphs were tending them. Thank you very much. Great Site!
Carol
Eugene, Oregon, USA
These are stink bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera:
Pentatomidae) nymphs. I cannot be certain, but these might be nymphs of the
green stink bug, Acrosternum hilare - see
http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/68131620
for an image. Some stink bug species do appear to exhibit a degree of maternal
care. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2122
Found in our bedroom in San Francisco Bay Area, CA. USA.
Less than a half inch long. Suspect it traveled with
us from a recent plane ride from Austin, TX that laid over in Las Vegas, NV.
This appears to be a larva of a snakefly
(order Raphidioptera; formerly considered a family - Raphididae - in the order
Neuroptera). They are general predators on other small arthropods, and there are
species native to California - see
http://www.bugpeople.org/taxa/Raphidioptera/OrderRaphidiopteraPage.htm
for an image of an adult. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2121
We've just moved into this new house and found this insect in our basement
(Evanston, Illinois). It hops and runs very fast. Oh, and there are more of
them in both big ( >1 inch length) and smaller sizes. I think they grow very
fast (in terms of number and size.) Are they dangerous? Can anyone please
tell us what they are and how to get rid of them? Thank you so much, Poppy.
This is a member of the
long-horned grasshopper family (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) known as a camel
cricket or cave cricket; they thrive in damp, dark environments, including
basements. They basically are nuisance pests that usually do no real harm. See
http://entweb.clemson.edu/eiis/pdfs/hs21.pdf
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2120
These black pests are about 7-10 mm in length and have suddenly
appeared in our kitchen on the day of the first rain of the season. They have We
live in Northern California. Can someone tell me what they are and how to get
rid of them? Thank you!
You have termites. This is a reproductive (‘swarmer’)
that has shed its wings and is looking for a suitable place to initiate a new
colony - see
http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7415.html for information
on California termites. You should contact a professional termite control
service for advice - starting points include
http://www.pestworld.org and
http://www.termite.com/north-california
where you can click on your general area. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist;
Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2119 This little guy is about 3mm long. Bit me on the ankle while I was walking on
my lawn. It looks larval to me, but I really have no idea
Ian.
This appears to be a larva of a green lacewing (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) - see
http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CritterFiles/casefile/insects/lacewings/lacewings.htm#larva
for images and more information. They are general predators on small,
soft-bodied arthropods, particularly aphids. Biting humans appears to be a
defensive reflex, as we are not among their preferred prey! Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  2118
I found these spiders in our backyard. We live in McAllen, TX. The first and
third picture is the same spider front and back. The second picture is a
different spider (not sure if it is the same species). What can you tell me
about them? Are they poisoness? Thanks, Nancy Garza
This appears to be a silver garden spider,
sometimes known as the silver argiope (Argiope argentata) - see
http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/spiders/Argiope
argentata.htm for images. This spider is in the family Araneidae (orb
weavers), all of which are harmless to humans. Technically, with the exception
of one small family (Uloboridae), all spiders are venomous; only a very few
species are truly dangerous to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist;
Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2117
Hello I live in Chatham Ontario and I came across this spider out of no where
and freaked out as usual I hate spiders, I just want to know if its poisonous
cause I have problems with spider bites and such at nights. Thanks so much.
This appears to
be a long-legged sac spider (Cheiracanthium sp.; family Miturgidae) - see
http://www.canadianarachnology.org/data/spiders/23333. They commonly
are encountered indoors, often found in upper corners of rooms. They are capable
of delivering quite a painful bite, sometimes at night when pressed against in
bedclothes. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2116
I found this large critter on my patio at night, I walked pretty slowly. I live
in Dallas, Texas. Thank you!
This is an assassin bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera:
Reduviidae) known as a wheel bug (Arilus cristatus) because of the
cog-like projections on its pronotum. It is the largest member of its family in
eastern North America, and never fails to draw attention when it is spotted. Be
careful when picking one of these up, their bite can be quite painful. See
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/IN/IN24300.pdf
for much more information on this fascinating insect. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2115
Hi there, my name is Carrie-Lynne, I live in Ottawa, Ontario. I
have seen many spiders around in the garden, but this is a new one and I cannot
seem to find any pictures on the web to identify it...Can anyone help??? It is
currently living above my garage door with quite a large web spun across a two
foot diagonal in the corner...the spider, legs and all must be about 1 1/2 to 2
inches in diameter...a bit larger than the usual garden spider.
Thanks for any help.
This is an orb-weaving spider (family
Araneidae) in the genus Araneus; possibly another colour variant of
Araneus diadematus - see no. 2106. All orb weavers are harmless to humans.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  2114
I live in Stratford Ontario, I originally found this spider in my
laundry room. I have since found three more in the kitchen. They are in dark
corners where there is moisture. The largest one is tiny, a several mm. They
look black widow in shape. I generally like spiders, but this one makes me
nervous because of the shape. It is not an orb weaver, it makes a jumbled messy
web much like cob web spiders. I am just wondering if it is poisonous. I am able
to go right up close with the camera and they don't move. Picture 1 is top side,
second picture is belly side.
This spider does belong to
the same family (Theridiidae) as the widow spiders (Latrodectus spp.),
but it is in a different genus (Steatoda), possibly Steatoda
triangulosa - see
http://www.canadianarachnology.org/data/spiders/8125#image.
They can deliver a painful bite if mishandled (as I can personally attest), but
otherwise are not dangerous to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 2113
Hi. I found this little guy in my basement washroom. I want to ID him, and I was
hoping you could help. Yours, Patrick
This is a house centipede (Scutigera
coleoptrata); a general predator on other small arthropods. Large specimens
can deliver quite a painful bite if mishandled; see
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scutigera
for much more information. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2112
Dear Sirs, Can you tell me what kind of Beetle / insect this is? I've never seen
anything like it, especially with it's super long snout. Thank you, Harry
This is a weevil (Coleoptera:
Curculionidae); the ‘snout’ is characteristic for most members of this family.
In some species, it may be as long as or longer than the rest of the body - see
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Curculio_elephas01.jpg; the
beetle’s jaws (mandibles) are at the tip of the snout. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2111
I found this bug in my cream of wheat and in my moms dresser, I do not know
where its coming from or what it is exactly. Please help. James
This is a larva of a beetle in the
family Dermestidae (carpet/hide/skin beetles), possibly in the genus
Attagenus - see
http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/images/g07372art01.jpg
for an image of both a larva and adult. These larvae will feed on an extremely
wide variety of organic materials, primarily that of animal origin, but that can
include cereal products as well. The adults primarily are pollen feeders, and do
no harm themselves. 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. |
 2110
I found this little creature in the basement when I moved a box. I found
a couple more under the wash basin. They seem to jump as they don't fly
away. I know the photo is not very good however, I have a hard time capturing
them and not sure how else to take a better picture. Any suggestions are
welcome.
The image would not enlarge, but
this appears to be a so-called ‘booklouse’ (Psocoptera: Liposcelidae) - see
http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/INSECTS/booklouse.htm
for an image. These insects primarily are nuisance pests, feeding on mold spores
and the like, but they occasionally can be pantry pests, feeding on starchy
materials. 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. |
 2109
I found these bugs in the carpet in my room and in the kitchen and bathroom
areas. The ones I found in my room were close to crumbs of food. I live in
Dallas, TX. Any help identifying these bugs would be much appreciated!
Thanks, Alex W.
These are grain beetles are in the
family Silvanidae, either saw-toothed grain beetles (Oryzaephilus
surinamensis ) or merchant grain beetles (Oryzaephilus mercator). The
main difference is that the merchant grain beetle can fly, whereas the
saw-toothed grain beetle cannot. Both species can be pantry pests, see
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2086.html
for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2108
From lower NY State: I found this on me after sleeping. I was wondering if it
was part of a cockroach nymph or possibly a bed bug's cast skin? I do have the
occasional roach, but bed bugs would not be good! Thanks!
This does appear to be the hind
portion of a cockroach nymph; it most definitely is not a bed bug!
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  2107
Hi Im emailing from West Vancouver BC, I came home one morning, walked into my
room and noticed something odd on the top of my duvet cover (aka bed) Upon
closer inspection I realized there were a bunch of these little white larvae
wiggling around, and there were alot of them. After calming down from utterly
freaking out, I started looking around there's nothing on the ceiling that they
could of dropped down from and they seemed to mostly originate from the center
of the bed (of course some have wiggled off the bed and other areas) I
remembered there being a large fly in my room a couple days ago. I shook
everything out and washed it and spent an hour vacuuming just incase i missed
one. I'm really concerned as to what they are, and how they got there so quickly
because I didn't notice anything the night before. PLEASE HELP!!! Thank you.
April
These are fly larvae (maggots) of
the sort that feed on decaying organic matter, either animal or vegetable in
origin. Their food source should be fairly close by - are you absolutely certain
that there was no gap of any kind (including light fixtures) in the ceiling that
they could have fallen from? It would be next to impossible for them to have
climbed up onto the bed.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2106
Hi there, I live near Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. I have a number of these
spiders in my barn. What I find unusual is that they are still active even
though we are into the month of November. I thought spiders either hibernated or
perished after laying their eggs. Though these could be males, not sure because
I really do not know much about them. It appears to be roughly 2 inches in
length, (the body) has quite a large web. I just want to make sure it's
safe to be around. Though I haven't seen it behave aggressive it has caught bees
and wasps which kind of surprised me.
Thanks for any info supplied. Hope the pictures have enough detail in them.
Thank you. Henrica
This is an
orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae) in the genus Araneus; all are
harmless to humans. There are several species in this genus that can have a
roughly similar colour pattern (there is a good deal of individual variation
within species). This one might be a cross spider (Araneus diadematus) -
see
http://www.oeko-msc.de/Araneus-diadematus_1.JPG
for an image. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 2105
Shortly after moving to a house in
Picton, Ontario, I found this bug on my bedclothes! I also found another one
which seemed to have a black “X” on it’s back. Would really like to know what
this is. Thanks, Marianne
|
  2104
Hi, This bug has taken over my bush outside in my backyard. It's
very small (only about half a centimeter in size) and they seem to all be dying
or dormant in this cold weather. I am in Brampton, Ontario (just 25 minutes from
Toronto) and when I crushed one of them blood shot out all over the place,
looked like human blood. I thought it may be a tick but I looked it up and I'm
not sure. I attached 3 pictures, can you let me know what this bug is.
Thanks, Kyle
These are aphids (Hemiptera/Sternorrhyncha:
Aphididae); the red fluid is their ‘blood’ (haemolymph), a rather unusual colour
for insects, most have clearish to yellow-green haemolymph.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 2103
I found this fuzzy little guy in
the house early summer (Whitby, Ontario). Late summer, I found him again outside
but twice as big. Looking forward to find out what kind of critter he is.
Thanks! Sheri
This appears to be a
nymph of an assassin bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Reduviidae) known as the masked
hunter (Reduvius personatus) - see
http://www.insectimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=1455073.
This is a European species that has become well established in some areas of
North America. It often is found indoors, and can deliver a very painful bite if
mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This bug appears to be the same one shown and
identified in photo 1954. Rod. B.
|
 2102
Hello, I live in Quebec and I found this beetle in my house a few days ago, it's
very small and brown. They seem to like bathrooms, I'm only finding them there.
Now there not too smart, they role over onto their backs and that's it, their
stuck, and will most likely die like that. I checked the internet and could not
find this insect anywhere. I would just like to know what kind of bug this is
because I have never seen it before. And also I wanted to know if these bugs are
something to worry about. Thank you for your time. Ames
This weevil (Coleoptera:
Curculionidae) likely is one of the pantry/granary pests in the genus
Sitophilus (see
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IG120,
http://entweb.clemson.edu/cuentres/cesheets/grain/ce94.jpg,
and
http://www.agricomseeds.net/images/plagas/big/35.jpg
for three different species. You should check grain-derived products in your
pantry/food storage areas for signs of these weevils or their damage.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 2101
I came across your site while I was searching the web to ID this spider I found
in my house. I have not been able to identify the spider yet so I was hoping
that you could satisfy my curiosity.
I live in southern Ontario and have never seen a spider this big, other than
ones I've seen at the zoo. The body was about an inch long and was hanging out
by a bedroom door on the second floor of the house. I also found it strange that
it seemed to like the water. When it was put in the toilet, it kinda swam around
the surface and then it 'swam' to the bottom, walked around and 'swam' back up.
Can all spiders do this? Anyways, I'm hoping you know what kinda of spider it
is. And is it commonly found in southern Ontario? Thanks, Shelley
Most Canadian spiders as large as
you describe are in the families Lycosidae (wolf spiders) and Pisauridae
(dock/fishing/nursery web spiders). However, the image provided is not clear
enough to be certain of an identification, and there is something about the
overall appearance of this spider that bothers me. Have a look at the
hackledmesh weaver (family Amaurobiidae) at
http://www.canadianarachnology.org/data/spiders/22605#image
to see if there is any resemblance to your specimen. Many spiders are capable of
‘walking on water,’ and some will dive below the surface in pursuit of prey. The
extreme example there is the so-called ‘diving bell spider,’ a native of Europe
that constructs its entire web under water - see
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Nature-039-s-Scuba-Diver-71818.shtml.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
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