Click beetle
7430. Mississauga, Ontario. Canada
Number 7430. This is a click beetle (Coleoptera: Elateridae); a harmless accidental visitor. The larvae of some species (wireworms) can be agricultural pests. Click beetle detailed information .
Thousands of pest photos submitted for identification.
Elm seed bug
7429. Found about 6 of these on my living room carpet this morning, not moving much, some may even be dead; didn’t see evidence of them flying. May 2023 in Vancouver during a very warm spell (27-30C indoors). Largest was about 7mm long. Black/dark brown. Also saw a few similar ones around a window frame of an open upstairs window. Vancouver, British Columbia. Canada
Number 7429. This appears to be an elm seed bug, Arocatus melanocephalus (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Lygaeidae); a European species that has become a common nuisance pest in the Pacific Northwest. See elm seed bug detailed information .
leaf beetle
7428. This bug was roughly half a centimeter long. We’ve seen about 5 of them in the last week either on a wall or on the hardwood floor. All of them have that very distinct brown mark on their back in the same spot. Is this a pest I should be worried about? Coquitlam, BC. Canada
Number 7428. This appears to be a leaf beetle (Coleoptera; Chrysomelidae); likely accidental intruders that will not damage anything indoors. leaf beetle more information.
ants
I’m a first year university student and I have a burning question about ants I was hoping you could help me with. I like ants a lot. I also don’t understand how they exist at all. From what I know, ants have one, or sometimes a few queens, and the rest of the female ants are infertile because of hormones the queen secretes. I’ve also heard that less male offspring reach maturity because the worker ants taking care of the young prioritize resources to the female offspring. This is where my confusion starts. Shouldn’t so few mating individuals leave the population with very low genetic diversity, making them vulnerable to disease and predation and other bad stuff? But it seems to me like the ants are thriving! Since I started thinking about this, about a week ago, I haven’t been able to think about anything else. I tried googling it but I couldn’t find anything (at least not anything I could understand). So now I’m reaching out to you! Thanks in ant-vance! Evelyn 🙂
I don’t think you need to worry overmuch about ants, as they have been incredibly successful (an estimated 20 × 1015 (20 quadrillion) ants on Earth, with a total biomass of 12 megatons of dry carbon. This exceeds the combined biomass of wild birds and mammals – https://tinyurl.com/bdcrcc5c ).
That aside, a queen ant may mate with two or more males, and thus her stored sperm will have a fair amount of genetic diversity. ( https://tinyurl.com/47zest27 ) . Also, outbreeding is fairly common – see https://tinyurl.com/26nxwdt7 for an example.
Finally, for something really different, “Yellow crazy ants (Anoplolepisgracilipes) are the first known species that requires chimerism to create fertile males (Every male ant contains separate populations of cells from two distinct genetic lineages).” See https://tinyurl.com/mtawemk2 for details.
Woodlouse spider
7427. 2 inch long. Dangerous? Why so large? Mississauga, Ontario. Canada
Number 7427. This appears to be a woodlouse spider, Dysdera crocata (family Dysderidae). They are capable of inflicting a painful (but not dangerous) bite; see Woodlouse spider detailed information .
Larva of a carpet beetle
7426. Found this bug on a shirt. It was almost invisible, very fast, way more reddish than it looks in this pic. I thought was a carpet beetle larvae but it does not seem to be oval shaped. Found in South Quebec. Saint-Jean-Sur-Richelieu, Quebec. Canada
Number 7426. This is a larva of a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus (varied carpet beetle and allies). See Varied carpet beetle detailed information .
Duff millipedes
7425. These very small bugs appeared above our lights near the ceiling. The close up image is of one that is ~2 – 3mm in size and is one of the larger ones, they go down to less than a mm. There are several hundred and they are crawling around on the walls and ceiling. It is March on the south coast of BC. Sooke, BC. Canada
Number 7425. These appear to be duff millipedes (Diplopoda: Polyxenidae; Polyxenus sp.), sometimes also called dwarf or bristly millipedes. Normally found outdoors where they feed primarily on lichens and algae, they cause no harm and do not need control. See Duff millipedes detailed information .
Larva of a Carpet Beetle
7424. I keep finding these dead and alive in my house every couple months. I got the carpet cleaned but still find these popping up on my furniture and carpet. Edmonton, AB. Canada
Number 7424. This image appears to be a larva of a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Dermestes (larder beetles and allies). See Carpet Beetle control recommendations.
German cockroaches
7423. Hello I’m just wondering what blind of bugs these are bin my apartment they look like cockroaches but are all different sizes some r different colours.. I used two spray bottles on my place a month ago they where the cheapest kinds I guess my landlord bought when they came down from Toronto where they live.. today I just got two cans of raid spray… Been spraying outlet.. cracks.. microwave stove… Back of fridge… I’m the first person living in this place before it was va fish restaurant then this spicy pearl place… I moved in May ish in Oct at the end when it started to cold it’s been bad since mid Dec to now. I’ve been trying to keep cleaning up as much as I can…. Cornwall
Number 7423. These are German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (Blattodea: Ectobiidae), a peridomestic species difficult to bring under complete control. See German cockroaches control recommendations .
An assassin bug
7422. Markham, Ontario. Canada
Number 7422. This is Reduvius personatus, an assassin bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Reduviidae) known as the masked hunter. This is a peridomestic species that feeds on many other arthropods found in buildings; it’s bite is reported to be very painful, but not dangerous to humans. See An assassin bug detailed information .
western conifer seed bug
7421. What is this? Mississauga, Ontario. Canada
Number 7421. This is a western conifer seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae). This is an introduced species that has become widely established in North America. They are harmless, but may become nuisances when they enter buildings in search of shelter. See western conifer seed bug detailed information .
Cockroaches
My digital keyboard (piano not computer) broke and i took it to a repairman’s house to fix it. When I got to his house, it was like TLC Hoarder’s. I am terrified about bringing home pests—especially cockroaches. He was located in Scarborough. What steps can I take when I pick up my keyboard to make sure I don’t bring anything home? I didn’t realize when I left it there that cockroaches could get inside electronics like that and I am absolutely terrified about bringing something home. Please help me. Whitby
If you have a sturdy clear plastic bag big enough to enclose the keyboard, place the keyboard in it and tightly seal it while at the repairman’s residence. Once home, observe the bag periodically for the presence of any critters (this is why you want a clear bag). If you don’t see any after three days or so, it should be safe to remove and use the keyboard. If any roaches are seen, keep the bag in a cold (below freezing) environment for at least a couple of days. If winter weather does not cooperate, you may have to locate a freezer large enough to accommodate the bag. Alternatively, if the electronic components will tolerate heat, you could place the bag in the direct sunlight until the internal temperature is ~120F (~50C). A couple of hours at that temperature should kill any unwanted inhabitants.
Domesticated pet rats
Hello, I’m hoping to get domesticated pet rats soon but my landlord is concerned that the smell of them will attract other wild rodents as they’ve had rodent infestations in the past. I don’t see this being an issue and have seen others say that it’s a complete myth. I’d like to know if this is a real concern that I should consider? Thank you so much for your time, Kamloops
That is unlikely, but they could be attracted to improperly stored pet food – see https://tinyurl.com/2p8akzxf for details.
Long-horned wood-boring beetle
7420. We found a few in our house. Petit-Rocher-Ouest, NB. Canada
Number 7420. This is a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). The only species in this family that will infest established dwellings is the old house borer, Hylotrupesbajulus, but your image is not clear enough to either confirm or reject that possibility .As the larvae of several species can take several years to complete their development, it is not at all uncommon for adult beetles to emerge indoors some time after a house has been built. Another possibility is emergence from firewood; see Long-horned wood-boring beetle detailed information .
Carpet beetle
7419. Length 5mm. Found in my bed. Thank you kindly for your review! Mississauga, Ontario. Canada
Number 7419. This has the appearance of a carpet beetle (Coleoptera; Dermestidae) in the genus Attagenus (black carpet beetles and allies). See Carpet beetle control advice .
Dark-winged fungus gnats
7418. Courtenay, BC…Jan-Feb…these flies are about 1 mm in size, and we find them dead on windowsills in our bathroom and walk in closets. We do not see them alive…any id and advice? Courtenay, BC, Canada
Number 7418. I cannot identify these with certainty, but they likely are dark-winged fungus gnats (Diptera: Sciaridae). Their larvae (maggots) usually are found in very moist/wet soil having a high organic material content. They sometimes will damage very tender below-ground plant parts, especially in greenhouses or potted plants. Allowing soil to dry out as much as practical between waterings usually discourages them. The adult flies are completely harmless. See Dark-winged fungus gnats control suggestions .
Booklice
7417. Found in my son plastic super block at the bottom there were a lot of them. Beauharbois, Quebec. Canada
Number 7417. These appear to be booklice (Psocodea: Liposcelidae). These primarily are nuisance pests that very seldom cause any real harm. They feed mainly on mould spores and bits of organic debris. See Booklice detailed information .
Lady beetle
7416. Hello. These little flying bugs are in a condominium in Ottawa. The photo was taken in December, 2022. There have been a number of them since the fall. I really appreciate you taking the time to look this up! North Vancouver, BC. Canada
Number 7416. This is a lady beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae); it looks like an Asian multicoloured lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis. These often enter buildings in the autumn, in search of hibernating sites. Although they do no direct harm inside, they can be serious nuisances when they congregate in large numbers. See Lady beetle detailed information .
Minute brown scavenger beetle
7415. This is a close up placed on a paper towel. The bug is very small (<5mm) in length. Okotoks, Alberta. Canada
Number 7415. This specimen is too incomplete for a confident identification. That aside, if it is less than 3 mm long, it might be a minute brown scavenger beetle (Coleoptera: Latridiidae). These feed primarily on decomposing vegetable matter and mould spores; some species may be found in dry stored food products, but are not considered serious pests. See brown scavenger beetle detailed information .
Eastern boxelder bug
7414. Flys and are everywhere! Rowlett, United States
Number 7414. This is an eastern boxelder bug, Boisea trivittata (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Rhopalidae). This is a very common and widespread nuisance pest that seldom does any real damage. See Eastern boxelder bug detailed information .
Darkling beetle
7413. Hi, as previously stated I’m from Calgary AB. I sent in a different picture of these guys wandering around the house last October (file #7406). Your analysis was a Darkling beetle that infects dry stored goods. On that advice I completely cleared and checked all food, shelves & drawers in my pantry at that time and did not find a single one, however there were still some lingering around the house. Yesterday I found this lone fellow, hope this is a clearer picture for you to re-examine and re-assess and give provide me your findings. Thanks
Number 7413. This definitely is a darkling beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae); most likely in the genus Tenebrio. Only a few species in this family can be considered pests; the vast majority do no harm. See Darkling beetle detailed information .
Woolly aphid
7412. Central Alabama, afternoon, about 80F degrees. No way to measure size but compared to my skin – very small. Too small? Pelham, Alabama. United States
Number 7412. This appears to be a woolly aphid (Hemiptera/ : Aphididae); it strongly resembles an introduced species known as the Asian woolly hackberry aphid (Shivaphis celti) – see woolly aphid detailed information .
Pseudoscorpion
7411. Found in my bathroom on Oct 23, 2022. Campbellford, Ontario. Canada
Number 7411. This is a pseudoscorpion, an arachnid related to spiders and true scorpions that prey on other small arthropods. They are non-venomous and harmless to humans. Pseudoscorpion detailed information .
Crab spider
7410. Found on my neck inside my house. Campbellford, Ontario. Canada
Number 7410. This is a crab spider (family Thomisidae); possibly in the genus Xysticus. These are ambush predators on other small arthropods, and harmless to humans. See crab spider detailed information .
7410. Found on my neck inside my house. Campbellford, Ontario. Canada
Number 7410. This is an introduced species known as a tuxedo bug, Raglius alboacuminatus (Hemipter/Heteroptera: Rhyparochromidae. See Tuxedo bug detailed information & control suggestions .
Tuxedo bug
7409. How do we get rid of these bugs? Armstrong, BC. Canada
Number 7409. This is an introduced species known as a tuxedo bug, Raglius alboacuminatus (Hemipter/Heteroptera: Rhyparochromidae. See Tuxedo bug detailed information & control suggestions .
Gray squirrel
7408. Woodrat or eastern grey Squirrel? Moncton, NB. Canada
Number 7408. This is a Gray squirrel.
Broad-nosed/short-snouted weevil
7407. I see a few of these in my basement during summer mostly. Calgary, Alberta. Canada
Number 7407. This is a broad-nosed/short-snouted weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; subfamily Entiminae). These often enter buildings in search of shelter, but do no harm there.
Darkling beetle
7406. I found some of these in my house in Calgary, AB. Not sure if they all wondered in or is it something I should be more concerned about. They are 3/16” long, don’t fly and have 6 legs. Please help me determine what they are and how to deal with them.
Number 7406. The image is not clear enough for a confident identification. That aside, it resembles a darkling beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). The vast majority of these are not pests, but as a few species will infest dry stored food products, you may want to check your pantry for signs of insect infestation. See Darkling beetle detailed information .
Giant eastern crane fly
7405. Memramcook area in NB Canada. First of September, 2022 – 6am, photo with phone camera on the plastic siding of a HOUSE. Moncton, NB. Canada
Number 7405. What a beautiful insect! It’s a giant eastern crane fly, Pedicia albivitta (Diptera: Tipulidae). See Giant eastern crane fly detailed information .
nymph of a brown marmorated stink bug
7404. Hello, I have found one of these in my bed when I woke up, and I would like to know if this bug will bite in your sleep, thank you. Toronto, ON. Canada
Number 7404. This is a nymph of a brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). This is an introduced species that has become a pest, primarily in orchards, in many areas of North America. They will come indoors in search for shelter, but do no harm there, and will not bite. See Brown marmorated stink bug detailed information
Camel/cave cricket
7403. Indoors, summer, the insect hops so I was thinking it was a grasshopper ? Calgary, Alberta. Canada
Number 7403. This is a camel/cave cricket (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae). They are for the most part nuisance pests, usually found in dark, damp situations such as basements, caves, under logs, etc. See Camel/cave cricket Detailed Information
European garden spider
7402. Please identify this spider. Campbellford, ON. Canada
Number 7402. This is Araneus diadematus, a very common and widespread orb weaver known as the cross spider or European garden spider. See Cross Orb-weaver detailed information .
Plant bug
7401. Please help us identify this bug! It is everywhere this summer but we haven’t seen it before at our house. Approximately 6mm in length, attracted to light. Very quick, jumps and flies. Just found so many of them hiding in my dahlias, either eating the buds or eating something else that ate the buds? I can’t be sure. They are frustrating as they keep getting in the house. It’s been very hot and dry, presumably the weather has to do with how many there are? It looks like some type of Hemiptera but I can’t narrow it down any further and we would love to know! Any info much appreciated. Thank you! Edmonton, AB. Canada
Number 7401. This is a plant bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Miridae); it looks like a tarnished plant bug (also known as a lygus bug), Lygus lineolaris. These will do no damage indoors, but can e pests of quite a few garden and field plants – Click here