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See also:  Spider categorized species photos
More spider photo identifications
pest-id-photos page 1
 pest-id-photos page 2
pest-id-photos page 3

 ( Out of focus, poorly lit and subjects too small to identify will not be published.)
Spider photos:  Only very high quality unusual spider photos will be published

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larvae of a crane fly

larvae of a crane fly

5986  Good afternoon,  My name is Rebeca and we leave in London , Ontario.  Yesterday morning, we noticed our driveway infested with these larvae. Could you please help us to identify them? They are around 0.6 inches long.  Thanks.

These look like larvae of a crane fly (Diptera: Tipulidae); see http://tinyurl.com/mz8ad2m for an example. These usually are found in damp to wet soils, and some species can be turf pests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

soldier beetle

soldier beetle

5985   This was taken outside, Maple Ridge B.C.  April 30 2017.   Ken

This looks like a soldier beetle (Coleoptera: Cantharidae) in the genus Podabrus; see http://tinyurl.com/l4oglbu for an example. For the most part, these appear to be general predators on other small arthropods as well as acting as pollinators. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

 

Australian cockroach nymph

Australian cockroach nymph

5984    Hi,    I’m writing in relation to a dead bug I found in my bedroom that is about 1 inch in size. I can’t tell what it is…  Many thanks,  Jessica

This appears to be a nymph of an Australian cockroach, Periplaneta australasiae (Blattodea: Blattidae). See http://tinyurl.com/ka4ltgr for details on its life history as well as some control suggestions. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

 

giant water bug

giant water bug

5983  I found my son playing with this insect in the school’s playground sandbox. It is really big, at least 3″ long. Found in Trenton, Ontario end April.  What is it and does it bite? Thanks!

This is a giant water bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Belostomatidae); likely in the genus Lethocerus. These are general predators on other aquatic life forms, primarily other arthropods, but sometimes small minnows, tadpoles, etc. as well. They can inflict a very painful ‘bite’ (more of a stab) with their powerful beak. See http://tinyurl.com/k84ft2m for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

 

house centipede

house centipede

5982   Hello,   My name is Matt and I found this bug in our washroom, located in Richmond hill Ontario. I find smaller versions of these bugs frequently. Do you know what it is? 

This is a house centipede, Scutigera coleoptrata, a cosmopolitan species. Unlike most other centipedes, house centipedes have quite good eyesight, and can hunt down their prey. Finding numbers of these usually is indicative of the presence of other insects. They also are capable of inflicting a painful (but not dangerous) bite. See http://tinyurl.com/mn7mzf for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

 

Carpet beetle?

Carpet beetle?

5981   Hello,   I was lying in bed when I felt something tickling and moving along the side of my belly. The attached pictures are of what I am hoping is just a beetle.  The insect is tiny, approximately 3 mm long.  I flipped it on its back for one of the pictures.  I live in Boucherville, Quebec, and this was taken April 22, 2017.  Regards,  Patrick

This is a beetle, but unfortunately, I cannot tell much more from this image. The only ones having this general appearance that would be of any concern are carpet beetles. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

firebug

Firebug

5980  I have been seeing this particular black and fire red insect around my home and my community. It has destroyed/eaten all my plants and I cannot seem to  do anything to get rid of them.  Can you tell me what this bug is and if it  is harmful to have inside my Home or is it dangerous in any other way? I  have a small toddler who likes to play in the rocks but my rocks are filled  with hundreds of these bugs.

This is a firebug, Pyrrhocoris apterus (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Pyrrhocoridae). Something else likely is destroying your plants, as these insects reportedly feed primarily on seeds of members of the mallow and lime families – see http://tinyurl.com/kdbrpn8. They tend to form dense aggregations in the spring, and a person seeing those could presume that they were causing damage. They also pose no danger to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

 

Female and male ants

Female and male ants

5979  Hi there,  I was hoping you could help me identify these bugs I found congregating around the deck in our backyard. I live in East York, Ontario and only noticed these yesterday.

These are ants, the black ones are males and the larger brown one is a female. I am unsure as to the species, but at least they do not appear to be carpenter ants. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Adelgid nymph

Adelgid nymph

5978  My name is Luke. Location: Kelowna, BC.  At a home surrounded by fur and pine trees, the argentine ants have taken over the area and foraging at all these trees. They are coming down from the tee with this creature in their mouth. I think it’s an adelgid, but I’m not a pro, and I want to know what exactly has allowed these ants to thrive in such a different forest than their native origin.

This does look like a nymph of an adelgid – see http://tinyurl.com/lh7o7sn for an example. Argentine ants have been very successful in expanding their range as they tend to form ‘supercolonies’, each having multiple queens, and the colonies cooperate rather than compete with each other. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

 

Stonefly

Stonefly

5977   My name – Debbie.  These bugs are showing up in the Spring time on the outside of the house.
I am located in Grand Forks, BC Canada

This is a stonefly (order Plecoptera). Their larvae form an important part of the freshwater food web; see http://tinyurl.com/h84682mfor detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

 

cave/camel cricket

Cave /camel cricket

5976   Hi,  We found this in Harrison Hot Springs, BC, Canada in April. It was in a wet cave on the ceiling with dozens of other ones. The cave was in a forest at about 120m elevation. The largest had bodies about 2-3 inches long.  John

This is a cave/camel cricket (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae); they commonly are found in damp, dark, seldom-disturbed habitats, Some in the genus Tropidischia (see http://tinyurl.com/k9bkwob  for an example) can get quite large. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Ichneumonid wasp

Ichneumonid wasp

5975    Hi, thanks for the great site.  We had this little visitor crawling out from under the cabinet in our bathroom on the second floor of our home in Calgary, Alberta on the 14th of April.  We have had some great spring weather leading up to this week, but it has turned cold (complete with some spring snow yesterday).  We have had some unscreened windows open in the house already.  Our home is 60 years old.  The first concern was termite or carpenter ant.  I think the wings are maybe too short for a termite.  But maybe an ant?  Hopefully not a carpenter.  Regardless, it is a truly magnificent creature.  Thank you so much for your time!  -Glenn

This is a wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. All ichneumonid wasps are parasitic on other arthropods, mainly other insects, and are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

German cockroach

German Cockroach

5974   Geographical Location: Markham, ON.  Bug was collected in the kitchen. Over the last month or so, we have been waking up to them of varying sizes between 0.5 cm to 2 cm (this one was about 1.5 cm) in length, not including their antennae. They are typically crawling on the kitchen counter (granite) but can also be seen on the floor, or on vertical surfaces (dishwasher door, cupboard doors, etc.) It is currently April and weather conditions are mild, between 5 to 10 C. Snow is melting, and it has been relatively damp over the last few days, but weather in the month since their infestation has been fluctuating. It looks as if they have wings and they are capable of climbing glass jars. We have been rigorously cleaning and cannot find a way to get rid of them. Suggestions would be gratefully accepted!   Thanks for your help!  David.

This is a German cockroach, Blattella germanica (Blattodea: Ectobiidae), a very common and widespread pest species that can be difficult to bring under compete control. See http://tinyurl.com/h3nd9z8 elsewhere on this site for some control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Varied carpet beetle

Varied carpet beetle

5973   Hi there,    I reside in the city of Coquitlam, in the province of British Columbia, Canada. I own a larger house, approximately 5 years old and just in the last 2 months, found these little guys on the window curtains and bed sheets. They are quite small (3.5 to 4 mm) and I’ve never found in groups, always found solo. Here in metro Vancouver, it rains fairly hard during January to April and we usually experience mild winter. What is this and is this something I should be concerned about? Thank you very much for your assistance! Hally 

This looks like a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus, such as the varied carpet beetle, A. verbasci. See http://tinyurl.com/hz44zxx for images and detailed information on this species and http://tinyurl.com/zl9w25c elsewhere on this site for some control recommendations. These beetles often are found at windows as they attempt to get outdoors; they primarily are pollen feeders, unlike their destructive larvae. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

 

Assassin bug nymph

Assassin bug nymph

5972   My name is Wendy. I live in Montreal and this bug was on my newly carpeted stairs inside my house. It was fairly large, about 3/4 of an inch.

This appears to be a nymph of Reduvius personatus, a peridomestic species of assassin bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Reduviidae) known as the masked hunter. These are reported as having a very painful but not dangerous bite. See http://tinyurl.com/23g4bdy for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Non-biting midge

Non-biting midge

5971  These bugs appeared today in the thousands on our deck and screen door. Temperature here today reached 18C. Very small about 3 or 4mm. Hope you can identify them. Our location is Campbellford, Ontario and we are on the Trent River.

This is a non-biting midge (Diptera: Chironomidae)l see http://tinyurl.com/mpx96u3 for an image. These are close relatives of mosquitoes, and like them, their larvae are aquatic. Although harmless, these insects can occur in large numbers and make terrible nuisances of themselves.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Parasitic fly

Parasitic fly

5970  I reside in the Roodepoort area in Gauteng Province of South Africa and I wondered if you can shed some light on the subject of this kind of fly, it is not one of the more common flies in our area.  It is late Autumn 10 April 2017 so it is not yet cold. It came flying in to the house late evening, it doesn’t fly very fast.  It is 13mm from the tip of the wing to the tip of it head.  Green eyes.  The body is yellowish red-brown in colour. Thank you for the opportunity to find out what kind of fly this is.  Kind regards,  Samantha 

This fly looks like something in the family Tachinidae, but I cannot offer a more specific identification. All flies in this family are parasitic on other arthropods, mainly other insects. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Firebrat

Firebrat

5969   Hi, thank you for this great site.  I noticed this little critter in the bathroom sink of our clean, 3rd floor apartment in Winnipeg about a month after moving in. I’ve never seen something like this in our old house, and was wondering if this was a baby cockroach, silverfish, or something else? If it wasn’t already here, it’s possible it came in with some of our old stuff which had been stored in a clean basement that did suffer from some groundwater seepage, where the occasional sow bug could be seen.  Thanks so much for your time!  -Adam

This is a firebrat (Thermobia domestica; Zygentoma: Lepismatidae). These are cosmopolitan in distribution and along with their close cousins, silverfish, basically are nuisance pests that seldom cause real harm. See http://tinyurl.com/mc5vk7j for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

darkling beetle

darkling beetle

5968 Dear Sirs,  My name is Mellissa and I live in Jamaica. A cemetery is nearby and the house is in between two open lots with mostly shrubs. Our yard has grass and some fruit trees. We also use soak-away pits/cesspools that allow water to absorbed into the earth. There is also a shed in the back yard that was once a haven for cockroaches. Is is sunny all year round here with rainy and dry seasons – the bugs are here irrespective. These bugs/beetles come out in the night through small spaces in our windows, in the daytime there in minimal movement and sometimes they appear dead when they are not. They are about a quarter of an inch long, black, have six legs and a set of antlers/feelers. They have a semi-hard exoskeleton and if you step on one you can hear it crack. They are quite a pest and I would like to know what they are and what they exist to do. Please let me know if you need any further information.   Thank you

This might be a darkling beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), but I cannot see enough detail (particularly its tarsal segments) to be certain. Although these may be nuisances, at least it does not appear to be any of the common pest species in that family. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

broad-nosed/short-snouted weevil

broad-nosed/short-snouted weevil

5967   Please, please help me identify these bugs [Beetles ? ] that I am finding in my house. I live North of Toronto in Stouffville Ontario. It is early April and I have been finding them in all different places. Such as walls, floors, countertops etc.,  I have attached pictures. I should mention that they are slow moving, Again please help as I am grossed out with them. Thank you so much.

This is a broad-nosed/short-snouted weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; subfamily Entiminae), possibly a black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus  – see http://tinyurl.com/lgr7rzr for an image. Indoors, these simply are nuisance pests that cause no harm. However, they can be serious pests outdoors, especially in their larval stage – see http://tinyurl.com/monvaej for detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Dermestidae beetle

Larder beetle

99% of these insects are smaller than a flaxseed & bigger than window screen. Westwold, BC first year ever seen and first time in house! Inside only on all window sills. Three year old windows. These insects fly. Not in furniture. Not on occupants or pets. They fly. No bites. Maybe coming in window sill drain holes. All vacuumed up and taken out outside only to have more appearing minutes later. Two weeks now and seem to be less and less.

This is a beetle in the family Dermestidae (carpet/larder/hide/skin beetles and relatives). You should check all your food storage areas as well as any organic fabrics (wool, silk, those trimmed with fur or feathers, etc.) in long-term storage and any wool rugs for signs of insect infestation.  See http://tinyurl.com/zl9w25c elsewhere on this site for some control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

wasp nest dermestid

Dermestidae (Carpet) beetle

5965  Hi there, I was wondering if you could tell me if this is a carpet beetle or a bed bud. The antenna and legs made me think it was a bedbug when I was looking at Google images , but when going through you photos I questioned if it was a carpet beetle or something in that family. It does not have the characteristic ridges & colors from what I seen bed bugs typically have. It is black or really dark brown. Any help or insight you could give me would I would be incredibly appreciative. I have seen two of these in the past 12 hours.

This is a beetle in the family Dermestidae (carpet/skin/hide/larder beetles and allies); it looks like Reesa vespulae, known as the wasp nest dermestid. These beetles feed on dead insects, various stored seeds and dried plant material; they also may be found outdoors in bird and wasp nests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Northern Black Widow spider

Northern Black Widow spider

5964   2.5 inches long looks like black widow hybrid. John.  Kelowna, BC.

This appears to be a northern black widow spider, Latrodectus variolus. These often have a median red stripe or series of red dots on the dorsum of their abdomen in addition to the ‘hourglass’ on the ventral aspect – see http://tinyurl.com/k3doxlu.   Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Camel/Cave cricket

Camel/Cave cricket

5963   Hi, I’m Mark in Ottawa.  Over the past few days (April 2-3 2017), I’ve found these bugs in my basement at night, near my sump pit. I killed 2 last night, but I found (and killed) 3 tonight (including the one in picture). It unfortunately looks like a type of cockroach, but the color doesn’t match a German one. Please tell me I am wrong. never had these EVER…crossing my fingers!!!  Mark

This is a camel/cave cricket (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae); see http://tinyurl.com/l62qhkjor an example. They often are found in damp, dark environments such as caves, basements, under logs, etc. and basically are nuisance pests that seldom cause any real harm. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

running crab spider

running crab spider

5962   I found this little dude in my room and (s)he’s been hanging out on the far wall for the past four days. Despite my phobia, Ive tried to be kind and leave them be but I’m curious to know more about my little roomie. I live in Red Deer, Alberta and it is currently April 4th.

This looks like a running crab spider (family Philodromidae); they are completely harmless to humans.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Fungus gnat larvae

Fungus gnat larvae

5961   I found these clumps of larvae in my backyard in Sylvan Lake, Alberta as the snow was melting now in April 2017. There are at least 2 dozen clumps of larvae often with a larger reddish worm nearby. We have a dog but the larvae weren’t even near any of the stool piles that we missed picking up throughout the winter. So I’m really hoping they aren’t pin worms and maybe just earthworm larvae that had to surface due to the excessive moisture in the ground. The yard doesn’t see much sun and with all the snow it becomes like a glacier in spring. Can’t find any photos like it and we have lived here for 15 years and have never experienced this before. Sure would like to know what they are…Tanis

These appear to be larvae of a fungus gnat (Diptera: Sciaridae), see http://tinyurl.com/l8xa3v6for an image. These likely were feeding either on decaying dead grass or on fungus that was decomposing the grass. Basically nuisance pests.   Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Bumble or carpenter bee

Bumble or carpenter bee

5960   I live in Modesto, California it is gloomy outside, I found this bug in my driveway this morning it was on its back moving his 4 legs like it was trying to overturn itself. I left it alone 6 hours later I go check on it and turned it over with A stick it has stripes like a bumble been and small wings on its back. I sprayed it with raid and it died. I put it in a jar I need to know what it is and should I be concerned I have small puppies.  Ellena

This is either a bumble bee (Bombus sp.) or a carpenter bee (Xylocopa sp.); the condition of your specimen makes it very difficult to be certain. Regardless, neither bee poses any threat; they are not aggressive and will sting only if severely molested. They also are valuable pollinators.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

tanbark borer

tanbark borer

5959  We have had a couple of these bugs flying in our house. They are not very good flyers. No idea where they are coming from. Any assistance would be appreciated. I am in Burlington, Ontario.  Liz

This is a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera; Cerambycidae); it looks like Phymatodes testaceus, known as the tanbark borer – see http://tinyurl.com/m349ves for an image (note: this species is quite variable in appearance) and more information. These will not infest anything in your home, and there is no need for control. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

male fishing spider

male fishing spider

5958 Hello,  Last August we moved from Nashville Tennessee. Before we left, the apartment complex had an infestation of brown recluse spiders, so I wanted to play it on the safe side and ask to see if we are dealing with them 10 months after moving.  Please let me know what you think and if we need to take any further measures. Sincerely, Greg Frost

No worries here – this is a male fishing spider (family Pisauridae), likely Dolomedes triton; see http://tinyurl.com/lwo3w2t for an image. These are active hunters that do not spin a capture web, and pose no threat to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

carpet beetle

carpet beetle

5957   Please help!  I’m finding this bug creeping along usually on fabric / furniture / carpet. Not really in kitchen or bathroom.   It’s about a little bigger than a fleck of pepper or so. Only find one at a time, never in a group – maybe see one every week or so. The body doesnt appear jointed. And the pix that looks like it has wings.  Never seen them fly. Location: apartment in Toronto, Ontario.  Have only noticed them recently, say, since October-ish. Noticed one this evening crawling on my cat as she slept!!!  Would love to know how to get rid of them.  Your help in identifying is greatly appreciated. Nancy

This looks like a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), possibly in the genus Attagenus – see http://tinyurl.com/hngt3cj for an example. Check around the margins of your carpeting as well as any fabrics containing wool or silk to see if you can find any larvae that look like this: http://tinyurl.com/hr3qzn5. If you do, see http://tinyurl.com/zl9w25c elsewhere on this site for some control advice. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

scarlet malachite beetle larva

scarlet malachite beetle larva

5956  Hi, my name is Tara, this is a photo of an insect that I have found in my house not once, but three times within a week. I live in Edmonton, AB, and have seen nothing like this before. Twice they have been found crawling on the carpet, and once in my lunch bag! Odd thing is, the times I found them on the carpet were both upstairs on the second floor, whereas my lunch bag always remains on the first floor on top of the kitchen island, or within a cupboard. They do not die when you put them in water, and are about the size of 1cm and move fairly slow (relative to the fast crawling of spiders). This is in March, when the weather is warming up, and almost rainy. Any help would be appreciated, I really have no idea where I may have gotten these buggers.

This is a larva of a scarlet malachite beetle, Malachius aeneus (Coleoptera: Melyridae) – see http://tinyurl.com/khegf6s for detailed information. This is not a pest, but simply an accidental intruder that will do no harm. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Hibernating Box Elder bug

Hibernating Box Elder bug

5955  Hello sir..   I found these bugs all around my house located in Stittsville Ontario.    I found it last time in my daughter hair.. I need to get rid of it as soon as possible cause maybe it will hurt my babies ..   Thanks

This is a box elder bug.  They are common in your area as they seek shelter in the fall to hibernate over the winter.  They can be a nuisance but are harmless.  Read more about box elder bugs.

winter stonefly

winter stonefly

5954   Howdy, thanks for helping ID this critter.  Found numerous specimens today on the crushed ice on rivers edge.  South Saskatchewan River near Empress, Alberta.  Owen.

 

This appears to be a winter stonefly (Plecoptera: Taeniopterygidae), so called because the adults often emerge during very late winter/early spring while snow still is on the ground. See http://tinyurl.com/mv5y8yofor more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Stink bug

Stink Bug

5953    Hello- I was on a trip to Harare Zimbabwe in March and this bug was in bed and it got into my pajama while sleeping. It might have stung me- not sure but it woke me up and the skin was irritated. Maybe because I pressed it to feel what it was while it was on my skin. The bug was killed in the process of removing it, I took a photo from its top side and its bottom side. It is about 5-6 mm long. Thanks./  Hani

This is a stink bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), but I am unable to provide a more specific identification. Most stink bugs are plant feeders and some species can be serious pests, but there are quite a few predatory species as well that feed on insects and other arthropods. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

 

Bed Bug

Bed Bug

5952   Hello   I live in downtown Toronto in an apartment building. This bug was crawling on my pillow. I’ve had issues with clothes moths and recently put a lot of Cedar in my bedroom.   This bug did not fly. It was about 0.5 cm in length.   Thank you  Please help.  Katia 

Unfortunately, what you have here is a bed bug or very close relative in the hemipteran family Cimicidae. See http://tinyurl.com/hwz5tea elsewhere on this site for some control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

 

nymph of a cockroach

nymph of a cockroach

5951    New house here in Ivy Lea Ontario, near Gananoque Ontario Canada… Finding these bugs on a regular basis… Freaking me out…!!!   UGH…!  Hope you can identify them for me…
Thanks…    Tim

This looks like a nymph of a cockroach, likely that of an oriental cockroach, Blatta orientalis (Blattodea: Blattidae). These reproduce more slowly than German cockroaches, and thus usually are easier to bring under control. See http://tinyurl.com/h3nd9z8 elsewhere on this site for some cockroach control recommendations.

Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Young Cockroach nymph

Young Cockroach nymph

5950   Hello there, I found this insect in our accommodations in Georgetown, Cayman Islands. Any help with identification is greatly appreciated – if it’s a cockroach nymph, particularly what type, so I know what precautions to take to avoid taking any home to Ontario, Canada in our luggage. That’s a cayman quarter for size, same size as a US quarter. Many many thanks.  Sarah

This is indeed a young nymph of a cockroach, but I cannot be certain as to which species. Unfortunately, short of having no luggage at all, there is no way of absolutely guaranteeing that you will not have any unwanted hitchhikers. That aside, you can minimize your risk by observing the following precautions: 1. Keep your luggage off the floor and on a luggage rack. 2. Keep your luggage closed (and zipped) at all times. 3. Keep food out of your suitcase, or at least keep it in tightly sealed containers. 4. When packing for your return, carefully shake out all items before placing them in your suitcase(s). Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

 

carpet/larder/hide/skin beetle

Dermestidae beetle

5949  This was found walking across my bed in Toronto, Ontario.

This is a beetle in the family Dermestidae (carpet/larder/hide/skin beetles and relatives), but this image is not clear enough for a more specific identification. You should check all your food storage areas as well as any organic fabrics (wool, silk, those trimmed with fur or feathers, etc.) in long-term storage and any wool rugs for signs of insect infestation.  See http://tinyurl.com/zl9w25c elsewhere on this site for some control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

weevil

Weevil

5948   Eastern Long Island in my house. Susan

This is a weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). It does not resemble any of the commonly encountered pest species, so it most likely is simply an accidental intruder. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

German cockroaches

German cockroaches

5947  Hi There,    Found this on a glue trap for mice placed beside my stove… Hope the images are good enough quality. Almost looks like a cockroach nymph? (From what i guess, or some sort of cricket). I live in an old top floor apartment in Montréal. Anyways, it measures approximately 1.25cm for specimen on left and 1cm for right. They appear more red/darker in real life, the camera over exposed them a little. Many thanks for your time and consideration,  A.

These are German cockroaches, Blattella germanica (Blattodea: Ectobiidae), a very common and widespread pest species. See http://tinyurl.com/h3nd9z8 elsewhere on this site for some control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

scentless plant bug

scentless plant bug

5946   I’ve seen a lot of these beetles in my house. They are about 1/4 inch long.  I’m in BC, the south Okanagan.

I cannot be absolutely certain, but I believe that this is a scentless plant bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Rhopalidae); see http://tinyurl.com/kvfdkko for an example. These basically are nuisance pests that seldom cause any real harm. I do not know why these bugs are called ‘scentless,’ as some, like boxelder bugs, have a definite and not terribly pleasant, odor. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

mason/orchard bee

mason/orchard bee

5945   Hi my name is Barb from Mission BC. We have been finding these fly like bugs on our window sills and bathroom counter. They have wings but are not flying. They are crawling around slowly. Are they a type of fly? Where are they coming from??

This is a bee, possibly a mason/orchard bee in the genus Osmia. These are cavity nesters, and may have overwintered in or near your home – see http://tinyurl.com/m9xuuc8 for details on their life history. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

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scuttle fly

scuttle fly

5943   I am Michael, and I’m in South Florida.  The specimen was retrieved mid March from a South Florida bathroom. I think it may have tried to attack me actually.   Thank you.  

This is a scuttle fly (Diptera: Phoridae). The only thing that they attack is decomposing organic matter; they are incapable of biting or stinging. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

parasitic wasp

parasitic wasp

5942   They look like ants, but they’re not ants because they don’t seem to be attracted to the liquid bait that we still have from our previous ants.   When you touch them, or even move a piece of paper/tissue paper, they seem to “jump” or leap a small amount of distance. They have wings too, in which I have not seen them use to fly, but perhaps the leap/jumping. They are definitely smaller than a drugstore beetle though and this is the best image I can provide out of my adventures of trying to capture a good quality. Thanks.  RD.      BC Canada

This is a small parasitic wasp of some kind, the image is not clear enough for a definitive identification. The larvae of wasps like this develop internally in other insects or their eggs. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

 

weevil

weevil

5941   Hi my name is Ben,     Looking to identify this insect, it was found in my bed, approximately 3-5mm long, 6 legs in total, 2 antennae, it is currently winter here and the bedroom it was found in is in the basement of the house. When agitated it seemed to roll up into a stick.   Thanks in advance!

This is a weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), but the image is not clear enough for me to be confident of a more specific identification. You might want to inspect any storage area where you keep any whole grains (such as wheat, corn/maize, rice, bird seed, etc.) for signs of any infestation just in case these are grain weevils (Sitophilus sp.)  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

winter stonefly

small winter stonefly

5940   My name is Tammy and I live in Midland, Ontario, Canada. It is mid-March but still very cold. We have had a couple mild spells over the last couple months. I am finding these bugs in and around my hot tub. Concerned that they may be carpenter ants but they don’t look like the other photos I can find online. Help please!   Thank you!

This appears to be a small winter stonefly (Plecoptera: Capniidae)  see http://tinyurl.com/qj2bhsf for an example. They are completely harmless and their nymphs are an important part of the freshwater food web. See http://tinyurl.com/n4jqv8w for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

male horse fly

male horse fly

5939   This was on my truck in Abbotsford B.C.

This is a male horse fly (Diptera: Tabanidae); possibly Tabanus punctifer   see http://tinyurl.com/mvfm6fw for an image.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

Silverfish

Silverfish

5938  I’ve found this white flat bug several times in my new condo building in Ancaster,  Ontario. I’ve found it both in fall and winter, haven’t been here in summer yet. I fund it just sitting on the wall or floor and seems pretty sedate at times. What is it and is it problematic? Any tips to get rid of it? Thanks    Sue.

This appears to be a silverfish, Zygentoma: Lepismatidae. These are cosmopolitan in distribution and along with their close cousins, firebrats, basically are nuisance pests that seldom cause real harm. See http://tinyurl.com/mc5vk7j for more detailed information.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

 

 

spider beetle

spider beetle

5937 Found this in my bathtub this morning in Halifax, Nova Scotia

This is a spider beetle (Coleoptera: Anobiidae; subfamily Ptininae). These basically are nuisance pests, but sometimes they will infest some dry stored food products. See http://tinyurl.com/mamup5 for more detailed information.  Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

 

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