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Emerald Ash Borer
(03/29/2007) Emerald Ash Borer
Dear bugman,
This is in response to the folks from Ohio that sent in a
photo of the 6 Spotted Tiger Beetle. I'm glad Bruce does recognize
its not EAB but I have attached photos I took in the past
that might help people ID Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis)
if they think they have found it. Note the D shaped exit hole.They
will be emerging in early June and ending about mid July.
Your readers may find the attached website of use and report
these pests if found in new areas.
http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/hot_issues/emerald_ash_borer/emerald_ash_borer.shtml
Keep up the good work
Brian
 
Hi Brian,
Thank you ever so much for providing us with a photo and information.
We will try to remember to repost your letter on our homepage
in June.
Six Spotted Tiger Beetle
(03/27/2007) Help me identify this little green beetle
Up here in Ohio everyone is watching out for the emerald ash
borer. Several friends have brought this little devil to my
attention. I've assured them it's not the emerald ash but
I expect it is in the borer family since it is often seen
on fallen trees. Spotted this fella today when I was cutting
wood. We've had four days in the 70's so he probably just
hatched. Please help me name this fella so I can tell my friends,
I would estimate he's just under an inch long. His green is
very irridescent.
Bruce
Montgomery County Ohio Pic Taken 3-27-07 Fuji 9000
 
Hi Bruce,
We hope harmless predators like your lovely Six Spotted Tiger
Beetle are not being squished, smashed and swatted in a case
of mistaken identity. Tiger Beetles are highly prized by collectors
for their beauty. They are fierce hunters that run and fly
quite well.
Mating
Fireflies
(03/26/2007) Lightning Bugs gettin' jiggy.
Hi there! :)
I just wanted to send along a photo that I took today. I'm
sure it's one you've seen a million times, but it's the first
time I've ever seen ANY two bugs mating, let along managing
to snap a pic of them! The neat thing, though, is that these
two lightning bugs were getting busy on my brand new lilac
bush, which I just named Oksana. Now, in Russian, Oksana means
"hospitable, especially to strangers." ...I guess
so! Thanks!
Erika
Hi Erika,
Thanks for sending us your great image of mating Fireflies.
Golden Buprestid
(03/22/2007) Golden Buprestid
Dear Bugman,
My wife found a Golden Buprestid in our bedroom the morning
of Mar. 20 here in Eugene, OR. We have no idea how it got
there. A photo of it posing on an orange leaf is attached.
Your website provided the correct identification. Thanks very
much!
Donald Gudehus
Hi Donald,
Thank you for sending in your lovely image of a Golden Buprestid.
We have gotten several reports lately of Golden Buprestids
emerging from milled wood.
Golden
Buprestid and Tiger Swallowtail: Home Intruders
(03/14/2007) Insects that hatch in houses in winter
Dear Bugman,
For an "art project" your marvelous site is very
helpful to naturalists who get asked, what's this bug that
hatched in my house this winter? I'm pasting in 2 photos for
you. The first is of a Golden Buprestid (I think) that came
right out of my friend Sandy's cutting board one morning.
She'd had that home-made board (probably Ponderosa pine),
for 8 years, and pounded, carved, sliced n' diced on it all
that time. Then one recent morning out came this beauty! The
2nd photo is of a Swallowtail butterfly that hatched out on
some potted plants in a windowsill in the building here in
Moscow, Idaho, where I go for my massage appointments (lucky
me). My questions are -- have you got any great tales of the
long-lived Buprestid larvae popping out as adults in people's
homes? For the Swallowtail, how would a pupa end up on a geranium
that's never been outside? And lastly, what do we tell people
who want to feed or keep alive their unexpected and stunningly
beautiful winter visitors? The Swallowtail died within the
week. The Buprestid has been in a little cage with some fir
needles and has made it for a week so far. Thanks for your
replies!
Sarah Walker
Moscow, Idaho
 
Hi Sarah,
Thank you for sending your interesting anecdotes. We have
heard of certain wood boring beetles emerging many years after
the wood was cut. Sometimes they emerge from furniture and
other times from wood paneling. Many caterpillars leave their
host plant and wander in search of a place to pupate. Sorry,
we have no advice on keeping off season guests alive. Eric
Eaton wrote in with this information: "Daniel: What a fabulous
story about the beetle emerging from the cutting board! It
is indeed a "golden buprestid," Cypriacis aurulenta (formerly
Buprestis aurulenta). The record age for one is an adult that
emerged from a baseboard(?) in a Canadian building fully 51
years after the building was erected! Why milled lumber forces
such an extended life cycle in woodborers is a mystery, at
least as far as I know. Normally, the life cycle would be
no more than 2-5 years. Eric"
Fig Eater
(03/10/2007) San Diego Beetle
Dear Bugman,
I saw this beetle in the bushes at the San Diego zoo last
fall. It was about an inch long and flew off after the picture
was taken. I have seen a few of them around the area, do you
know what it is? I have attached a picture and any help you
can give me would be great! I love the site and check it all
the time!
Katie
Hi Katie,
This is a Green Fruit Beetle or Fig Eater, Cotinus mutabilis.
This large green metalic scarab flies in August and September
and produces a loud buzzing in flight. Eggs are laid in compost
piles and adults feed on fruit, especially peaches and figs.
Malaysian
Flower Chafers Mating
(03/09/2007) For your bug love collection
Hi bugfolks,
Love, love, love your site, thank you! I have attached a picture
I'd like to contribute to your Bug Love section. It was taken
in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia. If you know what they
are, I'd love to know, but I think it's a cool picture anyway.
Again, wonderful site!
Mariane
Hi Mariane,
We don't recognize your beautiful Malaysian Scarab Beetles.
Perhaps one of our readers will write in with a species identification.
We have seen this species embedded in lucite and sold as keychains
in Chinatown and at swap meets.
This scarab belongs to the Cetoniinae subfamily, Flower Chafers
or Flower Scarabs. It is an Agestrata species but I don't
know which one, as apparently there are several which are
all rather similar. It seems not to be A. luzonica or A. orichalca.
Take a look at: http://www.naturalworlds.org/scarabaeidae/species/Agestrata_luzonica.htm
Susan
Flea Beetle
(03/04/2007) Please help identify this beetle.
Dear Bugman,
I found this beetle on February 22, 2007 in West Chester,
Pennsylvania under the bark of a Pecan (Carya illinoensis).
The bark had been torn (or pecked) off by birds I believe,
which made it obvious. There was a 3 inch wide by 20 foot
long section of bark missing. The beetle was under the bark,
and tiny holes in the bark were present. I did not find any
galleries into the wood. The pecan, although still dormant,
appeared in perfect health otherwise. I've searched 'Insects
that Feed on Trees and Shrubs' by Johnson and Lyon, as well
as, your website. The closest guess I could make would be
a type of shot hole borer, but I wasn't confident of any specific
match ups. The beetle is metallic green and approximately
3 mm long (regarding the images with the blue ruler, the numbers
on the top of the ruler are centimeters). I took the images
using a digital camera with 5 MP size photos. Thank you very
much for your help. Sincerely,
Scott Lussier, President
Oakwood Tree Care Professionals, Inc.
 
Hi Scott,
This is some species of Flea Beetle. Flea Beetles are in the
tribe Alticini and they are Skeletonizing Leaf Beetles. We
can only guess they were hibernating under the bark. They
will not harm the wood of the tree. We will check with Eric
Eaton to see if he recognizes the species.
Mealworm
(03/01/2007) what is this horrible looking thing???
Hello, great site you have here. Been browsing it for a bit
but still cant find this little chap on there! Found him under
my carpet, with the cat sniffing near it. Don't know if it
came in off the cat, or if there is something in the house...
It was found near my fireplace, which is not used and has
a gas fire in front of it. The chimney is boarded up, but
not sealed. Thanks for your help! I'm in the UK, by the way.
Ian
Hello again,
As well as asking you, I also asked the Natural History Museum
insect dept. for some help, and they have sent a reply. Just
though I would let you know, so you don't waste any more time
on this enquiry! It is a the larvae from a mealworm beetle
apparently, and can be found in roofs/attics/chimneys where
birds nest. hence why I found it in near my fireplace! Thanks
anyway, and keep up the good work on a fantastic site! best
regards,
Ian
Hi Ian,
Thank you for your photo as well as the results of your inquiries.
During normal business hours, we at What's That Bug? are in
the real world trying to make a living and normally answer
questions early in the morning or late at night. We were unaware
that the Giant Mealworm Larva, a Darkling Beetle in the genus
Zophobas, were found in association with bird nests. It is
very interesting.
another Golden Buprestid
(02/25/2007) Invasive species?
Cool website, glad I stumbled upon it. Here's a beetle I found
on the summit of Mt. Myra (5938 feet/ 1810 meters), in Strathcona
Provincial Park, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. I've
never seen a beetle like this before, and I've lived here
all my life. I was wondering, does it really belong here???
What is it? If I recall, it was about 3/4" long
Darla
Hi Darla,
This is a Golden Buprestid Beetle, the second example we received
this week.
Rhinoceros Beetle from Australia
(02/24/2007) is this a hercules beetle / rhinocerous beetle?
what do they eat?
This beetle was found in Brisbane, Australia. My son wants
to keep it in a fish tank. Any info on habitat and what they
like to eat would be greatly appreciated. I did a little research
I think apple and banana Will be eaten. Thank you
Chris Farrell
Hi Chris,
The Geocities
website has a nice page on this Rhinoceros Beetle, Xylotrupes
gideon. There is nothing mentioned about food for the adults,
but fruit is a great place to start.
Golden Buprestid
(02/22/2007) Thanks to you...
We think that we have identified this little guy as Buprestis
decora. He showed up in our attic, here in Portland Oregon
tonight. Thanks,
Gregor
 
Hi Gregor,
We believe you have the correct genus but the wrong species.
We believe this to be the Golden Buprestid or Jewell Beetle,
Buprestis aurulenta. This beauty is relatively common in the
Pacific Northwest.
Japanese Beetles mating and Syrphid Fly feeding
(02/19/2007) Bedroom or dining room?
Dear Lisa Anne and Daniel,
"Must You Do That While I'm Eating?" Think of this
bug love episode as nature's own shunga, especially as its
main characters are Japanese beetles. Isn't it bizarre that
the bee-mimic hover fly (in addition to being there in the
first place) is actually HOLDING this flower's stamen while
it slurps? Taken in Pennsylvania on a July afternoon in 2001.
Jim & Sandy
Hi Jim and Sandy,
Thank you for this humorous image that will get archived to
numerous pages: Beetles 11, Flies 3 and Bug Love 4.
Eucalyptus
Longhorned Borer from Australia
(02/10/2007) Unidentified bug
Hi. Attached is a photo of a bug found in Melbourne, Australia.
I have looked all over the web but can't find anything. Have
you any idea what it is? Thank you!
Corey Wright
Hi Corey,
Sorry for the delay. We are just returning to old emails that
we never had a chance to answer. This is a Eucalyptus
Longhorned Borer Beetle, Phoracantha semipunctata. This
beetle has been introduced to Southern California where it
is a major cause of eucalyptus damage. The larvae are the
borers that feed on wood.
Checkerspots,
Fritillaries and Predacious Diving Beetles Mating
(02/19/2007) butterfly monkey sex
And other insect porn for you! I was so happy to find out
I'm not the only one!
Thanks
Lacey Greene
Bishop, California
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| Checkerspots |
Fritillaries |
Hi
Lacey,
Your photos are all so beautiful. We wish you had provided
a bit more information. Your mating Checkerspots in the genus
Euphydryas, your mating Fritillaries in the genus Speyeria,
and your mating Predacious Diving Beetles, Acilius mediatus,
are all wonderful additions to our site.
Firefly Larva
(02/18/2007) What is it?
Hi,
I really enjoy your site.I found this near Ashland City, Tenn.
Thanks,
Travis
 
Hi Travis,
This is a predatory Firefly Larva, or possible an adult wingless
female. We cannot help with an exact species. Perhaps when
Eric Eaton returns, he can clarify this better.
Long Horned Borer from Costa Rica
(St. Valentine's Day 2007)
Hi Bugman,
This insect was on my curtain the other day. I'm not sure
if you have one of these on your site and I don't know which
catagory it would be under if you did. It sort of looks like
a beetle. I put him back outside whatever it was. Do you know?
Jordan Costa Rica
Hi Jordan,
This is a Long Horned Borer Beetle in the family Cerambycidae.
Update: (02/25/2007)
Valentine's Day Beetle from Costa Rica
Hi Guys:
In examination of the photograph of the cerambycid from Costa
Rica, it appears to be Psapharochrus circumflexus (aka Acanthoderes
circumflexa). It, like so many insects, does not have a common
name. It is very common in Costa Rica, and the larvae bore
in many different freshly downed trees such as Cecropia. Hope
this helps!
Ian Swift
Placerita Canyon Nature Center
Neoclytus Borer Beetle from Oregon
(St. Valentine's Day 2007) What's this bug
Can you tell me what species of Neoclytus this is? I live
in Medford, Oregon, and this is the second specimen I've found
in a week (February) on stacked firewood. We live primarily
among Ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir, but there is also a
lot of Madrone and White and Black oak here as well. Hopefully
it is a native species, and I won't have to worry about my
woods. I've kept one alive on a bread and peanut butter diet
for two weeks now. Thank you,
Jerry Burke
 
Hi Jerry,
We need to do additional research, including requesting assistance
from Eric Eaton, before we can get you the exact species of
Neoclytus you have found. Here is Eric's opinion: " The Neoclytus
is probably N. conjunctus, but there is a great deal of individual
variation in the markings. Eric "
Fearful
Longhorned Borer Beetle from Africa
(02/13/2007) AFRICAN BUG
WONDERED IF YOU COULD TELL ME ABOUT THIS BUG? FOUND IT IN
AFRICA.
Jonathan Milne
Hi Jonathan,
We can assure you that the Longhorned Borer Beetle, or Cerambycid,
in your photo is quite aware it is about being devoured by
a wild-eyed, sharp toothed predator.
Darkling
Beetle from Kuwait
(02/13/2007) Desert something
Bugman:
This was found just outside our hooch in Kuwait. A friend
in the states guessed darkling beetle. Any idea? I have seen
no insects in Baghdad larger than a mosquito. Anything interesting
I should keep an eye out for? Or good places to look? Thanks,
CTT1 Micah Coleman and CTR1 Fred Smith (He actually spotted
the beetle)
Camp Slayer, Baghdad
 
Hi Micah,
We are in agreement with your friend who identified this as
a Darkling Beetle. Darkling Beetles are in the family Tenebrionidae.
Our two most common submissions from the Gulf are Mole Crickets
and Camel Spiders.
Rhinoceros Beetle from Australia
(02/10/2007) Rhinoceros beetle?
Hi What's That Bug,
Enclosed are four images, of two beetles we found in our garden
(South East Australia) this morning. The first (beetle1 and
beetle2)was rescued from drowning in a pet's water bowl -
there have been a few unfortunate fatalities of that nature,
recently. It had rather powerful legs, digging between our
fingers, and was squeaking quite loudly. The second beetle
(rhinobeetle1 and rhinobeetle2) was found meandering across
the front garden. I've never seen anything like it in this
area, and am at a loss to identify it. (The Googled images
of rhinoceros beetles don't quite fit for this little guy.)
It was a lot more placid than the first beetle, and only squeaked
when he was put back down. Both were returned to the relative
safety of the area we found them. Thanks for any information
you might be able to provide on their identification, and
I hope the images are of use!
Jennifer
 
Hi Jennifer,
We believe your Rhino Beetles are Dasygnathus trituberculatus
as identified on the Geocities
site. Furthermore, we believe your other beetle might
be a female which lacks the horns.
Desert Spider Beetle
(02/08/2007) Mystery SoCal Bug (not a jerusalem cricket!)
Howdy,
This is a shot I took back in March of 06. We found it on
a herp trip to SoCal, it was in a canyon somewhere between
Joshua Tree & the Salton Sea. It was about the size of
a lima bean. I'm a biologist and I've never seen anything
like it. It's been bugging me for almost a year, help bugman!
Cheers,
Brandon Fessler
Hey Brandon,
What a great photo of a Desert Spider Beetle in the genus
Cysteodemus. This is probably Cysteodemus armatus which is
found in California. Desert
Spider Beetles are a group of Blister Beetles in the family
Meloidae.
Unknown Longhorn Borer identified as Cedar Tree Borer
Beetles in their Beds!!!!!
(02/05/2007) Beetle we can't identify
Dear Bugman:
We recently purchased a new construction home in Granby CO.
This beetle has now shown up in one of the bedrooms (mainly
in the bed - not too happy sharing with them!) There is a
sump pump in the foundation in that room. Can you identify
this lovely creature for me? Picture is attached. Thank you!
If you need further information - please contact me.
Sincerely,
Kathie Jones
Hi Kathie,
We tried to match the species of the Longhorn Borer Beetle,
family Cerambycidae, on BugGuide with no luck. You did not
indicate if this was an isolated specimen of if many were
found. If it is a new home, it is entirely possible that some
of the wood had beetle grubs that matured and chewed their
way out. Adults do not bore into wood, only grubs. It is also
possible that this specimen was attracted indoors by the lights.
At any rate, we will check with Eric Eaton to see if he can
narrow down the exact identification. Eric wrote back with
this information: "Daniel: I have no idea what this is. Please
contact Doug Yanega at UC Riverside. He should be able to
recognize it. Please have him CC me his response, I'm really
curious now myself! Oh, wait. I just thought of a possibility:
Semanotus ligneus, or something else in that genus. Eric"
Update: (02/06/2007) Unknown Longhorn Borer
Dear What's That Bug,
It appears that the unknown longhorn beetle in kathie's new
home in CO. is the Cedar Tree Borer-Semanotus l. ligneus.
Good looking bycid. Keep up the good work Brian
U.S. Department of Agriculture (Aphis)
Update: (02/06/2007)
Beetle we can't identify
Thank you for checking into this specimen for me. This beetle
has mainly been in the one bedroom. Within 1 day there were
15 counted in the bed and around on the floor. We did locate
one about 15 feet into another bedroom. However, I believe
this is an isolated area that they are coming in to (possibly
the sump pump?). I look forward to hearing what you find out
for the exact kind this is. I also contacted our furniture
company as we recently had some white cedar bedroom furniture
bought for that room. However, I was informed that the cedar
is a natural bug repellant and nothing should have been in
that wood. Thank you again for your's and Eric's help with
our unwanted guests. Sincerely,
Kathie Jones
Hi again Kathie,
Based on the information we have recieved since posting your
photo, you have Cedar Tree Borers. Since you have just purchased
Cedar furniture for your bedroom, and you find the beetles
in the bed, we are guessing that the grubs were in fact dormant
in the wood and have recently emerged. While cedar is a natural
insect repellant, it does not repel the Cedar Tree Borer.
Another Case of Cedar Tree Borers
(02/06/2007) Kathie's beetle
Dear Bugman,
This is my first visit to your website to identify a bug,
and the second picture I see is the picture Kathie Jones sent
you on 2-5-07. That is the bug I was looking to identify,
how weird is that! We have seen a good dozen of these bugs
in our bedroom -in the vicinity of our bed. We set up a new
bed and mattress exactly one month ago and the bugs started
appearing a a week or two later, I don't recall seeing one
of those ever before. The bed is a handcrafted log bed from
a guy who makes them in northern Wisconsin, we live in southern
Wisconsin, my husband picked up the bed himself and transported
it to our house in his pick-up truck, we set it up the next
day. Maybe this will help you identify it. We sure would like
to know what they are and what we can do about them. Thanks,
Ann Thompson
Update: (02/07/2007)
Dear What's that bug, Has the owners of their new cedar furniture
looked for frass or what they would consider saw dust caused
by the beetle activities. This should help them locate the
exit holes and what part of their new bedroom set has the
beetles. Sometimes you can hear them chewing. I would ask
the makers of the furniture if the wood has been heat treated.
I would bet not. If the have any specimens in good shape I
would gladly put them into my insect collection. I have seen
exotic longhorns emerging from all kinds of items ranging
from imported pine cones to wooden bussiness card holders.
Hope this information helps the folks out
Brian
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Chet and Katie
The use of an exterminator may be a bit much but they may
tell you otherwise. These beetles 1st came to the cedar probably
a tree that was stressed or dying when it laid its eggs. Then
the larvae entered the tree feeding and creating feeding galleries
inside the tree. At that point it was cut and made into its
present form (bedroom furniture). Normally the larvae are
in the tree for a season and then emerge as adults during
the warmer months. When you brought the furniture into your
warm house you triggered the beetle to emerge. The section
or sections has to be pretty infested to have the numbers
you have mentioned. The sump pump you mentioned is not an
issue. These are wood borers not aquatic species but it good
to see that you were looking at all the possibilities. After
all the beetle emerge they will die in time. As adult beetles
there main mission is to emerge and carry on the blood line
by mating and laying eggs thus completing the lifecycle. No
food to eat and no new host trees to lay eggs they will die
out and they will not re-infest the furniture or other house
hold items. They are totally harmless even though they have
good size mouth parts but don't really bite. They may make
sounds when held (pretty cool). The only concern I would have
is the damage that was done to the wood. If it is a leg holding
up the bed or other important structure mishaps may happen.
Look for saw dust or emergence hole. If the furniture is from
a good company you should get a replacement or refund (take
pics of the beetle and damage). At this point pesticides will
not do much to solve this. The wood would have to be saturated
with it (Not good for you son) and their sad home relocation
story is almost over. The beetle will die out. If the furniture
was from overseas we at the USDA would be very concerned due
to exotic wood borering pest damage our forests and natural
ecosystems like the emerald ash borer and the Asian Longhorned
beetle. Yours is native though and a good looking bug at that
and don't regulate these. Any other questions feel free to
ask
Brian Sullivan
Hi Brian, I have several very much alive species of those
Cedar Tree Borers in a small plastic ziplock bag right now.
If you want them I will send them to you, let me know what
to do. We have found some exit holes in the bed and we contacted
the guy who made the bed and he is going to make us a new
bed ASAP. Said this has never happened to him until now, he
is also replacing one other bed from the same batch of wood.
I'll be waiting for your reply regarding sending you the critters.
Thanks,
Ann Thompson
Dear Ann I am glad that you found the exit holes and that
the furniture maker is going to replace the bed. Its not uncommon
for batches of untreated wood to contain insects. I would
not want to sleep on a bed that might break due to insect
damage. A great thanks goes out to What's That Bug? for all
of their hard work and dedication. This is a happy ending
to your story and was due to What's That Bugs efforts. Besides
posting identification and great photos they are providing
many other great services to the public. Thanks
USDA APHIS PPQ
Brian Sullivan
Australian
Rhinoceros Beetles
(02/02/2007) Rhinoceros beetles from Australia
Hi bugpeople,
this is Chris... you posted a photo of my daughter's phasmid
last year, with a link back to my site (thank you :) I have
just returned from south-east Queensland, Australia (to Sydney,
where I live) and collected a plethora of fantastic bug pics.
However, I thought I might just share a few because I know
time is short when you're maintaining a large site! Follow
the link to my article about two species of rhinoceros beetle
I found.
 
One is considered rare (Haploscapanes australicus?), the other
quite common (Xylotrupes gideon). The common one is enormous
and the first photo on the site shows it sitting on my hand
(for scale).
http://www.wherelightmeetsdark.com/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=57
Best regards,
Chris.
Hi Chris,
Thanks for sending us your photos and providing an indentification.
We have linked back you your site where people can find more
information than we are posting. We have posted the two photos
of the common Xylotrupes gideon above and the single photo
of the rare Haploscapanes australicus below.
Third Fiddler Beetle from Australia in a week
(02/01/2007) What is it??
Hello there
Found this in Sydney Australia. Any idea of what it is? Thanks
Stuart
fOUND IT!!!!!! thanks!
Fiddler Beetles
Eupoecila australasiae
These beetles emerged from cocoons found in a pot of daffodils
in Randwick. Other locations around Sydney where Fiddler Beetles
have been recently found include Ingleburn, St Mary's, Kellyville
and Faulconbridge. They are common in heath and woodlands
in south-eastern Australia. Adult beetles emerge from soil
in early summer and feed on the nectar of flowers. The beetles
lay eggs in rotting logs or in the damp soil under logs. The
grubs feed on rotting timber and build cocoons of soil and
debris in which they pupate. These attractive beetles are
harmless to humans.
Hi Stuart,
We are thrilled that you identified your Fiddler Beetle. This
is the third specimen we have posted this week and your letter
is the first to arrive in February. It is time to post a Bug
of the Month for February 2007, and since we have so many
fans in Australia, we have decided to that this month we will
feature the Fiddler Beetle. This will be the first Bug of
the Month not found in the U.S.
Another Australian Fiddler Beetle
(01/27/2007) beauiful bright green bug !
Hi there
I happened to find this beautifull thing outside of my door
and I live in Sydney, Australia. I'd love to know what it
is! Great site by the way.
Keiko Okemi
Hi Keiko,
We just posted another image of a Fiddler Beetle, Eupoecila
australasiae.
Fiddler Beetle from Australia
(01/26/2007) green bug from Brisbane, Australia
Hi Bugman!
I found this little bug buzzing around inside my house earlier
and managed to nab a picture of it. The picture doesn't really
do justice to how bright the green colouring was, but I hope
it will suffice. Maybe you can identify it? Thanks
(ps. if this one gets published, please just identify me as
Scott. thanks.)
Hi Scott,
This beautiful Scarab Beetle is commonly called the Fiddler
Beetle.
June Beetle Pupae
(01/22/2007) what's that bug?
these baby bugs were found underground in nothern Arizona.
there were ten lined june bug larva near the same area. we
have some kind of red june bettles around that look alot like
these. perhaps that is what they are? (I sent you the same
photo before but I can't find it on your site, so here it
is again)
D. Pipkin
 
Hi D.,
These are Scarab Beetle Pupae, and the Red June Beetles you
mention are a very likely candidate.
Aristobia approximator: Longhorn Borer Beetle from
Malasia
(01/20/2007) Could not identify this bug anywhere on the internet.
Hi, I'm Jason Lai from Malaysia and I need some of your help
to identify this bug. I caught it in Fraiser's Hill, Malaysia
for an insect collection project and its due next thurs (25/1/2007).
hope you can identify the bug by then. thx!
Jason
Hi Jason,
This is Aristobia approximator, one of the Longhorned Borer
Beetles in the family Cerambycidae. We found this identification
in a wonderful book we were given entitled Living Jewels by
Poul Beckmann printed by Prestel. We then did some web searching
with the name and discovered this beetle has appeared
on stamps from Laos in 1974, North Vietnam in 1977 and
Central Africa in 1962. It can also be found for sale to insect
collectors on many sites.
Painted Hickory Borer
(01/15/2007) What's this bug?
This little guy flies. We live in Chapel Hill, NC. Great site!
thanks,
Keith Sanders
Hi Keith,
There are two closely related species of Long Horned Borer
Beetles that look nearly identical. The Painted Hickory Borer,
Megacyllene caryae, appears in the spring and the Locust Borer,
Megacyllene robiniae, appears in the fall. This could be a
late Locust Borer, but our money is on an early Painted Hickory
Borer.
Male Glowworm
(01/12/2007) Horntail with furry antennae?
The lighting wasn't great, but this has black wings and was
flying in our house. We're thinking "horntail,"
but can you tell us what kind? We thought it was love bugs
(we're in west central Florida) mating, but it's just one
"love bug colored" flying bug with really big eyes
and funny, furry antennae. Thanks so much!
Doug & Alli
New Port Richey, FL
Hi there Doug and Alli,
We thought this was a Fire Colored Beetle, but Eric Eaton
corrected us. "The fire-colored beetle is actually an adult
male glowworm, probably in the genus Phengodes, family Phengodidae.
They do not glow, but the females, which retain a larval appearance
even in adulthood, DO glow, with bands that make them resemble
caterpillars cloaked in halos of light."
Clavate
Tortoise Beetle
(01/09/2007) I have no idea what this is
I found these on my husband's Hot Pepper plants. They are
about the size of a pea. They seem to always run in pairs.
At least two on every leaf. There bodies are very hard. If
you touch them the will tuck their legs and antlers in and
laid kind of flat. I have never seen anything like them in
all the years we have been growing these pepper plants. Here
are a couple of pics. Thanks for your help.
Kristie
Hi Kristie,
This is a Clavate Tortoise Beetle in the genus Plagiometriona.
They feed on pepper plants and other members of the tomato
family Solanaceae.
Fiddler
Beetle from Australia
(01/08/2007) found dead in our garden
What kind of beatle is it? It is about 18mm long. Never seen
anything like it. Hope you can tell me. With kind regards
Knut Neumann
 
Hi Knut,
Luckily we remembered identifying the Australian Fiddler Beetle
in the past, and we quickly confirmed the identification.
We like to get at least a continent regarding specimen location.
Blister Beetle in Spain
(01/07/2007) Bug in Spain
Hi
Just wondered if you could help identify this bug that appears
quite extensively in the garden of our house in Andalucia,
Spain. They are about 6 cm long and "seem" perfectly
harmless, but it would just be interesting to know more about
them. Any help appreciated. Many thanks
Andrew Mair
El Berrueco, Cadiz, Spain
Hi Andrew,
This is a Blister Beetle, probably in the genus Megetra. Though
you call them harmless, Blister Beetles exude a fluid that
contains Cantharidin, and if handled, it can cause blistering
of the skin.
Mating
Japanese Beetles
(01/06/2007) Bug Love
Hi, my name is Brigette and I love your site. I've been interested
in insects since I was a little kid, and am currently an undergrad
studying entomology at McGill University. I love to photograph
insects and thought you might enjoy some additions to your
'bug love' section. These were taken in my backyard in upstate
NY. I have included some japanese beetles, craneflies, horseflies,
and ambush bugs (my favorites!). I even have some eggs as
a result of the ambush bug matings, I kept several during
the fall months. When introduced the males waste no time at
all getting busy!
Brigette
Hi Brigette,
Wow!!! Thanks for sending us all your wonderful Bug Love images.
They are most excellent.
Eastern Hercules Beetle
(01/03/2007) Giant Man-Eating Beetle: biggest-beetle-ever
Okay, maybe not quite man-eating but this thing was a monster.
Found at a gas station in the middle of no-where in Northern
Missouri. We've been wanting to know forever! Let us know
what this thing that haunts our dreams is!
Nate and Candi
St Louis, Missouri
Hi Nate and Candi,
You need not be haunted any longer. This is a male Dynastes
tityus, the Eastern Hercules Beetle, and despite his ferocious
appearance, he is harmless.
Soldier Beetle
(01/03/2007) 6 legs
This was spotted at Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, UK on
a sunny (but not too hot) day in June 2006 It's about 2 inches
long. Never seen anything like it before. Note the sticky-up
triangle at the rear.
Sam
Hi Sam,
We believe this is a Soldier Beetle in the family Cantharidae,
but we cannot locate an exact species for you. The triangle
you mention are the wings. Beetles have a hard set of wings
known as elytra and a soft set of underwings used for flying.
Beetle Larva: either Firefly or Netwing Beetle
(01/01/2007) strange creature
I haven’t searched to see what it is because I have
no idea where to start looking. It’s about 1 1⁄2
inches long, found in Dallas, GA. What is it?
Lee Hooker
Hi Lee,
This is a beetle larva, but we do not know if it is a Firefly
Larva or a Netwing Beetle Larva. We haven't located any concrete
method for distinguishing Lampyridae larvae from Lycidae larvae.
Metallic Wood Boring Beetle from Guatemala: Giant
Metallic Ceiba Borer Beetle
(12/28/2006) BIG insect
I am in Guatemala and a bug flew into my neighbor's boat.
His wings had an iridescent, abalone coloring that rubbed
off shiny yellowish. His head was more like a grasshopper's.
He was BIG. Clearly, I've got too much time on my hands because
I have looked at more bugs on the internet than I ever thought
possible. Can you give me any idea what this bug is? One "expert"
suggested it looked like a big cockroach except for its head...
Here is a link to the bug on my webshots page, which I handled.
It liked to crawl, didn't seem to be interested in flying
away, and (thank goodness) it didn't bite. Sincerely,
Sharon Kratz
Hi Sharon,
This is a Metallic Wood Boring Beetle in the family Buprestidae.
We got another photo from Panama in 2005 and Eric Eaton thought
it might be the Giant Metallic Ceiba Borer Beetle, Euchroma
gigantea. Most photos we found online did not seem to match
your specimen, but we finally located an image
that does appear to be a match. Freshly emerged specimens
are reported to have a yellow bloom which would explain your
observation. Once the bloom rubs off, the colors are more
iridescent. The scientific name means "colorful giant" according
to some information we have located. The elytra or wing covers
are made into jewelry and ornaments by peoples in Central
and South America; adults are eaten by Tzeltal-Mayan Indians
in Chiapas, Mexico. The range of the insect reaches from Mexico
to Argentina.
Dung
Beetle
(12/25/2006) beautiful green beetle
I found this beetle in the Chattahoochee National Forest in
Georgia, Dec. 23rd. I Looked at your beetle pictures and could
not find an exact match. He was dark metallic green, about
3⁄4 of an inch long. What kind is he?
Lee Hooker
Hi Lee,
It is so nice to hear from you again. We believe this Scarab
is one of the Dung Beetles, but will verify that with Eric
Eaton. Eric just wrote in that: "The probably dung beetle
is just that, in the genus Geotrupes."
Pie Dish Beetle is no longer Unknown Australian Darkling
Beetle
(12/25/2006) can't rest until I know
It's Christmas Day '06... Merry Christmas! I live close to
Perth in Western Australia and I have always had a fascination
with all manner of bugs, but today I came across one that
really caught my attention and I have never come across in
all my almost 44 years on this amazing Earth! I have this
problem where I can't rest until I know what a thing is that
captures my interest so and this is why I am sending these
photos to see if you can help me? I checked out your wonderful
beetle pic collection, but did not see it there. If you can
tell what sex it is I'd also be interested in that, but mainly
just what it is called. I know you're busy.. but it's your
own fault for having such a great site. Thanks in advance,
Jill
 
Hi Jill,
We have been researching on the internet for the past hour
and have nothing conclusive for you. Our first inclination,
really just a guess, is that this is some species of Carrion
Beetle in the family Silphidae. A google search lead us to
an image of Ptomaphila
perlata that is somewhat similar, but definitely not a
species match. We are calling in the big guns with Eric Eaton
to see if he at least agrees with the general identification
of a Carrion Beetle. Each image we opened was more interesting
than the last, so we are posting three in the hopes that some
reader can give both you and us a conclusive identification
as we will have trouble resting as well. Here is what Eric
Eaton believes: "I'm pretty sure this is a darkling beetle
in the family Tenebrionidae. It resembles our American genus
Embaphion, in fact. Eric"
(12/27/2006)
I can rest because now I know It's a type of pie
dish beetle! Thank you for your time... I should have
mentioned that the bug in question was about an inch long
by half an inch wide... quite large really!
Jill
Longhorned Borer: genus Monochamus
(12/23/2006) Big Ugly
Bugman, I've seen alot of bugs but not one like this. We found
it last July in New Era Michigan. We were on vacation renting
a cottage on the shore of Lake Michigan. We kept it for a
couple of days in a bug container so it's a hardy specimen.
We gave him the name big ugly. His body was around 3-4 inches
long.
Happy Holidays, Chris Mayo
Hi Chris,
This is a Longhorned Borer Beetle in the genus Monochamus.
They are also known as Pine Sawyers and the entire family,
Cerambycidae, are known as Longicorn Beetles because of the
lengthy antennae on the males of some species.
Mating Pennsylvania Leatherwings
(12/16/2006) Color Coordinated Bug Love?
Is this bug love?
Teresa
Hi Teresa,
These are mating Pennsylvania Leatherwings, Chauliognathus
pennsylvanicus, a species of Soldier Beetle. Since it is commonly
associated with goldenrod, it is also known as the Goldenrod
Soldier Beetle.
Dung
Beetles
(12/13/2006) What's This Bug?
Can you please tell me what kind of bug this is? Location:
Katy, TX (west houston) Terrain: Cow fields, wet. Rain: Rained
Terribly hard for a few days and these guys appeared. Thanks
for your help,
Eric
too blurry to be certain. might be rain beetles.
Well, I've gone and bought a new camera. There were still
some of these guys from the big rain back in June 06 left
in my fluorescent light covers. The photos turned out great.
Maybe now you can help. Thanks,
Eric
 
Hi again Eric,
We thought these might be Rain Beetles, but Eric Eaton has
set us straight. Here is his identification: " The scarab
beetles from Texas are dung beetles in the genus Onthophagus,
maybe O. gazella, an introduced species from Africa. Several
species have been introduced in fact. Eric"
Blister
Beetle
(12/12/2006) identification request
Saw this guy at the Rockhound State Park near Deming, NM in
late November 2006. It is a desert area, and there were lots
of the familiar Darkling beetles with their raised hindquarters
in the vicinity. We have those at home (in So Cal) and I am
very familiar with them. This particular beetle however I
have never seen before. The photo shows it at about 160% size.
Thank you,
John Subik
Temecula, CA
Hi John,
This is a Blister Beetle in the genus Megetra.
Metallic
Wood Boring Beetle
(12/09/2006) Hi,
I found this little guy in July here in Bend, Oregon. It only
stayed around for this one shot and flew off. It's maybe 7/16"
long. It is quite beautiful and I would like to know what
kind of beetle it is.He mentioned he would like to be 'Bug
of the Month' as he flew off. Thanks,
John
Hi John,
This is one of the Metallic Wood Boring Beetles in the family
Buprestidae. We believe it is Buprestis decora because of
a match we found on BugGuide.
We can't find the range on Buprestis decora, and there are
several other beautiful members of this genus that are found
in the Pacific Northwest. When Eric Eaton returns from holiday
in the east, we will try to get an exact species from him.
As a side note, the Bug of the Month is generally a seasonal
occurrance, meaning, people from all over the country or at
least a major part of our readership is sighting a species
at a certain time. Your lovely Buprestis decora might be a
likely candidate for a Sighting of the Month, the most unusual
specimen we received in a given month. At any rate, it will
be on our homepage for about a week.
Tiger
Beetle and Bagworm from Japan
(12/09/2006)
Hi
I am an American in Japan and thought you'd be interested
in seeing what the tiger beetles here look like. They're called
hanmyou here.
 
I also included photos of a bagworm called a minomushi which
means "straw raincoat". They are a favorite of children
here.
Melody McFarland
Yokosuka, Japan
Hi Melody,
Thank you for sending us your wonderful images as well as
the language lesson. The jaws on that Hanmyou Tiger Beetle
are quite formidable.
Devil's Coach Horse
(12/07/2006) IS IT EMBIOPTERA ?
Hello,
Herewith I'm sending you something like Embioptera, but the
first 2 legs are not similar as it is shown in your picture.
The creature was found on the attitude of 900 m. Yeah, I'm
writing you from EU - Slovenia. Thanks in advance for your
kind assistance.
Janez Kamin
Nova Gorica
Slovenia
Hi Janez,
Believe it or not, this is a beetle. The Devil's Coach Horse
is a type of Rove Beetle. These native Europeans are now well
established in Southern California.
Red Shouldered Leaf Beetle
(12/06/2006) what is this bug?????
Hello Bugman
Could you please identify this bug that has demolished my
vegetable garden in plague proportion, I live on the sunshine
coast in Queensland Australia. REGARDS
WAYNE
Hi Wayne,
We tried to locate the species of your Leaf Beetle, but could
not positively identify it. It is in the Family Chrysomelidae.
Update: (12/10/2006)
I have a beetle ID for you
Hi,
I am writing in response to one of the id requests you received
12/06/2006 from Wayne on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. The
little red and yellow beetles demolishing his vegie garden
are Red-shouldered Leaf Beetles - Monolepta australis. They
are very common in these parts and obviously have good appetites.
Hope this helps. Keep up the good work. Regards,
Nick Monaghan
Beetle
Grub
(12/05/2006) What is it!!!!?
I teach at a PreK Center in Houston, Texas. We found this
bug on our playground. It was in the mulch that covers the
playground. This bug is about 3 1/2 to 4 inches long and about
1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
This is a Beetle Grub in the superfamily Scarabaeoidea
which consists of Scarab, Stag and Bess Beetles. We will see
if Eric Eaton knows the species.
Scarab from Maine
(12/04/2006) Beetle
Hi, I hope the summer swamping has slacked off enough that
you can help with this beetle. I went through your beetle
pages, but couldn't find it. Two of them appeared here in
mid-coast Maine last summer. I hadn't seen any before or since
It could fly, and was about an inch long. Thanks.
Steven
Hi Steven,
We are seeking assistance from Eric Eaton with your mystery
Scarab Beetle. Here is Eric's response: " Hi, Daniel: The
scarab from Maine is Osmoderma
scabra, I'm pretty sure. That genus certainly. They supposedly
give off the odor of Russian leather, but no one I know knows
what that is supposed to smell like! Eric"
Triceratops
Beetle
(12/03/2006) Can you identify this beetle?
I have searched the web and can't find this beetle anywhere.
My mom found it already dead in Elbert County, GA. If you
can help me that would be great. I hope that the attached
pictures are clear enough. Thanks,
Ashley
Hi Ashley,
This is one of the Scarab Beetles known collectively as Rhinoceros
Beetles. It is in the genus Phileurus, and is most likely
the Triceratops Beetle, Phileurus truncatus. They are attracted
to lights. There is more information to be found on BugGuide.
This is a new species for our site and we are thrilled to
post it. Eric Eaton has this to add: " Yes, the triceratops
beetle ID is correct. That is a genus of carnivorous scarabs,
believe it or not. Eric"
Rove Beetle
(12/02/2006) Bug from a pig barn
Hi Mr. Bugman,
Can you help us? Our pig barn in east-central Alberta is experiencing
an increase of these black and white striped critters. They
prefer dry areas with dry maure and seem to live where there
are many small black beetles (coincidence?). They have short,
stubby wings and can fly short distances - about 6 to 8 inches,
though they much prefer walking. They are soft bodied, so
don't appear to be a beetle. These bugs have nasy little pinchers
and don't hesitate to use them! We were wondering if they
were a stage of a swine parasite(?) like the bot fly is to
a horse; we do de-worm regularly. Are they a predator, or
nuisance? Please help because the poor thing are usually squashed
on sight!
Donna
Hi Donna,
We couldn't wait to find out what you found in the pig barn.
This is a Rove Beetle. Rove Beetles are a large family, Staphylinidae,
that has over 2900 species in North America. Most are predators
so you can stop squishing. They might be feeding on insects
and worms attracted to the manure. Eric Eaton has this to
add: "The rove beetle is a specimen of the hairy rove beetle,
Staphylinus maxillosus. They are most commonly found on carrion
(dead animals), where they feed on fly maggots. They are strictly
predatory, as you mentioned. Eric"
Predacious Diving Beetle
(11/28/2006) Interesting Bug
I was on the roof of my place of employment. When I came across
this Bug that I have never seen before. I am hoping you will
be able to identify it. Thank You
Dave
Hi Dave,
This is a Predacious Diving Beetle in the genus Dytiscus,
and like many aquatic insects, it can fly.
Blister Beetle
(11/19/2006) bug in texas
hello,
i saw this bug crawling around at an airport in texas. i couldn't
find it online or on your site. the local guys called it an
"armadillo bug", but a google search for that did
not turn up any results. can you tell me what it is? thank
you and nice site.
kitty hawk
Hi Kitty,
This is a Blister Beetle in the genus Megetra. Many Blister
Beetles secrete Cantharidin which causes blistering of the
skin.
Burying Beetle
(11/16/2006) Corpse Bug in New Mexico?
Hello WTB,
This guy was crawling over the boulders (gravel) in my garden
yesterday. He went on his way after I took a couple of pictures.
I only wish I'd had better depth of field. He was (and still
is, somewhere) about an inch long. I think he is of the Silphidae?
What do you say? (I just couldn't resist adding the greeting
on the last pic!) best to you,
Sarah
Hi Sarah,
This is indeed a Silphid or Burying Beetle. They are also
known as Sexton Beetles. We aren't sure what your exact species
is.
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