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Green
Fruit Beetle
(07/17/2005) green fruit beetle
Just to thank you for the informative and entertaining site
and supply a photo of a green fruit bettle, Cotinus
mutibilis, id'd from your site. They're impressive in size,
and it's hard to do their brilliant green color justice in
a photo.
Taken at Tijuana River Estuary, Imperial Beach, CA, July 17,
2005 (with my bird lens).
Best wishes,
Robert Harrington
Vista, CA
Hi Robert,
So happy our site was helpful. We just love it when people
actually use it for research. You would be surprised at the
number of questions that come in that just required a person
to scroll down the homepage and not even use the site search
engine. Your photo is quite beautiful and a much welcome addition
to our archives. We have always been impressed with these
beetles and their noisy. lazy flying in the hot summer days
in southern California. Have a great day.
Burying
Beetle with a Mouse!!!
(07/17/2005) Moving a mouse!
I "Stumbled Upon" your Web site and loved it.
Nice job. And now, two days later I have a bug to identify.
We delayed cleaning up a mouse carcass our cat left on the
back porch this morning, and this evening we saw it MOVING! Then
we saw this bug crawling over the carcass, under it, all around
it, and occasionally dragging it. I managed to get a video
with my digital camera because I knew that tomorrow I wasn't
going to believe it. One photo shows better detail, but is
over-exposed. The color is more accurate on the second shot,
which shows the mouse (well, it's not a whole mouse; remember
the cat had dibs) as well. The last I looked, the bug and
its lunch were over the side of the porch onto the ground,
where it's going to be harder to make headway. There are also
a few harvestmen and a couple of other beetles vying for morsels,
as well. So what is this muscular little carrion eater?
Many thanks,
David Thomson
Versailles, Kentucky
 
Hi David,
What a treat, seeing a Burying Beetle, genus Nicrophorus,
in action. Often the beetles work in pairs to bury a small
rodent or bird. Once buried, the female lays eggs and the
carrion provides food for the larvae. Your photos are an awesome
addition to our site.
Scarites
Ground Beetle
(07/17/2005) Basement Beetle
I recently moved into a basement apartment south of Rochester,
MN. I have seen about 4 or 5 of these in the last month.
I found this guy when I felt something under my bare
foot. I am interested in knowing what kind of bugs these
are and in searching the internet I ran across your site.
Thank you for any help,
Joe
I sent the message message below to you last night. I believe
that I found a correct ID for my beetle. I was able to find
a picture on bugguide.net
that looked like what I found. It is a big-headed ground
beetle as far as I can tell.
Hi Joe,
Good Job of sleuthing. You are correct that it is Scarites.
Metamorphosis
of a Squash Ladybird Beetle
(07/17/2005) mystery solved! before and after photos...
These are all over my squash plant in North Carolina!
Joann
 
Hi Joann,
We weren't really familiar with the larvae of the Squash Ladybird
Beetle, Epilachna borealis, but thanks to your photos, now
we are. Most Ladybird Beetles are predatory, but this particular
species feeds on the leaves of squash and pumpkin plants in
both larval and adult form.
Caterpillar Hunter Larva: Stop the Carnage
(07/16/2005) PLEASE help! Please identify this bug.
Dear Bugman,
I found two of these so far. I think it is a beetle
larva. Not sure if it is or not, and if so not sure what kind
it is at all. They have six legs up front that seem
short and it has VERY strong pincers up front/mouth area.
The first one bit/pinched a plastic fork pretty good as I
tried to pick it up to inspect, and the second one bit/pinched
my dog on the tongue when he picked it up with his mouth.
They are shiny black on the back and a grayish white color
on the complete underside. PLEASE see attached photos. I am
asking because I have disposed of both of them and do not
want to kill a non destructive insect.
Thanks you for your time!!
Matt A.
Hi Matt,
Stop the Carnage. This is the larva of a Caterpillar Hunter,
Calosoma scrutator, one of the larger Ground Beetles. Both
the beautiful green adult and the larvae devour quantities
of harmful insects, including the introduced pestilence, the
Gypsy Moth.
Hi Daniel, Oh great. Just what I was afraid of. The only thing
I left out was that I found these in the house. My wife was
terrified of them and that is why they met their maker. From
now on they will be a part of a catch and release program.
I live in MA and the moths and caterpillars have been HORRIBLE
these past few years. Our Oak trees are stripped to the twigs.
Looked up the adult photos of this beetle after emailing you
figured it was a ground beetle but didn't know what kind.
After looking at the pictures of the adult caterpillar hunter
I have seen many of the metallic green adults out side lately
by the way. Rather large beetle. Thanks for the response
and time, Matt
Fig-Eater or Green June Beetle
(07/16/2005) beetle
Could you please help me identify beetle. The beetles were
flying around the garden in Pennsylvania. This beetle was
twice the size of the Japenese beetles that were also
present.
thanks
 
This is a Fig-Eater or Green June Beetle, Cotinis nitida.
Adults visit flowers especially hollyhocks as well as ripening
fruit. They are very fond of peaches. They occasionally form
swarms of great size and buzz loudly.
Stout's Hardwood Borer
(07/15/2005) Eating my nightstand
Dear Bugman, I built these nightstands a year ago. Clean
clear pine case w/ madrone top(old worm holes in top). I awoke
up one morning to fine a dime size mound covering 7mm hole.
Two days cat and mouse, and I caught this little guy. Two
days later, another mound. Ergates spiculatus? We are
very fond of our matching nightstands. Please
advise if you will. Thank you,
A C Pitt.
Dear A C Pitt,
Way too small for Ergates. This is Stout's Hardwood Borer,
Polycaon stouti. Adults frequently apper in homes because
the larvae bore in a great variety of hardwoods including
oak, maple, alder, eucalyptus and laurel. The larvae infest
the wood and construction of the product and finishing the
wood does not deter them from continuing to feed. Then the
adults emerge often from furniture, cupboards and cabinets.
I guess the old wormholes should have been an indication that
there was an infestation.
Giant Water Scavenger Beetle
(07/15/2005) Any help identifying this bug?
St. Louis, MO.
Just found it out on the front lawn and never seen one like
it. About 2 inches long and 1/2 inch wide. Thanks.
sent in by Taylor and Morgan Ratliff
Dear Ratliff Family,
This is a Giant Water Scavenger Beetle, Hydrophilus triangularis.
These beetles are found in ponds and slow streams throughout
North America. They leave the water and fly on summer nights
and are often attracted to lights. They eat the decaying remains
of aquatic animals and occasionally feed on small living animals.
This is a new species for our site.
Golden
Buprestid
(07/15/2005) Iridiscent Green, copper belly beatle bug
Hello, Congrats on a Fascinatng and Useful Site!
Attached are 2 shots: top & belly view of most beautiful beatle
type bug, iridescent green on top and copper underneath.
Discovered under my T-shirt against my skin when I felt a
slight prickle. Knowing it had to be a live critter, I ran
up from crew quarters on our yacht where I had just been sorting
through some unopened wine stores, and asked my husband to
please remove whatever had just nibbled at me. I was afraid
if I looked before it was removed, I might just lose my composure.
We were about 10 minutes from casting off. I don't know if I
brought the bug on board or if it had been lurking in the
stateroom waiting for transportation. We live in a condo
in downtown Vancouver, BC, and our boat has never been more
than 30 miles from its slip near us since we brought it from
Florida 2 years ago. I've never seen a bug like this. As
you can see from the photos, it is quite spectacular. My
husband wrapped it in a tissue, flattened the poor thing to
put it out of its misery, but evidently he didn't quite do
the dastardly deed because when we opened its shroud a day
later, we saw it had tried to chew its way out and the tissue
had a few large holes. From the belly shot, you can see its
poor little legs all folded tidily after its futile struggle.
What is it? Thank you from the Pacific Northwest.
Mary Ann
 
Hi Mary Ann,
Your Wood Boring Buprestid Beetle is gorgeous. This Family
is much prized by collectors. We checked with Eric Eaton to
see if he could identify the species. Here is his speedy response:
"Pretty sure it is the Golden Buprestid, Cypriacis aurulenta
(formerly Buprestis aurulenta). The lighting must
be bad. Usually they have a bright copper border
around each wing cover. Other possibility is Buprestis
adjecta, nearly identical, but usually the raised ridges on
the wing covers are closer together and more numerous. Larvae
of both bore in dead and dying conifers. Sometimes
a golden buprestid larva will get trapped in milled lumber
and continue boring for decades (record is 51 years) before
emerging as an adult! Who knows why. Eric"
Western
Pine Borer
(07/15/2005) Help identify Beetle!
Hello! First of all, I wanted to let you know that I
really enjoyed looking at your website and all of the different
beetles that were listed. It is really fascinating what
people find around their homes. The pictures are fantastic.
We live in Olympia, WA (Pacific NW) and recently found this
beetle hiding on the shady side of a plastic container.
It is just a hair over 1 inch long. Its slow moving
and has an irridescent pinkish sheen to it and large
eyes. I have never seen one around here before and no
one else seems familiar with it either. What is it?
Thanks!
Melinda
Hi Melinda,
This is a Western Pine Borer, Chalcophora angulicollis. It
ranges from Alaska to New Mexico and west to California. Adults
feed on foliage and larvae bores in firs and pines. This is
one of the Metallic Wood Boring Beetles in the family Buprestidae.
Sugar
Maple Borer
(07/15/2005) Bug
Found this bug on the dock at our family cottage near Bancroft
Ontario. Any ideas?
Oh, the carnage. This is a Sugar Maple Borer, Glycobius
speciosus. This beautiful beetle lays eggs in the bark crevices
of hard maples and the larvae mine between the bark and the
wood.
Cottonwood Borer
(07/15/2005) flying white beetle ?
Bugman, Here's a neat looking insect I came across
today. I found it crawling on my van. It's
body was nearly 2 inches long. I've never seen
one of these before here in Illinois. From what
I've found on the web, the body shape is like an Asian longhorn
beetle, but the white coloring doesn't match. Any
ideas?
Mike
Hi Mike,
Nice photo of a Cottonwood Borer, Plectrodera scalator. Larvae
bore in cottonwood and poplar trees. Adults fly from July
to September and yours is the first photo of the year. I'm
sure we will get more of this beautiful native beetle.
Red
Milkweed Beetle
(07/15/2005) what is it?
I found several of these on milkweed flowers and leaves today and
watched this one eating the leaf in the picture. I live in
southern Ontario, Canada. Can you tell me what
it is? What else it likes to eat?
love your site, and BugGuide, too!
Valerie
Hi Valerie,
The Red Milkweed Beetle, Tetraopes tetraophthalmus, is a Longhorn
Borer. It feeds exclusively on milkweed. The larvae bore in
the stems and roots and the adults are immune to the poison
in milkweed. These beetles can squeak loudly by stridulating
their thoracic areas together.
Scarab:
Strategus or Xyloryctes
(07/14/2005) Whats this bug?
My dogs went crazy when they saw this "little" guy
flopping around on the porch. I've attached 2 pictures.
I live in San Antonio, TX
Christie
Hi Christie,
We wanted to be more accurate with your scarab beetle, so
we contacted Eric Eaton. He narrowed it down to two possible
genuses. Here is what he has to say: "I'd suspect Strategus
or Xyloryctes before Dynastes. The thorax of this specimen
appears at least slightly concave, whereas in Dynastes it
is smoothly convex. I'd probably have to compare the specimen
to known specimens before I could ID conclusively, but can
pretty much rule out Dynastes. Eric "
Lepturine
Flower Longhorn and unidentified Blister Beetle
(07/14/2005) Unknown Ontario beetles
I'm hoping you can identify these beetles I encountered when
I was doing some photography north of Algonquin Park in Ontario.
I am equally interested in bugs as I am photography so I am
always looking for opportunities to photograph them when I
am out shooting.
Many thanks,
Janet Nelson
 |
 |
| Lepturine
Flower Longhorn |
Blister
Beetle |
Hi Janet,
We checked with Eric Eaton and he couldn't conclusively identify
your beetles based on the photos, but he did give us Families.
One is a Lepturine Flower Longhorn, the one on the daisy,
and the other is a species of Blister Beetle.
Ed. Note: We just received this identification.
(08/09/2005) identifications
Hello - I was recently shown your site, and it is excellent. My
specialization is longhorned
beetles, and in cruising around I notice a number of incomplete or
uncertain IDs for this
family. I don't know if you are interested in receiving this sort of
input, but if you are, I
offer the following additions to your identifications.
The lepturine cerambycid is Strangalepta abbreviata, a
common eastern species
which frequents a variety of flowers as an adult. The larvae
typically breed in decaying
wood.
Keep up the good work. You are a valuable resource.
Cheers
Frank Hovore
Ironclad
Beetle
(07/13/2005) ironclad beetle
Hi there -
I found this neat beetle on my front porch at Crater Lake
National Park (Oregon) house (I am a Park Ranger here), which
I researched and found it belongs to the ironclad beetle group
(Family Zopheridae). It is all brown and very hard. It
plays dead when touched. It looks like the beetle
at http://www.myrmecos.net/insects/Zopherid1.html
and http://www.zin.ru/Animalia/Coleoptera/eng/incozo.htm
(Great picture of what looks exactly like the beetle I have,
but what is with that scientific name - Phellopsis amurensis? I
cannot find that listed anywhere else? Did they
change the name?) and http://tolweb.org/tree/ToLimages/Zopherid1_reduced.100a.jpg
Do you know what genus and species this is?
Thanks.
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
Species is often difficult to discern from a photo, and even
a specimen will cause disagreement among experts. We are not
experts. According to Hogue this an Ironclad Beetle from the
Family Zopheridae. Our Southern California species are in
the genus Phloeodes. Audubon recognizes a very different beetle
as the Ironclad Beetle, Zopherus haldemani. Audubon also calls
your type of beetle a Plicate Beetle, Noserus plicatus. Hope
that doesn't further confuse the issue. Late breaking news:
Eric Eaton just solved the question for us. "It is Phloeodes
sp. I think there is only one now, THE ironclad beetle. They
sure are neat, but you need a drill to pin them."
Ed. Note: Just got this update.
(10/12/2005)
Ironclad Beetle (07/13/2005) The ironclad beetle in the photograph
on your webiste is Phellopsis porcata (LeConte) 1853 (nice
picture!!). It is easily seperated from the genera Phloeodes(10-seg.
ant.) and Zopherus (9-seg. ant.). Phellopsis has 11-seg.
ant. and open procoxal cavities. It inhabits old growth boreal
forests of North America and Asia, and was even proposed by
the USGS as a bio-indicator of Snowy Owl habitat, but they
could not collect it in sufficient numbers. Cool website. Oh yeah, if the Park Ranger who collected it wants to keep it alive,
they like Apples, and can live for at least a year.
Ian A. Foley
Montana Entomology Collection-MTEC
Montana State University
Strategus antaeus
(07/13/2005) beetle ?
Hello there – found your website while looking for the
beetle a friend found – I have searched all over and
I am unable to get an exact name for it – could you
please help me – thanks – I have a couple of photos
to help with the identity
Gary
Hi Gary,
Nice photo of a male Strategus antaeus, one of the Scarab
Beetles.
Plinthocoelium
suaveeolens
(07/11/2005) I can't find this bug in your pictures
We found this gorgeous bug on a piece of wood from a mesquite
tree that had been recently cut down in our son's yard in
Saint Hedwig, TX. It is just east of San Antonio. We usually
take pictures of neat bugs and love your web site. Any help
would be appreciated.
Muriel & Tom Dougherty
Hi Muriel and Tom,
We actually do have a photo of this particular beauty on our
second beetle page from 2004, but it was unidentified. This
predates our collaboration with the awesome Eric Eaton who
usually manages to identify everything we cannot. Here is
his response when we asked him if he recognized this gorgeous
green Cerambycid: "Yes, I do! It is Plinthocoelium
suaveeolens. I almost caught one in southern Missouri,
but it got away:-( Larvae bore in the trunks and
roots of tupelo and mulberry trees. Eric"
Red
Milkweed Beetle
(07/11/2005) milkweed beetle(s)?
3 pictures attached, choose your favorite. In the garden in
Northwest Ohio. I asked my father to get a good japanese beetle
photo for you with his macro lensed camera, hopefully he comes
through... There were two of them on the plant.
John
Hi John,
Thanks for the photo of the Red Milkweed Beetle on its host
plant. We eagerly await that Japanese Beetle image as well.
Burying
Beetle
(07/11/2005)
was thinking that this is a american burying beetle was hoping
u could confirm.i live in the st. louis region of missouri
and if it is they haven't been seen in this state for 25 years
are so and are in the "Animals of Conservation Concern"I found
them under a decaying turtle after photoing them they were
returned to their meal unharmed.I do have a few more pictures
if u need.thanx alot for your time and this great website.
steven
Hi Steven, The photo shows a captive Burying Beetle most
probably Nicrophorus sayi.
Two
male Hercules Beetles
(07/10/2005) Hercules Beetles
Hey,
Attached are a couple pics of two Hercules beetles we found
on our back deck in Fairfax (northern) Virginia. I've lived
here since 1975, this is the first time I've ever seen these
very interesting and, initially, somewhat intimidating creatures.
My kids decided to name them: Herc and Karrie (although I
assume they are both males).
Thanks,
Dave Winkler
Hi Dave,
You are correct, you have two male Hercules Beetles, Dynastes
tityus. The male has more pronounced horns.
Mystery
Beetle, Possibly Click Beetle: Euthysanius species
(07/09/2005) While taking our morning walk in the canyon near
downtown Los Angeles, we encountered a strand of spider silk
stretched across the path. It was probably from one of the
Araneas or Neoscona species that build enormous webs at night.
Dangling from the silk was a shrouded insect. When we broke
the silk to pass, out of curiosity, we decided to unwrap the
insect. What we found was amazing on several levels. First,
the beetle was alive, meaning the spider was anticipating
a future meal. The beetle has a hard shell, is just over an
inch long and is shaped like on of the Click Beetles, Family
Elateridae. It is covered with hairs that shine gold in the
sunlight. But those feathery antennae seemed out of character.
We quickly turned to our guide books and could locate nothing
remotely similar. We decided to trouble Eric Eaton thinking
he could quickly identify this anomoly. Here is his response:
"Wow! Cool:-) I would agree that it is probably
a click beetle, but have never seen anything like it. I'll
try and forward this image to Arthur Evans and see what he
says. Thanks for sharing! Eric" So, for the moment,
our beetle remains a mystery.
NOTE:
Eric
then wrote back with more information. L.A. Elaterid? "Here's
what my buddy Dr. Art Evans has to say about your beetle. CRAZY!
Let it go if it is still alive. If it has died, then you
can send it along, thank you:-) Eric"
And here is Dr. Art Evans conclusion: "The following excerpt
is from our upcoming field guide for CA beetles: At least
five species of Euthysanius are found in California. The males
of Euthysanius lautus (15.0-19.0 mm) (Plate 111) are reddish-brown
with grooved elytra and feathery, 12-segmented antennae. They
are found under the bark of pines (Pinus) and are attracted
to lights throughout southern California. Adult females (up
to 35.0 mm) (Plate 112) have very short elytra and lack flight
wings, exposing most of the abdominal segments. They are found
crawling over the ground."
Ten-Lined June Beetle
(07/09/2005) Ten lined June beetle
Hi:
We found this guy on our front step in Delta, BC Canada. Inquiries
identified it for us and a follow-up search directed us to
your site. I see a few photos of ten-lined on your
site but thought you might like to add the photos we took
as well. Unfortunately I didn't think to take any
photos once he spread his antennae. Thank you for hosting
such an informative site.
Regards,
Tom Rohrer
Hi Tom,
Thanks for your wonderful contribution.
Glowworm
Glowing!!!
(07/09/2005) Glow worm found in SE Wisconsin
Hi, I found your web site while looking for an answer to my
question. I found this little booger in the grassy field in
my back yard. I live in North Prairie Wisconsin, USA. Thanks,
Greg McLain
Thanks Greg,
Now our readers can see what a Glowworm looks like when it
is glowing.
Female Hardwood Stump Borer
(07/09/2005) bug!
I have never seen a bug quite this big before. I am also not
quite sure what the "Stinger?" looking thing is.
Any info?
thank you , Dolly Wade
Hi Dolly,
This is a female Hardwood Stump Borer in the genus Stenodontes.
The stinger is her ovipositor. She uses it to deposit eggs
under the bark so the larvae can burrow into the hardwood.
Jumping
Spider vs. Japanese Beetle
(07/09/2005) Spider v. Japanese Beetle
Hi Mr. Bugman,
I love your site and have learned much from it. Thank
you for all your hard work. The fuzzy legged spider
in the attached photo was sizing up a Japanese Beetle on my
rose bush located in Sinking Spring, PA. They both were
about the same size so maybe the encounter ended in a standoff.
I've scrolled through your site but didn't find anything that
looked like this spider. Can you help in its identification?
Thanks for your help.
Bob & Elena
Hi Bob and Elena,
We talked to Mom today who lives in Ohio. She said the Japanese
Beetles had appeared. I said that we have never gotten a photo
of one and lo and behold your image arrived. Your spider is
a Jumping Spider from the Family Salticidae. They do not build
webs, but prefer to stalk prey diurnally using their keen
eyesight.
Stag Beetle
(07/08/2005) Beetle indentification
Hello! I was wondering if you could identify a beetle
I found outside this morning floating in the dogs' waterbowl.
It is approximately one and three quarter inches long from
pincher to back leg. Here is the picture I took.
If it helps you pinpoint the species, I am in the middle region
of Tennessee.
Thank you!
Ondrea
Hi Ondrea,
You have a Stag Beetle, Pseudolucanus capreolus.
Tiger
Beetle Larva
(07/06/2005) What's This?
This fellow lives in holes in the ground in SC and can be
pulled out with straws or blades of grass.
What is it?
CC
Hi CC,
This is a Tiger Beetle Larva, Family Cicindelidae. Tiger Beetles
are small beetles with large heads and prominent eyes. They
run and fly quickly and are called Tiger Beetles because of
their predatory attacks on other insects. The larvae are elongated
and grublike with large curving jaws and they live in burrows
in the ground often near streams, creeks and ponds where there
is a sandy shore. The larva props itself near the top of the
burrow by means of the hump on its back that has hooks. The
jaws are kept open until some unwary insect passes within
reach. The prey once captured is taken to the bottom of the
burrow to be devoured. The burrow is often a foot or more
deep.
Blister
Beetle
(07/06/2005) Pepper eater.....
Do you know what kind of insect this guy is? He's quite happily
chowing down on my bell pepper plant, and he seems to be alone
at present. Just saw him for the first time today. I have
NO idea what he could be, so no clear idea of what direction
to research in. This photo is high resolution so you can
size it as you need to for easy viewing. :-)
Dawn
Bisbee, AZ
Hi Dawn,
We couldn't identify your exact species of Blister Beetle,
so we wrote to Eric Eaton. Here is his answer: "Spectacular! I'd
love to see that one IN bugguide.... It is a species of Epicauta. Nobody
could tell you more than that because there is a whole COMPLEX
of species that all look like this one! Pretty sure they are
parasites of grasshopper egg pods in the larval stage. Eric"
Hardwood
Stump Borer
(07/06/2005) What is this bug?
Love your website. Can you help me identify this bug?
We found it already dead and partially hanging out
of one of many holes in a railroad tie approximately one inch
in size. Thanks for your help,
Cheri Mosley
Hi Cheri,
Your photo is of the traumatized remains of the Hardwood Stump
Borer, Stenodontes dasystomus. Your specimen is a male as
evidenced by the robust mandibles. The larvae live in the
heartwood of living trees, taking three or four years to mature.
Positively
Gargantuan
Elephant Stag Beetles stampeding into the public awareness!!!
(07/05/2005) beetle question
Hi! I have attached pictures of a beetle I found this
weekend at our home in Missouri . It was quite intimidating.
I am looking forward to hearing what type of beetle it is.
I’ve been told rhinoceros beetle but haven’t seen
any with that name that looks like this big fellow.
Marjorie
 
Hi Marjorie,
This has to be the grand daddy of all Elephant Stag Beetles,
Lucanus elephus. He is positively gargantuan. We might be
dealing with radiation and a sci-fi movie here.
Elephant Stag Beetle in the hand!!!
(07/05/2005) Could you help me identify this beetle which
we found in our office?
Brian from Alabama
Hi Brian,
This is a Male Stag Beetle from the species Lucanus elephus,
the Elephant Stag Beetle. Stag Beetles get their name because
the large mandibles of the male resemble a stag's antlers.
Female
Herculese Beetle
(07/05/2005) Bug Identification
I found this bug on our screen door. It is really more
of a light pea green instead of yellow as the picture suggests.
Help with the identification would be very much appreciated.
Brian Berfield
Hi Brian,
If you think your female Herculese Beetle, Dynastes tityus
if big, you should see her mate. And, he has a massive horn
to boot.
Oil
Beetle
(07/05/2005) Unknown beetle (I think)
Hello... I live in Colorado, and we just recently moved out
into the open range lands outside of the city for the peace
and quiet, and we noticed these beetle type insects all over
the weeds/wild grass that is sprouting up behind our house.
They struck me as odd because their front end was sooo small,
almost looking like a large ant, and the abdomen was LARGE,
like it was engorged, so I figured it was a queen or something,
but as I started looking around, I noticed they are all over
the place and they all look the same. Small front
end, LARGE abdomen. They range in length from baby ones about
1/2 inch to large ones about 1 1/2 inches. Attached is a picture
of 2 different views of the same one! My family is ready to
start sparying them with insect repelants, but before they
do anything, I would like to know what they are. They
seem to only be feeding on the weeds/grass themselves, so
not hunters.
This is a type of Blister Beetle known as the Oil Beetle,
Meloe angusticollis. Be careful, if disturbed, it can exude
droplets of liquid from the leg joints that cause blisters.
Palo
Verde Root Borer
(07/04/2005) Beetle Found by Dog
Hi,
My dog found this crawling on our patio. It is
very strong and it was difficult to hold long enough to get
a picture. It is about 2 1/2" long from pincer
to tail. The color is brown-black. I
live in Phoenix Arizona and was found 4th of July night. The
pincers are very menacing looking. The legs were
going a mile a minute.
Thank You
Ed
Hi Ed,
This looks like one of the Longhorns, Derobrachus geminatus,
known as the Palo Verde Root Borer. More information can be
found on this site.
Male
Strategus antaeus
(07/04/2005) SE TX Beetle
Could you please tell me the name of this beetle? It
was found here in the pinewoods of southeast Texas in mid-June.
It was found dead and in excellent condition. I
want to send it to my cousin, could you tell me how I should
store it to keep it preserved? Thank you for your help,
Deanna
Hi Deanna,
You have a beautiful specimen of a male Stragegus antaeus,
one of the Dynastinae Scarabs. Males have three erect horns,
females a single feeble one. You don't need to do anything
special to preserve it. Keep it dry and away from Dermestid
Beetles which can decimate entire collections.
Blue Rosalia
(07/04/2005) what d'ya think of this beauty?!
hello you buggers!
We've been out taking photos of insects here in the the Charente
region of western France and came across this beautiful specimen
of what we think is some kind of blue longhorn beetle, but
wanna know fo' sure! what do ya think it is?! It was
on the trunk of an ash tree..... can ya help us out?
please? (ps this is the first time we've found your site and
it's brilliant!)
Cheers,
Max and Lippy
Hi Max and Lippy,
Thanks for the compliment. Your natty beetle is in fact a
Longhorn Cerambycid, but we don't know the European species.
A quick google search revealed nothing. Thanks for sending
the photo which may eventually get identified.
Ed. Note: A second email from Max and Lippy
questioned the Blue Rosalia. We googled that and found this
lovely Polish
stamp from 1961. Looks like a positive ID for Rosalis
alpina.
Stag
Beetle
(07/03/2005) What's this bug?
Hello,
saw this guy on a website and wanted to know what it was. Picture
taken in NY city. Bug spared by birdwatchers from
people thinking it was a "dreaded" asian longhorn
beetle. Thanks,
Tammy
Hi Tammy,
This is a Stag Beetle, Pseudolucanus capreolus, a male. They
are prized by collectors. Larvae feed on rotting wood. They
are native and not a danger to the environment or to you.
We don't understand what you saw on a website?
One
of the Locust Borers, probably
(07/02/2005) Some kind of borer?
I found this attractive beetle sitting on my car a few mornings
ago. I believe this is a member of the family Carambycidae
(longhorn beetles) because its antennae appear to be growing
out of its eyes. After I took the photos, it flew away straight
up, disappearing quickly. I haven't been able to find a picture
like it, and I've looked at every western North America beetle
website I could find. The distinctive cross on its back should
make it easy to identify for someone who has one in their
collection. Perhaps it is an exotic intruder? This is the
best insect site on the web for casual naturalists like me.
Thank you for the great service
you are providing.
Dennis Strauss
Hi Dennis,
We were delayed because we didn't recognize your borer either.
We checked with Eric Eaton, and it seems he doesn't exactly
recognize it either. Here is his reply: "I don't know, but I'd put money on it being in the genus Megacyllene, the Locust Borer genus. Pretty sure it is not simply covered in pollen, but is marked with that much yellow. Neat! " Perhaps it is an exotic import. Why don't you check with the Department of Agriculture.
Palo Verde Root Borer
(07/02/2005) Huge Beetle
I finally found this beetle in one of your 2004 collection... infact, from about a year ago 7/2/04. Since I was willing to get closer to the thing, here are some more pictures of (common name) Palo Verde Root Borer or Derobrachus geminatus.
Darren
 
Hi Darren,
Thank you for doing our job for us. Glad you located your beetle and your photos of the Palo Verde Root Borer are great.
Three Lined Potato Beetle
(07/02/2005) Striped beetle - What is it?
Can anyone identify this striped beetle that is eating my petunia? How does one keep them away from petunias without using a chemical that damages this sensitive flower, if you know?
RC in Cranston, RI
Hi RC,
Thanks to your query, we learned something about Petunias. We suspected this was a Three Lined Potato Beetle, Lema trilineata, but that beetle only feeds on potatoes, tomatoes and members of the nightshade family. They eat our Datura. A very similar looking beetle is the Striped Cucumber Beetle, Diabrotica acalymma vittata, which is a less particular eater. It feeds upon beans, peas, corn and flowers while larvae feed on cucumber plants. A quick look at our Western Garden Book revealed that petunias belong in the nightshade family, so we believe you have a Three Striped Potato Beetle. Sorry, we looked for a natural means of control and can't locate one. Try hand-picking.
Hide Beetle
(07/01/2005) Beetle I.D. + A Compliment!
Your site is awesome! I am a member of The American Tarantula Society and current have ovr 100 tarantulas in my home. I've just had two newly hatched eggsacs, and I'm NOT going to count them yet! ;-)
Not only is your site informative, you speak of all insects as beautiful creatures to be appreciated, NOT smashed beneath a shoe. I'll be referring many folks to you site in the future in hopes that they wil learn appreciation of the little critters, as well as be able to identify them!!
With Theraphosidae, it's often impossible to make an identification with photographs, especially with the Aphonopelma genus, I was surprised that I could send you a photo of a beetle and have you identify it. I live in Moreno Valley, Southern California, and found this little cutie outside my office. I'm pretty familiar with the local flora and fauna, but have never seen a beetle such as this. Thanks in advance for the i.d., and keep up the good work!
Terri Millard
Hi Terri,
Thank you for your most kind letter. Regarding our identification capabilities, when in doubt, we turn to Eric Eaton who almost always bails us out. Here is what he has to say about your beetle: "Ah, the image is of a Hide Beetle, a type of scarab in the genus Trox or Omorgus. They used to be in their own family, the Trogidae, but are now in with the scarabs. They arrive in the last stages of decay of carcasses, feeding on mummified skin, dry feathers or fur, etc. They play dead extremely convincingly, and are also often caked with so much debris as to be unrecognizable. This is an exceptionally clean specimen. Eric"
Grapevine Beetle
(07/01/2005) unknown BIG beetle
Dearest Bugman~
This lovely beetle was discovered looming LARGE on our kitchen window screen this morning. What a way to start the day... Anyway after politely asking our 7 yr. old son to capture him/her (which didn't take much cajoling) he is now taking up residence in our well-used screened-in bug house. Please help us to identify this beetle! I have looked all over the internet and I still have no clue. This beetle is almost 1" long and is a tannish-yellow with black spots and a shiny underbelly. *shiver* Thanks in advance!
The Aurella Family
Hi Aurellas,
You have a Grapevine Beetle, Pelidnota punctata. The adults eat grape leaves and the larva live in decaying stumps and roots of various trees.
Dogbane Leaf Beetle
(06/30/2005) bug???
Hi
My daughter is thrilled to find these "shiny beetles" every summer on some plants we have in our field. They seem to prefer the milky plants and flock there for the summer months. If you could identify it for us it would be great. We live in central Maine. Thanks for your help.
Tamara Hatt
Hi Tamara,
This is the Dogbane Leaf Beetle, Chrysochus auratus. It feeds on dogbane and members of the milkweed family. They are very metallic in shades of blue, green, copper and brass. When disturbed the beetles will drop to the ground to hide and when caught will exude a foul-smelling secretion.
European Chafer
(06/27/2005) Strange Bug
Hi There, Since a few days we are invaded by thousand of bugs like this in the garden. We tried to identify them, but no chance. They show up only in the evening when the temperature cools down. Are they pests? Do they eat potatoes or tomatoes plants? Or cherry, plum, apple or peach trees? How we get rid of them… is impossible to stay in evening outside in the garden.
Adrian
Hi Adrian,
We weren't familiar with your species of Scarab, one of the Chafers, so we wrote to Eric Eaton. He thinks you might have a situation. Here is his response: "This is some other kind of scarab. Try searching European Chafer and see if that might be a match. If so, the submitter might want to contact their state Agricultural Dept. as the insect is a relatively recent introduction and we need to know how it is spreading." So Adrian, contact the experts.
Ed. Note: This letter just arrived.
(08/11/2005) Reaction to "European Chafer (06/27/2005) Strange Bug"
Hi, The chafer pictured at the post "European Chafer (06/27/2005) Strange Bug" looks to me like a common cockchafer (Melolontha melolontha), or Meikever (may chafer) as they are called in Dutch. These fellows are quite noisy in flight, and come out of the ground after being a larva for 3 years. For more info, see http://www.kendall-bioresearch.co.uk/chafer.htm
greetings,
Arthur
Eyed Elater
(06/26/2005) Hi Bugman,
Found this beauty on the screen of my lanai in Bradenton, Florida. It was about 1-1/2 to 2 inches long and patiently posed for many photos until I got the right one. I thought it bore resemblance to Buprestidae, but I'm not an entomologist.
Tom
Hi Tom,
Your beetle is an Eyed Elater, Alaus oculatus, one of the Click Beetles in the Family Elateridae. This family is often organized near the Family Buprestidae.
Tortoise Beetle
(06/26/2005) whats this bug
Hello
we have a bug in the garden that no-one around here seems to know what it is. It eats leaves of tomatoes and potatoes please let me know what they are and how best to get rid of them
eldon
 
Hi Eldon,
You have a Tortoise Beetle, called a Goldbug, in the subfamily Cassidinae. Most of our sources cite morning glories as the host plant and we have not heard of them on tomato or potato.
Female Hercules Beetle
(06/24/2005) interesting beetle
i was looking on the site to see what kind of beetle we found in my shop last night. i believe it to be a female hercules beetle, but im still unsure. attached is a couple pictures of the beetle. i was wondering if you could tell me if were are correct in the type of beetle it is. my figner is about3 1/2 inches long and you can see the beetle is large.
thank you
geoff morgan
Hi Geoff,
You are correct. Thank you for your image of a Female Hercules Beetle, Dynastes tityus.
Second Giant Root Borer in 2 Days!!!
(06/24/2005) Is it a beatle?
Hi Bugman,
This large crawler was ambling through my grass at night when I spotted it. I say it's a beatle but my daughter who works in the Bronx Zoo is uncertain. Can you tell what kind -and if it is in any way dangerous? Please clue us in.
Many Thanks,
-Les
Hi Les,
This is one of the Giant Root Borers, a beetle in the genus Prionus. It is the second photo in two days from this genus. You could have seen the first photo and identified it yourself had you scrolled down our page. Guess they are early this year since they usually appear in July and August.
Giant Root Borer
(06/23/2005) Dear Bugman
I found this guy in front of my house I think it's a Prionus according to other pix I saw on your site. (Great site by the way!!!) But I live on Long island in N.Y. The beetles on your site were west coast denizens.Is this an east coast cousin? Sorry for the poor picture Quality but he/she is black (the western ones on your site looked browner?! I had left my outside light on overnite and I think he crashed ( he was a very cooperative subject) Thanks for your help and again, Great website !!!
Gene & Connor Dolan
 
Hi Gene and Connor,
Your beetle is in fact a Prionus species, one of the Giant Root Borers. As a group, they range throughout most of the U.S. as well as Canada. Larvae eat live, dying and decomposing trees, shrubs and woody vines. Adults usually emerge in July and August. They are primarily nocturnal and are attracted to lights.
Labidomera clivicollis, a Leaf Beetle
(06/22/2005) bug?
hi -
great website, hope you can identify this bug for me. it was on a blade of grass in the lawn near binghamton, ny. it's about 2 or 3 times as big as a typical ladybug, is it a pest or helpful?
thanks,
cory
Hi Cory,
We checked with Eric Eaton to see if he agreed that this is Labidomera clivicollis, one of the Leaf Beetles in the Family Chrysomelidae, and he agreed. These beetles are usually found on swamp milkweed, but sometimes they attack cultivated members of the genus Asclepias, ornamental plants in the milkweed family. They hibernate in the wooly leaves of mullein according to Comstock.
Elephant Stag Beetle
(06/22/2005) What's That Bug?
Are the attached pictures a male stag beetle, Lucanus elaphus? He was found on our back patio in Raleigh, NC. My daughter (10) and husband had quite a time "playing" with him before his release! Your site is most helpful! Thanks!
J. Lanier
Hi J.,
What an artful photograph of the Elephant Stag Beetle, a male with some impressive "antlers".
Blister Beetle
(06/21/2005) bug
hi
i found this bug in my window well on the side of my house. it is about 2" long and maybe 3/8" wide. the bug is a lot brighter and more irredescent than what the pictures show, but hopefully you will be able to identify it. also does it fly? when i saw it it just kept crawling everywhere but are there wings under the shell on its back? thanx
lea chan
edmonton, alberta canada
Hi Lea,
This is the second photo we've gotten this week of a Blister Beetle, Lytta cyanipennis. This beetle can be very abundant locally, appearing for only short periods of time. Be careful though, handling a Blister Beetle can cause an irritating reaction in sensitive people, hence the common name.
Stout's Hardwood Borer
(06/21/2005) What is this beetle?
This beetle was flying noisily around our kitchen last night in Ventura, CA. We caught it and put it in a jar. It fell asleep around 11:00PM. It was still quiet this morning when I took the pictures. I left it outside on the jar lid, and after a while it climbed out and hid under the lid.
Thanks
Dennis Strauss
Ed. Note: Shortly after writing to us, Dennis wrote back that he located his beetle in Hogue's Insects of the Los Angeles Basin. He identified it as Stout's Hardwood Borer, Polycaon stouti. The larvae are wood borers found in oak, maple and eucalyptus among other trees. Adults often emerge from wood used in construction.Here is part of Dennis' second letter:
I'm guessing it came from one of the eucalyptus trees behind our backyard wall. We don't have any wood furniture less than 10 years old, and our house was built in 1991, so I don't think it hitched a ride into the house inside anything manufactured.
Dennis Strauss
Red Headed Ash Borer
(06/21/2005) Really hoping you can help me figure out what this bothersome little fella is
Bugman-
I first noticed this little fella in my garage about four days ago. At first it was only one. Thinking it was a hornet of some type I squished it and went on my merry way. Next day there were three when i went in. By today, my entire garage is infested with them. I tried looking him up on wasp and hornet sites because he looks to have a stinger as you can hopefully see in one of the pictures I sent you. The closest I could see him resembling was the European hornet, but he's not fuzzy and doesn't seem as big as the ones in the pictures I've seen. I'm not sure if i should be looking for a nest or if i should just bomb the garage as suggested by my father. The sites that I looked at said bombing would do no good if it is a hornet....that I had to find the nest. Any help you could offer me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Laurie Doyle
Racine, WI
Hi Laurie,
You don't have a hornet, but a beetle that mimics a hornet. More specifically, it is the Red Headed Ash Borer, Neoclytus acuminatus, one of the Cerambycidae Family of Long Horned Borer Beetles. This is one of the most common of the wood-borers. The larvae live in unseasoned material with the bark left on. Nearly all the hardwoods are attacked, but chiefly ash, oak, and hickory. You shouldn't be looking for a nest, but perhaps a firewood pile.
Xyloryctes species
(06/20/2005)big dead bug
I found this on my sidewalk Saturday. Any idea about what it is? I've never bumped into one of these before. We're sending it to a friend of ours who's an artist in Houston who makes clothing for dead bugs. No, really, I'm serious.Any ideas what this is?
Thanks!
Sean
Hi Sean,
We stand corrected. See below.
Hi, This is Steven from Beetle-experience. Hope things are going well. I think it's been about a year since we last spoke. The site is looking good, tons of photos coming in of all those insects walking around out there. Just came from a drive about an hour north of here where I found S. aloeus and D. tityus adults. I've also been finding Lucanus capreolus lately. I'm still looking for live Polyphylla specimens, if you can think of anyone to send my e-mail address to.
Sorry to mention: your photo listed as: "Strategus antaeus, (06/20/1005)" looks like a male Xyloryctes to me. It has that strongly bulbous prothorax and appears to have a curved horn without any side horns.
Xyloryctes: http://entweb.clemson.edu/museum/webonly/local/lmisc/lmisc17.htm
S. antaeus: http://entweb.clemson.edu/museum/webonly/local/lmisc/lmisc39.htm
Keep up the great work,
Regards, Steven
Ed. Note: Write to him at info@beetle-experience.com
Ten-Lined June Beetle
(06/20/2005) Look who I found outside... Eeewwwwwww... It's him!
Hi Bugman,
I've checked the web & I can't figure out what this is can you help? It flies, is about 2" long & hisses. Thanks
Shannon Lambertson
Hi Shannon,
Thanks for sending in the photo of the Ten-Lined June Beetle.
Male Glowworm
(06/17/2005) What's this bug?
I photographed this insect one night in late May. As for the scale, notice in the first pic, top left corner is a nail head approximately 1/4 inch in diamater. I left the porch light on to attract insects to photograph and this appeared. The photo was taken in Yadkin County, North Carolina. What is it? I really like your site. It's comforting to know I'm not the only person who likes to photograph bugs. > Tony Hegwood
Hi Tony,
We wanted to verify our conclusion with Eric Eaton. Here is his response: "This is actually a male glowworm, in the genus Phengodes. No wonder he was attracted to light:-) Female phengodids are larviform, meaning they retain all the characteristics of the larval state, but have a fully-developed reproductive system, and compound eyes! They glow between the abdominal membranes. Larval and female phengodids feed exclusively on millipedes. The males are not luminescent. Neat find. A good year for them it would appear, as I've seen other images from this season."
2 Species of Blister Beetles
(06/17/2005) One for your collection and one to answer
Hi Bugman,
I was able to identify this first bug, thanks to your website, as an Iron Cross Blister Beetle. I'm stumped on the next one though. I found it scooting across the desert floor outside of Ridgecrest, California. It was about 3/4 of an inch long. Any idea?
Fred
 |  | | Tegrodera latecincta | Cysteodemis armatus |
Hi Fred,
Both of your beetles are in the Blister Beetle Family Meloidae. First thanks for the new photo of the Iron Cross Blister Beetle, Tegrodera latecincta. The second one we located on BugGuide and it is the Spider beetle, Cysteodemis armatus. According to the site: "There is some variation in color of these beetles. Sometimes the abdomen appears to be blacker in some individuals. They are typically found in desert areas."
Pine Sawyer
(06/17/2005) what is it ...
and why did it fly into my kitchen window at dusk? It
looks like some cockroaches I saw in Baja many years ago,
but I've never seen anything this big here just south of San
Francisco.
Thank you.
Lynn
Hi Lynn,
You have been visited by a Pine Sawyer, Ergates spiculatus,
also known as the Spineed-Neck Longhorn. Larvae eat the sapwood
and heartwood of pines and Douglas firs and adults emerge
July - August. I guess the rains brought them out a little
early this year. Females are often attracted to lights. Their
habitat is usually forests near and above 4000 feet. According
to Hogue: "campers in pine flats in neighboring mountains
are frequently startled when these beetles loudly buzz into
their lanterns on warm summer evenings."
Dynastes
tityus
(06/17/2005) Thanks for a great site!
Hey Bugdude!
After unsuccessfully searching Google images and several websites
to identify this beefy dude (painful over a modem...), you
came to my rescue. I believe this may be either
a Unicorn or a Hercules beetle? Found him legs up on
my roof in rural northwest SC. Love your website, and
since I'm from CA and am not familiar with the local fauna,
will now refer back to it frequently to find out whether the
buggies get to listen to me jabber at them or
feel the wrath of my vengeful heel (The latter may be preferred
over the former, since most seem to flee after the first "Hello,
Mr. Insert-generic-bug-name-here." Word gets
around these rural small towns rather quickly...). Your tips
on what these insects eat and their preferred habitats make
it easier for me to relocate them to the proper environs if
necessary.
Thanks mucho,
-Mike
Hi Mike,
We have heard this guy called both the Hercules Beetle and
the Unicorn Beetle, but to be safe, we could go scientific
and call it Dynastes tityus. We sympathize with your modem
searching, but imagine trying to upload What's That Bug? on
dial-up. That is our excuse for answering so slowly when we
have 100's of letters.
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