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Cicindela purpurea, NOT Barrens Tiger Beetle
(04/20/2006) Hard shell, shiny, six legs=Help, WTB!?!
The thing that threw me off about this one is the way it jumped
across the yard like a small grasshopper then coasted/flew
about a foot and a half before landing. I went after it to
catch the this 'grasshopper' for my cats who are indoors and
enjoy the occasional bug to play with. When I put my foot
on it and bent to pick it up, I saw the iridescent green and
turquoise beetle. I don't know where to look as I just moved
to Gillette, WY and am unfamiliar with the things in our unmowed
and unkempt yard. Oh, and it tried to bite. The closest I
can come is the Tiger Beatle. But what is with the gold lines
and spots? Very pretty bug, though. I just found the exact
replica of my beetle! I think. Is the information I found
true? It's a Cicindela patruela patruela,Patterned Green Tiger
Beetle? It gave me this picture and also says only once was
recorded in the 19th century in Burlington.
Rachel
 
Hi Rachel,
It is impossible to give an accurate identification of your
beetle based on the photo, but we do agree it is a Tiger Beetle.
We love your drawing so much we are inclined to agree this
is Cicindela patruela, the Barrens Tiger Beetle according
to BugGuide.
Update (08/22/2006)
Hello Lisa Anne and Daniel,
I recently came across your website and I was pleased to see such a
vibrant (and well-done) site. I'm an entomologist and evolutionary
biologist (specializing on the systematics, taxonomy and evolution of
tiger beetles and their close relatives) and I have to say that I'm
impressed with your accuracy rate! It's much, much better than other
comparable sites I've come across over the years. The two of you must
really love insects.
I'll bookmark your site and check it out when I'm having trouble sleeping
again!
Even from the blurry photograph, it can be unequivocally identified as
Cicindela purpurea (don't let the name fool you, out west they are mostly
green!). This is a very common species in WY and most of the continent
(although most abundant in the western shortgrass prairie). It's
impressive that you caught it without a net!
Daniel P. Duran
Dept. of Biological Sciences
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Plinthocoelium
suaveeolens
(04/19/2006) Metallic Green Longhorn Beetle
I found this metallic green beetle in 2001 just east of San
Antonio in La Vernia, Texas. At the time I in the fifth grade
and was doing a bug collection for school. I could not identify
the bug, so I sent a picture of it to Texas A&M University's
Entomology department. I was soon sent a reply that the insect,
which they had never seen before, was called a Metallic Green
Longhorn Beetle. This year I am doing another insect collection
for school and I would like to reuse the beetle because it
is still in excellent condition. However the man from Texas
A&M failed to send me the family or scientific name and I
can not find it. Can you help?
Claire
Hi Claire,
Your photo is quite blurry and it is difficult be be certain,
but we would bet money on Plinthocoelium suaveeolens.
Checkered Beetle
(04/19/2006) desert bug
Location: Death Valley National Park. thank you for your time.
Brian
Hi Brian,
Thanks for writing back with a location. People don't realize
how helpful that information is, especially since we deal
with so many foreign identifications. We believe this is a
Checkered Beetle in the genus Trichodes. The markings are
consistant with the Ornate Checkered Beetle, Trichodes ornatus,
but the coloration is closer to other members in the genus.
We want Eric Eaton to weigh in on this. Eric writes: " I agree
wilth your IDs on both the checkered beetle (Trichodes ornatus)
and the longhorn (Plinthocoelium suaveeolens). How come 'I'
never find such gaudy critters?"
Painted
Hickory Borer
(04/18/2006) Identify please
I have these things crawling all over the back of my home
and a few are making it inside. They fly, too. What are they?
What do I do to get rid of them? Call an exterminator or spray
something? Hurry, please. Thanks.
Kay
Hi Kay,
Your Painted Hickory Borer, Megacyllene caryae, looks nearly
identical to the Locust Borer. Hickory Borers fly in the spring,
and Locust Borers in the fall.
Mating Cylindrical Hardwood Borers
(04/17/2006) Cylindrical hardwood borers mating
Dear Bugman,
Despite the crappy picture quality, my sister the biology
teacher was able to identify these bugs for me. I watched
them for much longer than I'm willing to admit. The mating
ritual was pretty funny. Two or three of these guys were running
back and forth, back and forth along an almost vertical segment
of a mostly-dead tree. Each time one got to the end of the
vertical segment, it would turn around and dart in the other
direction. About every twentieth pass, two bugs would run
into each other and mate. They'd finish (or he'd get tired
of holding her down) and take off in opposite directions.
Back and forth, back and forth...Then they'd run into each
other again and the fun would resume. This went on long enough
for me to go back to the house and fetch the camera. Unfortunately,
my camera isn't good enough to take top-notch close-up pictures.
Nancy
Hi Nancy,
What your photos lack in technical quality, you more than
make up for with your colorful account of the mating ritual
of the Cylindrical Hardwood Borer, Neoclytus acuminatus.
Argentine Click Beetle
(04/17/2006) Beetle in Argentina
We found this bug in a forest in the Province of Entre Ríos,
Argentina. We couldn't identify it, and it doesn't appear
in your beetles pages. Can you please tell us what it is?
Thanks. Gabriel, Matias & Andrés
Dear Gabriel, Matias & Andrés,
We believe this is a Click Beetle in the family Elateridae.
Many members of this family can right themselves when they
fall on their backs by snapping their bodies and flipping
in the air. This produces a clicking sound hence the popular
name. Eric Eaton wrote in: " The Argentine click beetle is
most likely in the genus Chalcolepidius. Great specimen!"
Master
Blister Beetle
(04/16/2006) beetle
Hello,
I found this beetle at the base of an aloe plant (Mesa,AZ).
Can you please identify it and is it harmful to plants? Thank
you,
Carol
Hi Carol,
This is a Master Blister Beetle, Lytta magister. Adults feed
on plant tissue from desert plants and larvae prey on grasshopper
eggs in the soil. This species is also known as the Arizona
Blister Beetle.
Spiny
Mystery Thing is Tortoise Beetle Pupa
(04/16/2006) Unidentified armored insect.
Hello,
I just spent half an hour or so looking over your site. It
is really a great resouce. Most of the time I put the univerity
level entomology courses to work and identifiy my own finds,
but since my primary goal is to get a good photo rather than
collect, kill and key out these days I was unable to (excuse
the expression) pin this one down. This well armored and prickley
insect was found in the folds of a Canada Thistle. Just as
a guess I would guess some sort of hemipteran - but I defer
to your expertise on this one. The location is Grand Island,
New York - an island in the middle of the Niagara River. If
interested, other fauna and flora photos from the island may
be viewed at: http://www.isledegrande.com/naturepage04-v2.htm
Your time in looking at this one and replying is most appreciated.
If you can use the image on your site, please feel free to.
Regards,
Nathan Cook
Hi Nathan,
Before we even venture a guess, we want to contact our favorite
expert, Eric Eaton. Meanwhile we will post your image and
see if we get any other responses. Eric Eaton responded with
this information: " Looks like that spiny thing is the pupa
of a tortoise beetle. The larvae look very similar, but carry
an umbrella of dried feces on those forked tail-like appendages.
Eric"
Tiger Beetles eat Corn!!!
(04/15/2006) Good afternoon.
A friend of mine and I were camping on the Tallapoosa river
in June of 2005 and when my friend dropped a shrimp on the
sand these little guys came out of the sand to dine. They
seem to like corn as well. With an appetite such as theirs
I thought I should investigate, after all, a shrimp and a
toe may look similar to these guys. I looked around for awhile,
but became overwhelmed. I had no idea there was such a variety
of insects. Thank you for any help you have offer.
Bryan.
 
Hi Bryan,
We believe these are Tiger Beetles in the subfamily Cicindelinae,
but we have never heard of them eating corn. We will check
with Eric Eaton to get a second opinion. Eric quickly wrote
back with this information: "Yes, indeed they are tiger beetles,
Megacephala carolina to be exact,mostly nocturnal in habits.
I know other types of ground beetles are atleast occasional
seed-eaters, so perhaps this behavior in tiger beetlesshould
not be surprising. Very interesting image in any event,documenting
the omnivorous nature of this species.Eric"
Thanks for the i.d. guys, I can now search around to see if
they do eat toestoo! We watched them polish off the corn.
Odd note, they each ate anentire kernel of corn apiece, which
is larger than they are... where didthey store all of it!
Thanks again..
Oil Beetle from Hungary
(04/15/2006) wtb
Hello,
I'm Laszlo Nemeti from Hungary. I ask what's that bug? This
is 4-5 cm long bug, shining dark blue color. Thank you!
Németi László
Greetings Laszlo,
This is a Blister Beetle in the genus Meloe. In the U.S. they
are known as Oil Beetles, probably because of their oily irridescent
appearance.
Mating
Flea Beetles
(04/13/2006) busy bugs
Hi! Well, here we are again, trying to identify a critter...proably
not as unusual
as the wheel bug last time, but my kids and I were walking
today at Tyler Arboritum and I noticed these "busy"
bugs on a rhodo leaf & were curious if you would please
id for us...they were very irridescent and also VERY tiny,
smaller than 1/4 inch...Thanks so much!
Jennifer, Madi and Harrison (in Pennsylvania)
Hi Jennifer,
We originally thought this was one of the Leaf Beetles in
the Family Chrysomelidae but Eric Eaton set us straight: "
The mating metallic leaf beetles may be in the genus Altica,
certainly in the Alticinae subfamily called Flea Beetles for
their ability to jump. Very common insects." We are guessing
Rhodo leaf is Rhododendron.
Asian
Longhorned Borer or Starry Night Sky Beetle
(04/12/2006) can you identify this bug?
Hey Bugman,
I was surfing the web and happened upon your website and thought
it was pretty cool. The thing is I'm working in Seoul, South
Korea right now and a few months back I came across this big
bug that I'd never seen before. I took a picture of it with
my cell phone and I've been wondering ever since. I've never
been able to identify it. Can you help me out.
Thanks.
Ian
PS - again, it was a cell phone camera, so the picture quality
is pretty mediocre.
Hi Ian,
Your beetle, the Asian Longhorned Borer, Anoplophora glabripennis,
is a new exotic introduction to the U.S. and it is causing
quite a bit of commotion. The U.S.
Department of Agriculture site states: " This beetle is
a serious pest in China where it kills hardwood trees in roadside
plantings, shelterbelts, and plantations. In the United States
the beetle prefers maple species ( Acer spp.), including boxelder,
Norway, red, silver, and sugar maples . Other known hosts
are alders, birches, elms, horsechestnut, poplars, and willows
. A complete list of host trees in the United States has not
been determined. Currently, the only effective means to eliminate
ALB is to remove infested trees and destroy them by chipping
or burning. To prevent further spread of the insect, quarantines
are established to avoid transporting infested trees and branches
from the area. Early detection of infestations and rapid treatment
response are crucial to successful eradication of the beetle.
" According to another government
site, the English translations from Asian languages for
this beetle's name include Starry Night Sky Beetle and Sky
Ox Beetle.
Diabolical Ironclad Beetle
(04/11/2006) Phloeodes diabolicum- diabolical ironclad beetle
Hi,
I found this wandering around in the men's restroom at work.
I found a picture on your website and thought you might want
to see this one. I found it in Placentia, California.
Enjoy,
Eddie
Hi Eddie,
Thanks for sending in your wonderful photo of this fascinating
Darkling Beetle. They are known as Ironclad Beetles since
the exoskeleton is nearly impenetrable.
Palo Verde Root Borer
(04/09/2006) Mystery Beetle Las Vegas Found this last July
in Las Vegas. It ran right into my face and about scared me
to death. He was walking when I took the pic, and I tried
to use my free hand as reference for you. He was actually
pretty nice and he flew away shortly after.
Danielle
Hi Danielle,
This is one of the Prionid Root Borers in the genus Derobrachus,
probably Derobrachus geminatus, the Palo Verde Root Borer.
Male Rainbow Scarab
(04/08/2006) Decent Picture of Male Rainbow Scarab in East
Texas (I think)
Dear Bugman,
I really enjoy your site, & I have a bug that I have been
trying to positively identify for awhile now. From what I
can dig up (using the right keywords & google), I have
found & documented a male rainbow scarab. I am no bug
person... but this guy was so intriguing, so amazingly colored
& shaped, & I would really like to know if he is,
indeed, a rainbow scarab. I found him (bug) ambling around
an East Texas farm (BaliTeal Farm) while on a weekend trip
with my mother & Grandmother. Any help would be appreciated,
but not expected. Also, if you would like to use this photo,
you can use it as much as you want, provided you don't charge
for it.
Thanks.
Alice
Hi Alice,
You are much too humble. Your photo is marvelous, much better
than merely decent. This is indeed a Male Rainbow Scarab,
Phanaeus vindex, one of the Dung Beetles.
Longhorned
Borer Beetle
(04/05/2006) What a great site!
Attached are two pics of the same bug. We have been seeing
at least one a day in the house for the past week. We have
never seen this bug before then. What is it? We are in northeast
PA.
Thanks
Bob and Sarina
Hi Bob and Sarina,
This is a Longhorned Borer Beetle. After searching on BugGuide,
we found a match with Sarosesthes fulminans. The
Cooperative Pest Survey Bulletin online notes: " Sarosesthes
fulminans has a distinctive eyespot on its pronotum that distinguishes
it from other longhorned beetles. The larvae of this species
feed under the bark and sapwood of hardwood trees, especially
chesmut [chestnut?] and oak. This beetle is not considered
economically important."
Metamorphosis
of the Cottonwood Leaf Beetle
(04/03/2006) Cottonwood leaf beetle?
I first thought I had caterpillars on my willow tree but after
looking at your site more I found that I seem to have Cottonwood
Leaf Beetles. I captured some larvae in a butterfly pavillion
to see what they would turn into and sure enough! Here are
a few pictures. These are in Southeastern TX.
Sarah
 
Hi Sarah,
Your excellent documentation of the Metamorphosis of the Cottonwood
Leaf Beetle, Chrysomela scripta, is an invaluable addition
to our site. Thank you so much for your contribution.
Calligrapha
Leaf Beetle
(04/02/2006) help with this bug
Can you help identify this bug? I have searched extensively
on the net but can't find any information or pictures. I found
it crawling on a lettuce leaf.
Regards
James Wood
Hi James,
This is one of the Leaf Beetles in the genus Calligrapha.
Ironclad
Beetle
(04/01/2006) Please tell me WTB ?
Here Is a picture of a beetle I have never seen before. Do
you know what it is ?
Thanks,
Wayne Carlson
Hi Wayne,
This is an Ironclad Beetle, Zopherus haldemani.
California Prionus
(03/31/2006) CA Prionus
Dear Bugman,
Thanks for such a fun and educational site - now that I've
found it (a friend forwarded the link) I'm adding it to
my Favorites list. Thought you might like a couple of photos
of one of the California prionus beetles that visited our
carport last year. We're in northern CA, in the Auburn area
and they're fairly frequent visitors in the summer. I love
the screeching sound they make - creepy and cool at the
same time. I can't recall exactly, but that sound is either
made by them rubbing wing against wing or hind leg against
wing - I'll have to gently harass one this year to find
out :)
Ann Ranlett
Nature Illustrations & Pet Portraits
http://www.annran.com/
 
Wow Ann,
Your photos are beautiful. He sure is a handsome male specimen.
We have been trying to find information on the stridulation
of Prionus Beetles, but have been unable to locate any information
quickly. We eagerly await your assessment. Also, we linked
to your awesome site.
Firefly Larva
(03/31/2006) Some kind of larvae?
Hi Bugman,
I love bugs. I found this larvae in my garden last fall. I
had to get my camera, sheet of paper to put him on and photograph
it. I have tried to find out what it is, with no avail. That
is why I'm turning to you to help ID it. I try to find out
what bugs are good for the garden and which are not so good
and have to be relocated. I love your site. Since I have found
it, I check it everyday to see what other cool bugs are on
it. I never realized how many people are into bugs. By the
way I live in the Chicago area. Thanks
Glenn
 
Hi Glenn,
This is a Firefly Larva in the Family Lampyridae, but we are
not sure of the species. We will see if Eric Eaton can shed
any additional light on this.
Wireworm
and Flatbacked Millipede
César Chavez Day (03/31/2006) HELP!
Hello! We could really use some help identifying the two bugs
below. They were found beneath old logs in Southern Kentucky.
Thanks!
Heather Allen
 |
 |
| Wireworm |
Flatbacked
Millipede |
Hi
Heather,
Because today is a California Holiday, César Chavez Day, we
don't have to go to work and can answer your question. After
posting this, we hope to discover our own creatures while
gardening, the perfect thing to do to celebrate the leader
of the Farmer's Rights Movement. Your yellow larva looks like
a Wireworm, the larva of an Elaterid, probably the Eyed Elater
judging by the size. The other creature is a Flatbacked
Millipede which can be found on BugGuide. We checked with
Eric Eaton and he has added this: " Same problem with Elaterid
larvae vs. Tenebrionid larvae (appropriately called False
Wireworms). The differences I need to see do not appear to
be visible in the image. Wireworm is a relatively safe bet,
however."
Not Firefly Larvae but Netwing Beetle Larva
(03/30/2006) Firefly Larvae?
Hello. This is our first visit to your site - we love it!
My three year-old daughter keeps collecting these bugs from
the bark of our maple tree. We live in NY in a mountain valley
and have a pond in our back yard. I found one picture on your
web site that these guys seem to look like - are they firefly
larvae? I'm not sure if you can tell by the picture, but they
use their back appendage like a foot (kind of suction-like)
to scoot along. Please let us know what you think?
Emma's Mom :)
Dear Emma's Mom,
We are so glad you and Emma are enjoying our site. We believe
you are correct thinking these are Firefly Larvae. We will
check with Eric Eaton to see what he thinks. Here is Eric's
evaluation: "We have gone round and round on Bugguide about
the difference between the larvae of fireflies and the larvae
of net-winged beetles (Lycidae family). We have never reached
a consenus! The two families of beetles are closely related,
and while firefly larvae are predatory (especially on snails),
larvae of lycids apparently feed on fungi. Emma's mom might
try dropping a snail in with them to see what happens."
Hello again. We took Eric's advise and tried a little experiment.
We chipped some bark with fungi growing on it off of a tree
and put it on one side of a long container. On the opposite
side of the container, we tossed in a bunch of snails that
we found near/in our pond. When we released our little larvae
friends into the center, they all went over to the side with
the bark and fungi! Just thought we would share the outcome
with you.
Prionid
Borer and Bee-Mimic Flower Scarab from Slovakia
(03/30/2006) bugs from trip to Slovak Paradise
Hello,
we have found these two beetles in Slovakia Paradise, could
you please write some information about them, we are looking
forward specially for information about this strange thing
(cocoon,egg maybe) on back side of big beetle. We spend over
two hours observing this beetle, she brougth out and in this
cocoon, but nothing happend at the end. Female fall asleep
:-).
Kris
 
Hi Kris,
Your first beetle is one of the Prionid Borers in the Subfamily
Prioninae, but we are not sure of the species. This female
is swollen with eggs and the ovipositor was was being "unsheathed"
into the position for egg laying. The beetle would use the
ovipositor to deposit eggs beneath the surface of bark on
trees. Your second beetle is a Bee-Mimic Flower Scarab in
the Tribe Trichiini.
Carabus auratus: Ground Beetle from France
(03/29/2006) What is it?
Hi,
We live in Provence in the south of France. We found this
bug in the grass on Saturday morning. Do you know what it
is, we could not id it from our books? We think it rather
beautiful though.
Kind regards
Annabelle Hill
Hi Anabelle,
Several months past we received an image of this lovely Ground
Beetle from Vermont, and at that time we were unaware that
Carabus auratus had been introduced to the U.S. Thanks to
you, now we have a lovey photo of it on its native soil.
Ground
Beetle from Kuwait
(03/28/2006) HELP! BUGS!
Hello - my husband found this in his tent in Kuwait. Can you
tell me what it is? Is it harmless?
Thanks
Susan Denton
Hi Susan,
We thought this was a Tiger Beetle, bug Eric Eaton informed
us it: "is actually a ground beetle, probably in the genus
Anthia. Very fleet, I am told. My good friend Art Evans confirmed
my IDs on both beetles, adding that Anthia spray acetic acid
in their defense! Very effectively, into the eyes of an attacker.
Eric ". So, it might harm your husband if he looks too closely.
Cerambycid
Borer, maybe Spotted Tree Borer
(03/27/2006) Alder bug
Can you tell me what this is? It came out of some furniture
my boss bought out in Oregon last fall. We just found 3 holes
with sawdust, and one beetle hanging out on the arm of the
chair.
Thanks,
Mark
 
Hi Mark,
We are guessing the subject line "Alder Bug" refers to the
type of wood on the furniture. The antennae on your insect
look like those of the Banded Alder Borer, Rosalia funebris,
but the coloration seems slightly off. It is difficult to
be certain because of your camera angle. It is also possible
that a newly metamorphosed insect might have coloration not
consistant with older specimens. We will ask Eric Eaton for
his opinion. Here is Eric's speedy response: " I believe the
insect in question is possibly Synaphaeta guexi, the Spotted
Tree Borer, found from BC to California, curiously recorded
from oak, poplar, maple, and willow, but apparently not alder:-)
I suspect it is a generalist and probably attacks alder as
well. I'm not certain, but that is my best guess. Neat insect."
Several days later Eric wrote back: " Oh, I just mentioned
that Art Evans had confirmed my species ID of the longhorned
beetle from the Pacific Northwest. It's all good. Eric "
Iron
Cross Blister Beetle
(03/26/2006) Do you know what kind of bug is in the attached
photo?
Hi, Do you know what kind of bug is in the attached photo?
I found him in my yard. By the way, we let bugs - no carnage
here. Your thoughts...
Rita
Hi Rita,
This is an Iron Cross Blister Beetle in the genus Tegrodera.
There are at least two similar looking species with the same
common name, and your specimen looks like Tegrodera erosa.
Tegrodera latecincta has a more defined black cross pattern
on the elytra or wing covers. There is a third species and
they are found in the lower Sonoran Desert where adults feed
on blossoms.
Exotic Scarabs Mating
(03/20/2006) Bug Love Photo!
Hello!
I just have to say that I LOVE your site. I noticed you put
up a "bug love" section... I have a photo to contribute.
This is a photo I took of two mating beetles at the Seattle
Zoo. I actually took a photo of the entire beetle exhibit,
but didn't notice THESE two going at it until after I got
home and took a closer look at the photos. So I cropped the
large photo down to include just the two lovers for your bug
love page. However, I didn't write down the name of the beetles
from the exhibit.. and forgot what species they were.
sincerely,
brenda
Hi Brenda,
What a nice image to begin the first day of spring. We are
relatively certain one of our readers will be able to provide
a name for your amorous exotic Scarab Beetles. Eric Eaton
gave us this information: " The mating scarabs from Africa
are in the Cetoniinae subfamily, something like Chelorhinnia?"
Cottonwood Borer
(03/16/2006) What's this bug (see attached photos)
Dear Bug Man,
A year or so ago I found this monster crawling on the side
of my house (in Bedford, Texas). It's 1.5" body and specific
markings sets it apart from any other local bugs we've commonly
seen around here. Anything you can offer in the way of identification
will be appreciated. Incidentally, I came upon your website
trying to find out what the numerous insects are that we see
flying around each Spring that look like giant mosquitoes.
Your site shows Crane Flies that have a similar look, but
we can't be certain. Thanks for your help.
Frank Atzert
Bedford, TX
Hi Frank,
Thanks to your excellent photo with scale, no one should ever
have a problem identifying a Cottonwood Borer, Plectodera
scalator.
Devil's
Coach Horse
(03/16/2006) What's this bug?
I was working on a car in Azusa, CA, and saw this bug coming
towards me. I stopped and bent down to look at it, and the
wind from my pants made it do what it's doing in the picture.
I'll continue to have bad dreams about this bug until I find
out what the heck it is. Please help.
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
Despite its aggressive posturing, the Devil's Coach Horse
is harmless. It is a European import and we love them in our
garden where they prey upon snails and slugs.
Rhinoceros Beetle from Panama
(03/16/2006) Another Beetle
I found this beetle in Buena Vista, Colon, Panama. I work
in a quarry in the middle of some pretty dense jungle. The
bugs here are enormous! For example, this fella is 11 cm long.
Unfortunately, we found him dead. I have since found many
others alive. By the way, you don't want to get those claws
grabbing on to your skin or clothes. It took three people
to unhook him to get him off. What is he?
Lisa
Hi Lisa,
This scarab beetle is in the subfamily Dynastinae, the Rhinoceros
Beetles. We are sure someone will write in with an exact species
for you. Sure enough, Eric Eaton has this to add: " The dynasine
is in the genus Megasoma, forget which species, maybe elaphas.
Should come up easily with an image search on Google."
Longhorn
Beetle from Panama: Acrocinus longimanus
Ides of March 2006
Hello Bugman,
I found this beetle in Buena Vista, Panama. His body was about
8 cm long, but the front legs were enormous. He made a funny
grinding noise when you would pick him up. Like those old-fashioned,
wind-up toys that sounded like grinding metal. Can you tell
me what he is?
Thanks,
Lisa
 
Hi Lisa,
Our friend Monica from Switzerland just mailed us a beautiful
book called Living Jewels by Poul Beckmann, and plate 28,
Acrocinus longimanus, is a dead ringer for your beetle. The
book lists it from Peru, and BugGuide
pictures a specimen from Ecuador.
Update from David Gracer (05/31/2006)
www.slshrimp.com
Longhorn Beetle from Panama: Acrocinus longimanus
The larvae of this species is eaten throughout much of Mexico
and South America; like that of other big Cerambycids (Macrodontia,
for example), such a meal would be both good-sized and, one
might say, expensive. The grubs are large, and the adults
that the larvae would otherwise become would fetch considerable
sums of money as mounted specimens. Also worth noting: insects
that feature complete metamorphosis - beetles, lepidopterans,
flies, etc - are far more often consumed in the last-instar
larval and pupal stages than the adult stage. The previous
stages have a lot more protein and fats, which provide the
fuel necessary to transform the insect into the imago stage
(and would therefore make the potential food item more desirable
in terms of both taste and nutrition.)
Dead Yellow Fiddler Beetle
(03/14/2006) fiddler beetle
I found this fella on the back of a ute tray dead ,but the
other pics of fiddlers on here are green, why is this fella
yella?
Sadly, we don't know. It might be a color variation. They
might change color as they age. They might fade when they
die. Time might give us the answer.
Australian
Scarab
(03/12/2006) Bess or scarab beetle?
Hi Bugteam,
Me again - your site is too good a resource not to use and
to help with local images if I can! Attached are three images
of a type of beetle that's been roaming our backyard this
summer. (We also found a few that had been hollowed out by
something parasitic.) It emits a hissing sort of squeak from
it,s abdomen when disturbed, picked up or poked by the cat,
but it does not spray. Our initial thought was that it was
the adult form of the mealworms we (try to) feed our gecko
- but doubtful. Trawling through insect books narrowed it
down to either a Passalid (Bess) beetle, Scarab or a Christmas
beetle. I was leaning towards the Passalid identification
until I came across (on Beetle page 4) one you identified
as a Scarab! Can you confirm which is the correct identification?
Cheers,
Jennifer in Australia
Hi Jennifer,
This is a Scarab, but Christmas Beetles are also Scarabs.
That common name arises from the appearance of the beetles
at Christmas, early summer for you. In the U.S. many Scarabs
are commonly called May Beetles or June Bugs because of their
arrival time. Sorry we can't pinpoint the species for you.
German Stag Beetle
(03/11/2006) beetle
Hello,
I found this beetle in the Forest in Dorsten (Germany). What
is this a Animal? Have a nice day.
Sebastian Eger (11 Years old)
Hi Sebastian,
This looks like a female Stag Beetle, probably Lucanus
cervus. The male has enormous mandibles that resemble
a stag's antlers, hence the common name. It is supposedly
the largest European Beetle. You have a nice day as well.
Longhorned Borer
(03/11/2006) Beetle
Hi Bugman
I have found 4 of these beetles (so far) in my bedroom, can
you tell me what they are. These only started appearing after
we had some Oak furniture delivered (made in China). It's
the only place I can think they came from. Should I be concerned,
my wife already is.
Cheers
Bob
Hi Bob,
This is a Longhorned Borer Beetle in the family Cerambycidae,
but it is not the notorious Asian Longhorned Borer, Anoplophora
glabripennis, that is a recent introduced exotic causing problems
with native trees like maple and horse chestnut. It is possible
it emerged from furniture or even firewood. We will see if
Eric Eaton recognizes the species.
Painted Hickory Borer
(03/10/2006) Is this a beetle ??
Have found at least 8 of these near front window in living
room. 85 year old house in Louisville, KY My son thinks they're
hornets ... yellow jackets but I don't think so. Thanks for
your help !!!
Carolyn
Hi Carolyn,
You are correct. This is one of the Long Horned Borer Beetles,
more specifically the Painted Hickory Borer, Megacyllene caryae.
It is almost indistinguishable from the Locust Borer, Megacyllene
robiniae. The Painted Hickory Borer flies in the spring, and
the Locust Borer in the fall when the goldenrod blooms.
Red
Headed Ash Borer
(03/10/2006)
Hello, and just have to say; Great site, I check it nearly
every day. I am in Grapevine Texas, near Dallas. This guy
got inside and was lucky I found him before he became carnage.
I got these pictures of him before setting him free outside.
I did not see the wings until it took off at a slow drift.
I work in an atrium, and would like to know what this critter
eats, hopefully not my plants!
Robert
 
Hi Robert,
We believe this is a Red Headed Ash Borer, Neoclytus acuminatus.
They fly from March to October and are often attracted to
lights. Larvae feed on the sapwood of ash and other hardwood
trees.
Male Banded Hickory Borer
(03/01/2006) a strange bug
This stranger appeared in my home in Toledo, Ohio on February
21, 2006. The outside temperature was in the mid 20's so I
am doubtful if it came in from outside. On that same day(approximately
45 miutes earlier) my wife returned from the grocery store
with Grapes from Costa Rica and green beans from who knows
where. The bug caught my eye as it flew across the kitchen.
It was an awsome sight and I don't mind admitting it scared
the hell out of me. Thank God my wife was not in the room
when the thing appeared. I was able to capture it and confine
it to a freezer bag with air holes poked into it. One antenna
was broken and one leg was seperated from the body during
the capture. Can you identify this bug and let me know what
it is. Thank you very much.
Tom Simpson in Toledo.
Hi Tom,
We originally thought this might be one of the Monochamus
Sawyers, and that Possibly it emerged from firewood. Eric
Eaton wrote in informing us that it "is actually a male banded
hickory borer, Knulliana cincta."
Cactus Longhorn
(02/25/2006) Unknown beetle
Hi.
Stuart from Tucson again. This time I have an unidentified
beetle hanging out on an ocotillo in the back yard. Looks
like it could be a species of long horn beetle but I am not
sure. The speciman was approximately 1 - 1 1/4 inches from
head to toe (not including the antennas or what ever you call
those on a beetle).
Thanks,
Stuart
Hi Stuart,
We have reservations saying this is a Female Prionus, though
that is our best guess at the moment. Certain anatomical features
seem inconsistant witht he genus. We will check with some
real experts to get you an answer. Eric Eaton provided the
following identification: " Ah-ha! Well, you have the right
family:-) This longhorn beetle is in the genus Moneilema,
the "cactus longhorns." They are rather large, flightless,
and mostly nocturnal, venturing out at night to feed on fleshy
cacti, especially Opuntia prickly-pear and cholla. As larvae
they mine at the base of the cactus, or in pads that are prostrate
on the ground. The adults are thought to mimic Eleodes darkling
beetles, even standing on their heads at times as if prepared
to spray an attacker (as Eleodes can do). Very interesting
beetles, and quite common, even if not often seen. Eric "
Longhorn Borer Beetle
(02/24/2006) Black & white beetle ID
Great site! I've got photos of a beetle than I can't find
any ID on. It was found walking around on our deck last June.
I'm assuming it's some kind of borer or blister beetle? I'd
be grateful for an answer so I can put a label on this stock
photo!
Daryl Ann Anderson
Alston, Michigan
 
Hi Daryl,
This is one of the Longhorn Beetles, but will check to see
if Eric Eaton can provide anything more specific. Here is
Eric's reply: " The longhorn is actually some species in the
genus Neoclytus, though I don't know which one specifically.
This genus is in a different subfamily (Cerambycinae)." Then
Eric wrote back: " Oh, the Neoclytus longhorn could also be
in the genus Xylotrechus. I consulted a book on longhorns
and got more confused. Hahaha! It would be in one of those
two genera, though."
Update While Eric was busy identifying the
beetle, Daryl who wrote the original letter did a good job
of researching as well, discovering this link to Xylotrechus
undulatus:
I found it!!! Click
here... What do you think?
Virginia Pine Borer or Sculptured Pine Borer
(02/22/2006) What kind of bug is this?
Hello Bugman,
My 9 year old daughter, Chandler, desperately want's to know
what kind of bug this is. She said she thinks it is a beetle,
however, we are unable to locate it on the Web. She found
it at a park in Jacksonville, FL. Please help, you will make
a little "BUGOLOGIST" very happy.
Thank you,
Christine
Hi Christine,
We believe Chandler found a Virginia Pine Borer or Sculptured
Pine Borer, Chalcophora virginiensis, one of the Buprestid
Beetles, which attacks pine trees in the larval form and ranges
from Canada to northern Florida.
Banded Hickory Borer, possibly
(02/20/2006) Please identify a bug
Dear Bugman,
This enormous "creature" flew onto my front door
a few days ago, and although I've cruised your site trying
to find out just what it might be, the closest that I've come
to finding out is that it is probably some type of wood boreing
beetle. Nothing looking like this one on your site, although
some are close. The most striking feature about it, was the
enormous antenna. The actual bug was about 1-1/2" to
2" long, but the antenna were several times that. I live
in central Florida, was born and raised here, but have never
seen anything close to this bug. I guess it found a piece
of wood to chew on, because it didn't come around except just
for the one night. Thanks,
Marie Nipper
Hi Marie,
We believe this is a Banded Hickory Borer, Knulliana cincta,
based on an image we found on BugGuide,
which is also consistant with your Florida location. Eric
Eaton wrote in with this comment: " Don't think the longhorn
from Florida is a Knulliana, but can't really tell you why.
You might want to find a cerambycid expert to help with those
IDs. They can be tricky."
Devil's Coach Horse
(02/15/2006) What is this?
I had a question. Once in a while I see these weird black
beetle looking bugs around my house and was wondering if you
might know what they are. Here is a pic I took of one today.
Eric
Hi Eric,
We love the European Rove Beetle, diabolically known as the
Devil's Coach Horse, because they are one of the few predators
that eat snails ande slugs in our Mt. Washington garden.
Ground Beetle: Carabus auratus
(02/15/2006) Plinthocoelium suaveeolens?
After searching your site and looking at the matching photos,
the attached beetle does look similar to plinthocoelium suaveeolens.
This one was discovered just outside Montpelier, Vermont trying
to fjord our local river. It was at least 1.5 to 2 cm long.
Sean Kelley
Hi Sean,
Your Ground Beetle is not Plinthocoelium suaveeolens. We are
checking with Eric Eaton to see if he can give us a species
name. Eric quickly responded with this information: " Carabus
auratus, a European import. Had no idea they were here until
this image prompted a Google search. Wow. Eric "
Atlas Beetle of Borneo
(01/14/2006) Identification
These bugs were photographed in my parents back garden on
the island of Borneo, Indonesia. Any idea what they are?
Victoria Matthews
 
Hi Victoria,
The magnificent beetle is one of the Hercules Beetles in the
subfamily Dynastinae. They are also known as Rhinoceros Beetles.
Eric Eaton just provided this correction: " The Borneo "hercules
beetle" is actually an "atlas beetle" in the genus Chalcosoma.
The specimen is a male, and the genus is in the hercules subfamily
Dynastinae."
Cottonwood
Borer Pupa
(02/13/2006)
This creature was found in Wichita, Kansas. I found this "grub"
inside of a cotton wood tree I cut down to make room for my
kids playset. I could find any entry point for their tunnels
inside the tree. There were others just like it but they didn't
have the eyes, legs, antenna, or wings. They are approximately
1 inch in length. Any ideas?
Thank You
A.J.
Hi A.J.
This is a the pupa of a Cottonwood Borer, Plectrodera scalator,
a magnificent black and white beetle. The grubs bore in the
wood, feeding for several years, then pupate and emerge as
adults, usually from July to September.
Oil Beetle
(02/13/2006) queen ant?
Hi,
I saw this ant in NE Alabama just last week. We got a picture
of it, but of course, it was so blurry you couldn't even make
out its shape. However, I ran across this photo someone had
taken, and it is the same creature we saw. It was almost two
inches long, most of which was abdomen. Is it for sure an
ant and can you tell which one specifically? Thank you! And
by the way, I love this website!
Best regards,
Mary Shew
Hi Mary,
It might look like an ant, but it is a Short Winged Blister
Beetle or Oil Beetle, Meloe angusticollis.
Lion Beetle
(02/10/2006) New One for Me
Last summer while camping in the Sierra Nevada Mountains (Icehouse
Reservoir), I came across a bug I've never seen up there before.
I think it was about an inch long and just sat there calmly
while I circled around it taking pictures. When it finally
flew away, it made a loud, low pitched buzzing sound, and
the back legs hung down in a way that reminded me of the way
a wasp flies. I am dying to know what this thing is, I've
never seen anything remotely like it. Thank you so much!
Jessie
 
Hi Jessie,
We believe this is a Long Horned Borer, but we are going to
get an expert opinion from Eric Eaton. Eric quickly wrote
back: " The beetle from California is a cerambycid, believe
it or not! It is the Lion Beetle, Ulochaetes leoninus. I understand
they are convincing bumble bee mimics in flight, and are typically
found at fairly high elevations in alpine meadows."
Locust Borer
(02/08/2006) Interesting beetle found on Sunflowers
A while back, sry i dont remember the date, I was looking
on our sunflowers for interesting bugs and luckaly found one.
It was a large beetle, about the length of an adult yellow
jacket, and was also camaflauged like a yellow jacket. it
seemed a convenient ploy, since there were many wasps flying
around the sunflowers. I was wondering if you might now what
it could be. I'll try to send a picture when I get home.
Thank you!
Kyle
Hi Kyle,
Just as we suspected before you sent the photo, this is a
Locust Borer, Megacyllene robiniae. The grubs bore into the
wood of black locust trees and adults are found on flowers,
especially goldenrod.
Emerald
Ash Borers Procreating!!!
(02/07/2006)
I was checking out your site and think its a great resource.
My job involves exotic pests and I am on the constant look
out for them. Attached is a picture I took of Emerald Ash
Borer in Michigan
I hope your readers are on the look out for this pest.
Keep up the great work
Brian
Sullivan
Plant Health Safeguarding Specialist
Hi Brian,
Thanks for sending in this image. We created a link from your
name back to your email address in case anyone spots the Emerald
Ash Borers.
Firefly
Larva
(02/06/2006) identify?
Can you identify this insect? The head is retractable and
there is an appendage at the back end that is used like a
foot to help scoot or propel the insect. Thanks for any insight.
Gean
Hi Gean,
We wrote to Eric Eaton to see if he could give us anything
other than what we suspected, that this is a Firefly Larva.
Here is his reply: " The larva is definitely a firefly, perhaps
a species of Pyractomena. Don't know for certain beyond family,
though."
Devil's
Coach Horse
(02/05/2006) Devil's Coach Horse?
Hi.
After browsing your site I think my bug looks like a Devil's
Coach Horse but I'm not sure. The bug was very soft to touch
(yak). The photo was taken in Tuscany, Italy. A friend of
mine who is quite into animals but not really into bugs says
it's a short winged bug. Do you know the latin name?
Mark.
Hi Mark,
This is a Devil's Coach Horse, Staphylinus olens. The species
was introduced to California around 1931 from Europe. We love
them in our garden where they eat snails and slugs. Eric Eaton
just gave us this update: "Oh, Staphylinus olens is now Ocypus
olens, for the time being at least!"
Australian
Banksia Longicorn
(02/04/2006) What Beetle is this?
From Kiama Australia, Caught this beetle last night, any ideas
Regards Richard
 
Hi Richard,
We have an idea, but only in a very general sense. It appears
to be a Root Borer in the Family Cerambycidae, similar to
the North American Prionus or Derobrachus.
Update (02/04/2006)
Australian Root Borer
Dear friends, The photo of the beetle sent in by Richard of
Kiama looks remarkably like a picture in a book I have of
a Banksia Longicorn: Paroplites australis (family Cerambycidae).
The text says they are "slender reddish-brown beetles about
5 cm long with antennae of similar length. The larvae are
large, fleshy, yellowish legless grubs, broades at the head
end. " The larvae bore tunnels in Banskia trees and pack it
with the debris from their chewing. Regards,
Grev
Thanks for your update and after checking a few photos on
the web, yes you are correct, this is exactly what it is.
Thanks for the effort. Found this link http://www.ento.csiro.au/aicn/name_s/b_3121.htm
Best wishes from OZ
Richard
Spider Beetle: a type of Blister Beetle
(01/31/2006) Cysteodemis armatus
Your wonderful site has helped me id this beautiful spider
beetle, Cysteodemis armatus. I'm curious if the coloring is
inherent or if it's pollen laden? I didn't want to disturb
it to find out. Thanks for the great resource!
Adriano
Hi Adriano,
Your photo is stunning. We aren't sure about the pollen theory,
so we will check with Eric Eaton to get his opinion. Though
the genus seems accurate, the possibility exists this is a
different species. Please write back and tell us where this
photo was taken.
The photo was taken at the base of the Ship Mountains in the
Mojave Desert.
Eric Eaton wrote back: " I guess my response
to the blister beetle never reached you....I agree on Cystedemus,
but it is probably the "other" of the two U.S. species. I
don't have a reference that lists both names, sorry."
Stink Beetle
(01/30/2006) Colorado Springs Beetle
This came crawling along the floor in the basement of our
Colorado Springs, CO home. We brought it outside, but it promtply
died on our icy deck. While collecting it for transport, it
emitted a chemical smell. The smell is quite potent. Is it
of the genus Eloedes? Darkling beetle? Thanks for the info.
ryan
 
Hi Ryan,
You are correct. Darkling Beetles in the genus Eleodes are
sometimes known as Stink Beetles.
Margined
Carrion Beetles swarm stinky mushroom!!!
(01/24/2006) for your collection
I took this photo in Vermont, they're some kind of carrion
beetles and they were swarming the raunchiest smelling mushroom
I have ever encountered... I did look up the mushroom and
I think it is 'Phallus impudicus' which is a very apt description
if you ask me. Not sure the exact name of the beetles but
anything that likes to eat that nasty mushroom gets kudos
from me. Your site is fabulous, and your calendar is super
fabulous!
Zoe
Hi Zoe,
Thanks for the compliments. Your beetles look like Margined
Carrion Beetles, Oiceoptoma noveboracensis.
Pleasing
Fungus Beetle AKA Humpty Dumpty Erotylidae
(01/20/2006) Bug question for the Bugman
Hello Bugman,
What an amazing and beautiful website! I wish I stumbled across
it sooner. It is a great inspiration; it makes me want to
learn more about these awesome creatures. Thank you. We found
this beetle crawling on a rock near a mountain stream in Colorado.
It was sometime around October, 2005. Any ideas? I tried looking
it up but had no luck.
alicia
Hi Alicia
We decided to check in on Eric Eaton for help and he quickly
responded: " It's a pleasing fungus beetle, Gibbifer californicus,
in the family Erotylidae. This is one of the larger, more
spectacular species, found in the southwest U.S." The adults
and larvae both feed on a variety of wood rotting fungi, hence
the name Pleasing Fungus Beetle. Additional research turned
up this amusing name: Humpty
Dumpty Erotylidae.
Brazilian
Leaf Miner Beetle
(01/15/2006) Help to ID
Please, help me to ID this bug.
Thank you
Danilo Rivas
Brasil
Hi Danilo,
We wrote to Eric Eaton to see if he could identify your beetle.
Here is his reply: "Ok, it IS a beetle, but, believe it or
not, a Chrysomelidae leaf beele! These particular types are
leaf miners in the subfamily Hispinae. There must be several
genera and hundreds of species in the tropics. Eric"
Fiddler
Beetle
(01/14/2006) Hi
I found this beetle inside a piece of rotten playwood in my
backyard in Sydney Australia
Heinz
Hello Heinz,
This Fiddler Beetle is the second we got this week and the
fourth in a month.
Fiddler Beetle
(01/11/2006) Whats the Bug
today we found a little black beetle with fluro green markingd
on its underside and back they are in a pattern of lines i
was wondering if you could please tell me what sort of beetle
it is we are located on queenslands goldcoast Australia our
little dog was caught attacking the little beetle please let
us no.
This is the third Fiddler Beetle, Eupoecila australasiae,
photo we have received from Australia in the last month. It
is truly a pretty beetle.
Striped
Ladybird Beetle Aggregation and Cohabitation with Cucumber
Beetles
(01/09/2006) Can you help ID?
Looks like a leaf beetle but I can't find out what kind in
any of the books I have. This is a photo of just a few of
them. We want to do some organic farming near by but hopefully
not plant what they want to eat. What are they? What do they
eat? They are in northern California (near Petaluma) in the
many many thousands. Why are they meeting along a flooding
ditch in the winter? Thanks for your help!
Pete
 
Hi Pete,
We don't recognize your beetle, which we believe is either
a Chrysomelid, a Leaf Beetle or our suspicion, a Coccinellid,
one of the Ladybird Beetles. We are waiting for a response
from Eric Eaton.
Eric Eaton's Response: " Believe
it or not, those ARE lady beetles. More specifically, the
striped lady beetle, Ceratomegilla vittigera (this is what
I suspect to be an old name, and one would have to look for
the more current synonym). I was not aware that this was a
species that formed aggregations. We would love to add this
species, and these images, to Bugguide (hint, hint). Eric
" Certain species of Ladybird Beetles form aggregations during
the winter months in preparation for hibernation. We are requesting
your permission to post this to BugGuide if you don't mind.
Eric later added this: " Proper name for the striped lady
beetle is Paranaemia vittigera. Apparently aggegations are
not uncommon. I just didn't know that. Eric "
It is fine to use the photo's as you see fit. I have attached
a close up and another group shot to help confirm the ID.
Also one photo of the bad (from a gardener's viewpoint) company
the keep - diabrotica beetles. I sure hope they are ladybird's.
Pete
 
Hi again Pete,
Thank you for the additional photos. The cohabitation photo
with the Spotted Cucumber Beetle, though blurry, is very interesting.
We will post to BugGuide as well.
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