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A little background on a volunteer expert respondent:
Ed Saugstad. B.S. in Entomology - NDSU, 1963. M.S. in Entomology - Purdue University, 1967
A life-long interest in natural history. Formally trained in entomology, he also has a personal interest in herpetology and has read widely in many biological fields. 21 years in the U.S. Army as a medical entomologist; duties varied from surveillance of pest populations (including mosquitoes, cockroaches, ticks, and stored products pests) to conducting research on mosquito-virus ecological relationships and mosquito faunal studies. Ten years as a civilian analyst for the Department of Defense, primarily on distribution of vector-borne diseases worldwide.

He is a member of Entomological Society of America, Society for Vector Ecology & National Speleological Society.

Publications
American Journal of Public Health, Contributions of the American Entomological Institute, Japanese Journal of Sanitary Zoology, Journal of Economic Entomology, Mosquito News, and Mosquito Systematics.

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The pictures below have been submitted by visitors. If you can identify them you are invited to send us your answers. Your description is also welcome.
Please Include the picture number in your answers.
If you have a digital camera or scanner send us photos of any pest you would like identified. Please include the location the pest was found and any other information you can offer. Hopefully one of our visitors will be able to identify them. Send your photos as an attachment, not embedded in the body of your email to: webmanager@pestcontrolcanada.com
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Click on the photos to enlarge. They are usually much clearer.

2369 Hey I live in Fredericton NB Canada and 2 of these showed up in my bathroom, what is it.

2368 I noticed these insects hanging around a north facing window in Windsor Ontario. There is also a wasp next not too far away under the eaves but above the soffit, but no sign of wasps. Both these insects and the wasp nest are new within the last 10 days or so as we were away from home for that period of time (June 12 – 22). Are there any concerns with these insects? Are they possibly trying to build a nest in the house? If they are a potential problem, what are the best ways to get rid of them? Dave

2367 There are lots of these little ones we just discovered in my daughter's sandbox after it got wet (in Cleveland Ohio). they crawl and jump. to the naked eye, they look like tiny gray seeds but you can make out small antenna as well. on photo, I can pick out the stripes. I don't know what it is. obviously, given the small size, the presence in the sandbox, and the jumping, flea comes to mind, but it doesn't look like the flea pictures I've seen. Thanks for a great site. Mick

2366 Hi Ed, since you seem to be the only one answering. I live in Chattanooga, TN. I saw this orb weaver, I think it might be a marbled orb weaver, but its legs aren't the normal color. Anyways, i saw this in mid June. Thanks, Will.

2365 This guy was found in the ditch along side our house in Roseburg, Or. He was probably as big around, legs included, as a quarter.
Any idea what he is? He's quite handsome. Thank you. I love your site. Linda

2364 Hello, great website.. hope someone can ID these buggers, 4 have popped up in the last week. We live in low rise downtown Toronto apartment with several trees surrounding the buildings, but found 3 of these beetle? weevil?-like guys on the floor, and 1 by the tub drain. Very similar to, and same size as the one pictured in 2352. About an inch long, 6 legs, folded wings (probably not easily seen in pics), slender almost flat body - seemingly all black . It has a proboscis-like mouth that curls under its head. Any ideas? Any danger? BTW Thanks Ed the retired entomologist from Sinks Grove - very knowledgeable and a huge help to many already!

This is an assassin bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Reduviidae). It is indeed very similar to the specimen in no. 2352, and may even be the same species. See http://tinyurl.com/egdfr for more information.

2363 I live in an old apartment building in Vermilion Alberta and I found these two insects on top of my laundry basket in my bedroom. They look like they could be weevils, but I'm not convinced because they do not have long snouts/mouths, and they were the farthest from the kitchen that they could possibly get in my apartment. I hope that you can tell me what they are and why they are here and what I can do to prevent them from coming into my apartment! Thank you for any help you provide!

These are weevils, but they do not appear to be any of the species that can be pantry pests; I suspect that they merely are accidental intruders. It is quite common to see weevils of the subfamily Entiminae (short-snouted weevils) indoors where they apparently simply are seeking shelter.

2362 I live in Ohio, U.S., and I found this bug in my bed one morning after discovering multiple bites on my legs. Not sure if the bites were coincidence, but this doesn't look like a bed bug, so what is it

This is a click beetle (Coleoptera: Elateridae) - see http://tinyurl.com/m2nj57 for detailed information. The adult beetles are strict vegetarians (a few are predaceous as larvae); so there’s no need for worry (unless you’re a serious couch potato...).

2361 We live in southwestern Virginia. Found this 6/22/09 dead in the garden among the tomatoes. Dog or nature took a toll on the wings before we found it but as best I can tell wing span was about 5" and length almost 2". What is it and is this a Native or did it hop off one of the many trains in our area? Thanks for your help.

This is a female eastern dobsonfly (Corydalus cornutus; Megaloptera: Corydalidae); their larvae (hellgrammites) are aquatic - see http://tinyurl.com/nnmunl for more detailed information.

2360 I cleaned out the compost bin and found these larvae in the “tea” section of the composter, this is where the liquid from the composter goes and it is a pool of rich liquid. I don’t want to kill them if they are not a bad pest. I have combed the insect archives and they look like fly larvae and millipede larvae…quite a wide choice…and I’m sure I am wrong on both counts! I am in Central Florida. Thanks for any info you might have… PS: great website, I have learned so much reading through the posts.. Thanks! Denny

These are larvae (maggots) of soldier flies (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) - see http://tinyurl.com/mvt5pu for an image; they are harmless scavengers on decomposing organic matter. I often see them in our compost pile.

2359 I live in Toronto and found this insect (Moth?) on an outside wall. William

This is the largest click beetle (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in Canada, namely the eyed elater, Alaus oculatus - see http://tinyurl.com/m3ht3a for an image. Unlike most click beetles, the larvae in this genus are predaceous, feeding primarily on wood-inhabiting insects. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2358 Hi, I live in Southern Ontario, Canada and have noticed large numbers of these flying insects banging about on my shed window. Sorry for the quality of the photos – these guys move quick! They have long narrow “butts” that are slightly curved and have what appears to be a “stinger” at the end. They are about 1 inch in length. Should I even worry about them? Jeff

The image is too blurry for a definitive identification, but it could be a parasitic wasp in the family Ichneumonidae or Braconidae. They all are parasitic on other arthropods and are harmless to humans (they do not sting per se, but some having a short, sharp ovipositor can inflict a pin-prick like ‘stab’) Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2357 This spider was found in Alberta near Mt. Kidd not sure what kind of spider it is.any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks Marion- Crossfield Alberta

This is a crab spider (family Thomisidae), likely a goldenrod crab spider (Misumena vatia). This spider may appear in either a white or yellow morph, depending on the colour of the flower(s) it frequents - see http://tinyurl.com/lq7qqg for detailed information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2356 We are curious about this rather large spider that appeared on the screen of a window about 7 or 8 feet above the ground. Our location is just outside of Iron Bridge, Ontario, (north shore area of Lake Huron). The close-up shows the details and the other one shows the size compared to the "window winder". Margaret

This spider is in the family Pisauridae (fishing/dock/nursery web spiders), appearing to be Dolomedes tenebrosus, one of the largest spiders in your area. Although one this large could deliver a painful bite if handled carelessly, they otherwise are harmless to humans. See http://tinyurl.com/cxfeaf for images and more information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2355 Hello, I live in Southern Michigan and I found this in my wife's car, please help identify. Thank you.

This could be the remains of a long-dead bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera) in the family Coreidae (leaf-footed bugs). It would not have harmed anything in the car. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2354 Can you identify this spider? It is about one inch long. Is it venomous - I know all spiders are venomous, but is it dangerous to humans?
I found it in the sink at our house in Victoria, BC. Thanks, Garth

This spider belongs to the family Amaurobiidae (hacklemesh weavers); likely in the genus Callobius - see http://tinyurl.com/d5teky for an image of Callobius severus, a species native to BC). These spiders are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2353 Hello, This insect landed on my arm one evening here in central Alabama. It was about 11/16ths inches long (based on width of watchband). One photo shows the front legs bent in praying mantis style. Thank you for any information. Best regards, Jack

This is a thread-legged assassin bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Reduviidae; subfamily Emesinae) - see http://tinyurl.com/l4x2p6 for an example (this is not the same species as yours). Some species appear capable of plucking spiders from their webs without becoming ensnared themselves. n Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2352 What is this bug? I've found four so far in my house. I live in a suburb of Toronto, Ontario. I found them in mid June.

This is an adult assassin bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Reduviidae), possibly an introduced species known as the masked hunter (Reduvius personatus) - see no. 2351 for a nymph and http://tinyurl.com/egdfr for images and more information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2351 We found this insect in the basement of our house. We are worried that it may be a bed bug, as some one we know recently got bed bugs and we found one in our house the other night. It was male, so we weren't as worried until we found this creature. Through our research we cannot tell if this is a female bed bug, or what it COULD be, so we would appreciate any help we can get. It's 1/2 inch long, which is quite a bit larger than what we've heard bed bugs to be. It also looks starved and we couldn't find any pictures of "hungry" bed bugs. We live in Colorado. If you could give us ANY information, we would be grateful. Thank you.

This is a nymph of an assassin bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Reduviidae), possibly that of an introduced species known as the masked hunter (Reduvius personatus). These frequently are found indoors, and can deliver a very painful ‘bite’ if mishandled. See http://tinyurl.com/egdfr for images and more information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2350 Here is a picture of this bug. I added a couple to help out with trying to figure out what it is. I live in a wooded area with lots of trees. I have found quite a few and they are in every room. I'm not sure on what bug this is or why it's in my home. Can you please help me out in identifying this bug. Very beautiful and nice looking. just don't want it in my home :) Thank you,

This appears to be a carrion/burying/sexton beetle (Coleoptera: Silphidae) in the genus Necrodes; likely the red-lined carrion beetle, Necrodes surinamensis - see http://tinyurl.com/kq259s for an image. As their name implies, these beetles feed on carrion, usually the carcasses of freshly dead small mammals (such as mice) and birds that they bury in soil. However, some species can be found on large carcasses, apparently feeding on the maggots found thereon. Nevertheless, it seems quite unusual to find them indoors - perhaps you have a mouse problem?. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2349 I live in northern Illinois, U.S.A. and found a lot of these insects on my tomato plants. At first, I thought they were a type of aphid, but they didn't have the two protrusions out of the back of their abdomen. HELP!!! They seem to be eating my plants, and since I don't know what they are, I don't know how to get rid of them. Sincerel

Although I am not certain, this could be a very young nymph of a boxelder bug, Boisea sp. - see http://tinyurl.com/ml6daz for an image. These insects feed primarily on the developing seeds of trees in the maple family, and seldom damage anything else. I suggest that you watch these closely, and if you see them actually feeding on the tomatoes that you submit another photo taken at a later stage in their development. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2348 What are these? Quite a few were flying around my 3rd floor apt in the June waning twilight. I live in Vancouver BC. Thanks, To

These are beetles in the family Scarabaeidae that often are called May beetles or June bugs (Phyllophaga spp.). Their larvae, white grubs, can be quite destructive turf pests - see http://tinyurl.com/5cmao7. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2347 This creature (which is really scarier looking in real life!) is about 4" long. This is in central Texas, and it was out at night. Thanks so much; love the website.

This is a male dobsonfly (Corydalus sp.; Megaloptera: Corydalidae). Their jaws, although fearsome looking, are incapable of inflicting more than a light pinch. The much shorter(and stronger) jaws of females can draw blood. Their larvae (hellgrammites) are aquatic, and sometimes used for fish bait. See http://tinyurl.com/kq7pko for detailed information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2346 Hi, we have recently, May 2009, had a “hatch” of these caterpillars and have not been able to identify them on the net. They are on various plants around the yard. I found one starting a cocoon on a spruce bud. They may have hatched in a very large rhodo bed. . We are located on Salt Spring Island (Gulf Islands) British Columbia Canada. Any help naming them is greatly appreciate

This could be a caterpillar of the silver-spotted tiger moth (Lophocampa argentata; Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) - see http://tinyurl.com/qextdm for an image and no. 2300 for another example. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2345 We would like to know what the name of this critter is. It seems to be laying eggs on our window. We are located in Saskatoon Saskatchewan. Thank you

This is a stink bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Pentatomidae); likely Banasa dimiata - see http://tinyurl.com/lnkz35 for an image. It does not to be an important pest species. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2344 We have found these in our home lately, what are they? Regards, Roger

This is an elm borer, Saperda tridentata (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), they usually attack trees that already are in poor health - http://tinyurl.com/ll9yeo for images and detailed information. I collected large numbers of these from elms on our North Dakota farm some 50 years ago. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2343 This spider was found inside of a car in Fredericton, New Brunswick. These were the best shots I could get as he is a fast bugger. Really long legs and is about 3" across the legs. Chris

This could be Dolomedes tenebrosus, one of the larger spiders in the family Pisauridae (fishing/dock/nursery web spiders) - see http://tinyurl.com/cxfeaf. Large specimens can deliver a painful bite if mishandled, but otherwise are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2342 Hello! These bugs are on a Cherry Blossom Tree in my yard. I am located in Surrey, BC. If anyone can tell me what they are, and possibly what to do, I would appreciate it!!

This is a larva of a lady beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), possibly that of an Asian multicolored lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis - see no. 2339 for another example. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2341 We live in Cairo, Egypt and have spotted these bugs in the kitchen around the sink. We were sprouting alfalfa in our sink when we first noticed them, but don’t know if that was cause or just correlation. They run fast but squash easily. The first ones we spotted were smaller than a grain of rice, this one has obviously had some time to mature. It has six legs, pincher-like tail area, and antennae. The most interesting feature was it’s “face”. It has a small triangle with what looked like two eyes and a nose, and folded “at the neck” so that it’s eyes are facing downward. Any ideas on this one

This is a nymph of a cockroach, possibly that of a German cockroach, Blatella germanica - see http://tinyurl.com/mtuefc for an image of all life stages of this pest insect and http://tinyurl.com/mqt4zn for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2340 We keep finding small worm like bugs in our bathroom and carpet (size @ 1/8” long) . The worm up close as you can see has little hairy things and it is fast for a worm plus we have had seen adult Scutigeridae in the house before. But after seeing the pictures of a Carpet beetle on your website I am not 100% sure. What is your opinion? Thank You, Dave

This is not a carpet beetle, but it belongs to the same family (Dermestidae). It appears to be a larva of a larder beetle (Dermestes lardarius) or a close relative - see http://tinyurl.com/l6ndgr for images and more information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2339 I found this bug outside on my porch. I have lived here in the same house for 4 years and never saw a bug like this. Please tell me what this is and if I need to worry about them.

This is a larva of a lady beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae); likely that of an Asian multicolored lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis - see http://tinyurl.com/nc3rwh for an image. Although lady beetles in general are considered beneficial, this one can become a nuisance when large numbers of them congregate in on and in houses in the autumn. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2338 Can you please tell me what type of spider this is? I found it at my trailer in Waterford Ontario.

This is a female fishing/dock/nursery web spider (family Pisauridae); likely Pisaurina mira - see http://tinyurl.com/dbnrat for an image. They are harmless to humans, although large specimens can deliver a painful bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2337 My wife found this spider hiding under a garbage can lid this afternoon. We have a lot of different spiders around our house (Brantford, ON), but I've never seen one like this. It's a hairy black spider with a white spot on it's abdomen. It's about 2 cm in length and maybe 1-1.5 cm wide. The abdomen seems quite large and it seemed to be an odd spot. It looked like it was building a small web around itself. I'm wondering if it's a female about to lay eggs. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks. Dana

This appears to be a fat (likely gravid) female jumping spider (family Salticidae); likely Phidippus audax - see http://tinyurl.com/5fnfeg for an image. This is the largest species of jumping spider in your area, and one this size is capable of inflicting a painful bite if mishandled; they otherwise are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2336 What is this bug? It was seen while working on a old cabin remodel in Boulder Creek, California. It is in the Redwoods, mixed with Oak and Madrone trees. Thanks

This is another snakefly similar to no. 2332 (variously placed in the family Raphidiidae in the order Neuroptera, or in their own order, Raphidioptera). They are general predators on other small arthropods - see http://tinyurl.com/7zkys6 for an image and more information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2335 Good day, I am from Brownsdale Trinity Bay, Newfoundland and found this Beetle on the pavement in my driveway yesterday. I am curious as to it's correct name as well as what they eat. I have it in a mason jar with the lid vented. Could you please let me know some facts on this. Regards, Keith

This is a giant water bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Belostomatidae), a general predator on other aquatic insects as well as tadpoles and small minnows - see nos. 2286, 2284, 2283, 2276, and 2269 for other examples, and http://tinyurl.com/nrvpb for much more information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2334 Hello, For years we have had these tiny bugs around our house in Toronto Canada. They are not much bigger than the head of a pin. They are mottled black with white markings. They move very slowly - usually not at all - but I have seen them fly on occasion so they do have wings. They are almost always found on the grout between wall tiles in kitchen or bathroom or on the caulking around windows. Would love to know what they are and where they might have come from. As I say, we've had them for years.

This is a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus - see http://tinyurl.com/mh47n9 for an example. Check edges of carpeting as well as any other potentially infestable items in your house for larvae that look like those at http://tinyurl.com/daun2s http://tinyurl.com/l9aron As well as for signs of chewing damage. See http://tinyurl.com/22zcmp for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2333 have these bugs ALL OVER my deck! I live in North Bay Ontario. They almost look like may or crane flies, but not quite... they started appearing about a week ago. I want to know what type of bug it is and how to get rid of it?? There's so many of them I don't want to go on the deck! HELP!

This is a non-biting midge (Diptera: Chironomidae); they are close relatives of mosquitoes, but completely harmless. Unfortunately, when they occur in large numbers (as in your case), they can be serious nuisance pests. Their larvae are aquatic, and because their breeding sites can be so varied and extensive, control usually is not practical. Spraying the adults provides short-term relief at best, for soon as the spray dissipates, more midges will reinvade the area. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2332 I live in Seattle, this bug landed on me but didn't seem scared or show any desire to fly around when I flicked it off of me, it just wobbled it's head around a lot, then raised up that freaky stinger/tail thing. I'd say it was about 1.25 inches total. It may be of note that I was in a friends top floor apartment way above ground level, I'm pretty sure it came in with the breeze? Katy

This is a snakefly (variously placed in the family Raphidiidae in the order Neuroptera, or in their own order, Raphidioptera). They are general predators on other small arthropods - see http://tinyurl.com/7zkys6 for an image and more information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2331 I have some type of beetle that seems to have infested portions of the house. I have been killing and vacuuming 12 a day. Typically they are found in my closet and along the floor outside the closest. Kindly identify them for me and perhaps make some suggestions for getting rid of them. Thanks, Jarrod Thornhill, ON

This could be a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) - the larvae of these beetles will feed on a wide variety of organic materials, primarily those of animal origin such as wool, silk, fur, feathers, hides/skins, accumulations of dead insects, etc., but they also sometimes will infest some pantry items. Check edges of carpeting as well as any other potentially infestable items in your house for larvae that look like those at http://tinyurl.com/daun2s or http://tinyurl.com/l9aron or for signs of chewing damage. See http://tinyurl.com/22zcmp for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2330 Hi - Any idea what this might be? Thanks very much! Steve

This appears to be a male fishing/dock/nursery web spider (family Pisauridae); likely in the genus Pisaurina - see http://tinyurl.com/ngay4s for an image. They are harmless to humans, although large specimens can deliver a painful bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2329 I found these spiders congregating in pockets of both my periwinkle and rose bush. When I touch them, they immediately scatter up a couple of threads. I have been unable to identify these spiders. I think they're some kind of crab spider, maybe in the baby stage that will later morph into a different looking adult? I look forward to finding out what they are, if they're pests and if so, how to get rid of them in a eco-friendly manner. Denise

These are the young (spiderlings) of an orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae), such as those in the genus Araneus - see http://tinyurl.com/mz9z96 for an image. They are not pests, unless the build their webs where you don’t want them. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2328 Please help to identify these two pests that were found on some herbal FC in a Warehouse in Sri Lanka. these were present on herbs like chamomile, licorice, thyme & Rooibush. Larval stages were also found. Thanks regards, Antonitta

I’m not sure what the image on the left is showing insect-wise; I can see only what appear to be fragments. The beetle on the right appears to be one of the cosmopolitan stored products pests, such as the flour beetles (Tribolium spp.) - see http://tinyurl.com/nb3stk Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2327 We are in the Greater Vancouver area and we have a few of these outside on our patio. They appear to be boring holes in the posts that hold up our patio. It almost looks like a small bee or wasp except the color and the lack of a stinger. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
This looks like a mason bee (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae), such as those in the genus Osmia - see http://tinyurl.com/2qtes4 for an image. These bees are valuable pollinators, and do not bore into wood, but rather uses already existing holes for their nests. See http://tinyurl.com/3yjlxj for detailed information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2326 During the past month we have found many of these insects/spiders on our window ledges. They are very small about the size of the tip of a pin. When magnified they appear to have six legs and two antennas. Their body appears to be dark in color and their head is a lighter color. We have not seen them anywhere else except for the window ledge areas. They don't fly but crawl. When you squat them, a reddish/brown smear/stain is left on the ledge. Our windows are all vinyl and recently installed (two years ago). Brent, Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia

This appears to be a clover mite (Bryobia praetiosa) - see http://tinyurl.com/kp46sf for an image and http://tinyurl.com/d53o46 for detailed information. This species can be a serious nuisance pest when it occurs in large numbers indoors, as they leave an unsightly reddish stain when crushed. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2325 Hello, these bugs were found outside a townhouse in Surrey, BC. There are dozens of them outside, but only on the east side of our building. They appeared a couple weeks ago and are stuck mostly to the wooden beams, the garage door, and right above us on the overhang. A couple will even stick to the glass windows on the door. They don't move and will fall the to ground if disturbed, but I have seen a couple move slowly at dusk by the point at which they are attached to the wall. They are about 1cm long, and look like little bits of sticks or mulch.

This appears to be a case-bearing caterpillar in the family Psychidae, commonly referred to as bagworms. This one resembles those in the genus Psyche- see http://tinyurl.com/lf8s7j for an example. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2324 We have seen quite a few of these spiders in our office just outside of Vancouver British Columbia. It is slightly bigger than the size of a quarter and tends to be spotted walking along a wall. I would love to know what kind of spider this is! Thanks, Jason

This appears to be a running crab spider (family Philodromidae); likely in the genus Philodromus - see http://tinyurl.com/llaln2 for an example. They are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2323 Hi, I live in Portugal Cove, Newfoundland, Canada. I bought this house in March (Snow on the ground), and I noticed these sticking to the undersides of my wood siding (panel board). This is June 1st and they are still there. I took one down today and there was a dark red coloured insect (not developed, with small eyes on the end with no legs). I 'accidentally split one in half with a shovel and white puss like substance came out, so I'm assuming it was still alive. I did get good pictures of the nest (cone) Mark

What you describe sounds like the pupa of a moth. There are several species that will pupate in sheltered places such as in your example. Not sure about the eggs; they may not be related as they could be from another insect altogether. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2322 This crawled into bed with me in Ios Greece just curios what it was, thanks.

This appears to be a house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata). It is native to the Mediterranean region, but now has a very wide geographical distribution - see http://tinyurl.com/3pbofa for detailed information. Large specimens are capable of inflicting a painful bite if mishandled, but otherwise are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2321 Wonderful website! I hope you can help identify these guys. Some type of beetle larvae? They have shown up in the hundreds in front of my garage (just south of San Francisco, CA) for the past few days, but only in the early morning. I sweep them up and no more come during the day. When I go out in the early morning, there are hundreds more. Some are curled up, but some are crawling around and appear to be heading for the garage or other dark spaces. In addition to identifying them, I'm trying to find out where they would be coming from, if they are harmful, etc. Any ideas? Thanks for your help!
These look as if they might be larvae of a leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Do you have any plants (including trees) in the immediate vicinity that show chewing damage to the leaves? Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2320 This insect came from Beaver Creek State Natural Area, Lincoln County, Oregon, on the central coast, that we found today - 5/29/09 - BETWEEN 1/8 OR 3/16" LONG, close to a small stream/coastal freshwater marsh in an alder/Spruce forest muddy road cut. Is it Collembolian (Springtail) and/or some aquatic/instar and if you have any idea, which one is it? Thank you very much! Mike Waldport Oregon

This a nymph of a bug (order Hemiptera) in the suborder Auchenorrhyncha. I’ve never seen anything exactly like this one; it could be a leafhopper (family Cicadellidae) - see http://tinyurl.com/l459j8 for an example, a froghopper/spittlebug (family Cercopidae) - see http://tinyurl.com/ng438c for an example. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2319 This insect was found in Connecticut on the woodland floor. It was not alive. Thanks J. Dube
This is a mole cricket (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae), likely a northern mole cricket, Neocurtilla hexadactyla - see http://tinyurl.com/lpujnm Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2318 Would you know the species of this moth, which was on a Skeleton plant? The bloom is approx 2" so the moth is over an inch long. It's south Texas, hot sunny day in late May. Thanks!
This is a skipper (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae); likely one of the so-called grass skippers - see http://tinyurl.com/kmzkj9 for an example. There are several species in this group that closely resemble one another. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2317 Ever since the weather has gotten warmer we've been finding one or two of these moths each day. We most often find them late at night, and they're attracted to any lights we might have on. We've tried meal moth traps, but they don't seem to be attracted to them. Can you tell me what they are and where they might be coming from? We live in New Jersey. Thanks.
This does not appear to be any of the pyralid moths known to infest stored products (see http://tinyurl.com/mvjwyb), which may explain why they weren’t attracted to your traps. They most likely are harmless accidental intruders. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2316 Southern New Jersey, USA--We've been finding an occasional one of these all winter, usually on a window or on the blinds/curtains. They are most common in our sunroom, where we brought in many plants from outside for the winter.
This appears to be a brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Pentaomidae). This is an introduced species that has become well-established in some areas of eastern North America, and that often enters dwellings in search of winter shelter. See http://tinyurl.com/nkexo3 for detailed information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2315 We found this beetle inside a greenhouse today, clinging on to the screened vent, and would like to know if he was looking for plants to eat, or other bugs? Thanks for your help, we couldn't find this in any of the bug books, or your incredible photo library. Brenda, Salt Spring Island, BC
This is a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), apparently in the genus Neoclytus - see http://tinyurl.com/lb4pz5 for an example. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2314 Can you identify this little devil. We have found numerous around the feeding area for our dog and cats. Don’t know where they come from or what they are. Thanks so much for your help
This appears to be a larder beetle (Dermestes lardarius; Coleoptera: Dermestidae) - see http://tinyurl.com/l7r3su for an image. They can become pantry pests, feeding on a wide variety of organic material primarily of animal origin, including dry pet food. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2313 This is a bug that we see around our patio door inside the house. They come out from under the mouldings and ceramic tiles. They stay close to the area they come out under from, and are very tiny and hard to see if you’re not looking for them. This picture has a magnification of about 12x and the picture was shot very close to the insect. We first see them around April and they are gone by October as the weather gets colder. We live on the north shore of Montreal in Blainville. They like to trek into the garage as well but they don’t seem to be found in other places, mostly around this patio door. Any advice would be very helpful. Thank you, Tony
This appears to be a springtail, primitive arthropods (authorities differ as to whether they are true insects) in the order Collembola. Ones such as your example are never more than nuisance pests, and control measures other than moisture management seldom are necessary. This one could be in in the family Entomobryidae - see http://tinyurl.com/majudm for an example. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2312 These guys showed up in our backyard in South Florida, they seem to come out at night mostly and they hang around on our porch ceilings.. Then they started to get through out screens and windows and now they are all over our home. They still mostly hang around on the ceilings, very rare to see them any where else. We have called to exterminators with no luck, no one knows what this bug is... we have been using a shop vac to suck them off the ceilings... (they have a pretty good grip) They don't make any noise, they don't seem to bite.... but are they harmful in any way ? Thanks, Natalie
This is a false blister beetle (aka pollen feeding beetle); Coleoptera: Oedemeridae. Specifically, it appears to be Oxacis taeniata - see http://tinyurl.com/lyw8rr for an image. Not much appears known about the habits of this species other than it has been found on oleander. See http://tinyurl.com/ltek9n for detailed information on members of this family found in Florida. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2311 Hello, I'm wondering if you can please identify this bug for me. I only see them in the bathroom and they are very small and their color is grey/silver. I took some pictures of them. Thanks so much in advance. Adamo
This is a bristletail, a primitive insect in the order Thysanura - see http://tinyurl.com/lsuugn for detailed information. This one might be a silverfish; these insects and their close relatives in the family Lepismatidae, firebrats, can be nuisance pests indoors. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2310 I found this spider in my home in Victoria BC, Canada. It is smaller than a quarter and has a reddish half circle around its rear end. Can anyone please identify it? Thanks, Melanie
This is a jumping spider (family Salticidae) in the genus Phidippus; quite possibly Phidippus borealis - see http://tinyurl.com/nmx6cl for an image. Although some larger jumping spiders are capable of inflicting a bite, they basically are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2309 I found this bug or beetle on some plants in the nursery. Looking to find out what it is and what it feeds on. Chris west of Houston Texas. Thanks

This appears to be a cottonwood borer (Plectrodera scalator; Coleoptera: Cerambycidae); see http://tinyurl.com/p477pw for an image and http://tinyurl.com/opw45a for a fact sheet. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2308 Please identify this insect. I am in Paradise, Newfoundland. I found these at my cabin last weekend and they seem to be abundant. Thank you, Francis H.

This sure looks like a flea - see http://tinyurl.com/r3yqvc for an image. See http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/fleas.htm for control advice and if needed, http://tinyurl.com/p5nflb for links to professional pest management concerns in Newfoundland. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2307 Hi, I found dozens of these 1mm long bugs deep in my wicker clothes hamper crawling all over my cotton shirts. We had just identified the main area of a clothes moth infestation to this basket as well and the carpet under the basket has been munched at in places. They move slowly and have thin legs. They have tiny heads (unlike pictures of booklice that I have seen) and seem to be too long and thin to be a bedbug – I hope! It is a reddish brown colour. I live in Southern UK. Thank you for your help in identifying them!!

This is a tiny beetle, and although I cannot provide a specific identification, it does not appear to be any of the species that are considered common household pests (carpet beetles, pantry pests, etc.). You might try contacting the environmental services section of your local city council for assistance/advice. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2306 Please tell me what this bug is. I live in Orange, TX (SE TEXAS) . It looks like a cross between a fly and a cricket.

This appears to be a parasitic wasp in the family Evaniidae (ensign wasps) - see http://tinyurl.com/oyvdm9 for an example. They lay their eggs in the egg capsules of cockroaches. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2305 I live in western New Brunswick, Canada (Fredericton) and moved into a recently purchased house. We have been finding 2-3 of these guys per week in the unfinished basement for a total of 7 now, typically they are hovering around the windows. Any ideas of what they are and how to get rid of them? Thanks, A

You don’t want to get rid of these, they are ‘good guys’ (or gals, in this case); parasitic wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, genus Megarhyssa. They use their long ovipositor to bore into the tunnels of their prey, wood wasps in the family Siricidae. See http://tinyurl.com/2dza9z for images and more information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2304 This was found near the entrance to our house, and there are more than a few around. We live in south eastern B.C., between the Rocky Mountains and the Selkirk's. They were noticed around the first of March. they are hard shelled and slow moving. Thank you, Keith

This is a short-snouted/blunt-nosed weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; subfamily Entiminae); see no. 2246 for a different species. These weevils frequently enter dwellings in search of winter shelter, but do no damage there. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2303 I have found these bugs on a redbud tree. I am located in southeast Texas. They are congregated on and around the nest of eggs which is the white part. I’m trying to find out what it is and if it is harmful to plants. Thanks, Chris in southeast Texas.

These are newly hatched nymphs of stink bugs (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), but I cannot tell which species they might be. Most are plant feeders with some being economically important, but several are predaceous on other small soft-bodied arthropods. Two species, Chinavia hilare and Chinavia marginata, are known to feed on redbud - see http://tinyurl.com/pp43fx Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2302 I have 2 pics. One of a spider and another of what looks like some kind of moth. Just wondering if someone can identify them, we live in Creedmoor, NC. Thanks.

The spider is a fishing/dock spider (family Pisauridae), namely Pisaurina mira - see http://tinyurl.com/paupfv for an image. Like their close relatives, wolf spiders, they are active hunters that do not spin a capture web. The moth is a rosy maple moth, Dryocampa rubicunda (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) - see http://tinyurl.com/pmtbuj for an image. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2301 Just wondering what this is. It was busily building a nest in my kitchen window. Thanks.

This appears to be a paper wasp (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in the genus Polistes - see http://tinyurl.com/ovu4b4 for an example. They tend to be far less aggressive than their cousins, the yellowjackets and bald-face hornets, but will sting if provoked. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2300 Hello, I live in the North Seattle area. It's the 1st week of May and these caterpillars are seeking warmth on the south side of my house. I also find them crawling on my patio plants located there, but they don't seem to be eating anything. They average 1.25" in length. I know they aren't wooly bears, but they seem too furry to match the photos of tent caterpillars I've found. Please help me figure out what they are, and if they be friend or foe. Thanks.

This caterpillar appears to be in the family Arctiidae (tiger moths, etc.), bearing some resemblance to the silver-spotted tiger moth (Lophocampa argentata) - see http://tinyurl.com/qextdm for an image. This caterpillar is highly variable in coloration. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2299 Hi......every Spring when we open up our cottage north of Montreal, we discover these beetles. They seem to come from the wood ceiling and fall to the floor. Usually there is a lot of very fine wood dust near them. We are worried that they might be some kind of termite or wood-eating beetle. What are they and how could we get rid of them? Lac-des-Seize-Iles, Quebec.

These are darkling beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). They are not wood borers, and your do not appear to be a pest species. Mealworms (Tenebrio spp.) are similar in appearance to yours, but their elytra (wing covers) have prominent grooves - see http://tinyurl.com/pf53k4. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2298 I love your site - I spent a few hours looking over all the "bug photos" and found it quite interesting! I found a rather large beetle on my patio yesterday; I've lived in Jacksonville, Florida for almost 34 years and I've never seen one like it before. It's a very sturdy bug, with strong legs and what appears to be a very hard shell. I'm not sure whether I should kill it or let it go back into my garden, if it's a beneficial bug. Any help would be greatly appreciated, as I have spent several hours on the internet trying to identify it and still have no answers!

This is a weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae); specifically, it is a palmetto weevil, Rhynchophorus cruentatus, a pest species. See http://tinyurl.com/pves6x for much more information on this species. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2297 Hello, I live in Northern California. I found this fellow under a large amount of leaf litter while cleaning my carport. He is roughly the size of a quarter when curled like this. Could you be so kind as to tell me what it is? Thank you, Kim

This appears to be a larva (or larviform female) of a beetle in the family Phengodidae - see http://tinyurl.com/pb9q9o. Sometimes called glowworms or railroad worms, they are bioluminescent, and are predaceous on other arthropods; some species specializing on millipedes. Nice find; these are not commonly encountered. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2296 Large spider (by far the largest I've ever seen in the wild), in an underground enclosure outside (in the North of Israel). What is it? Thanks! - Adam
This is a huntsman spider (family Sparassidae); sometimes also known as a giant crab spider. It appears to be in the genus Heteropoda - see http://tinyurl.com/q9esp2 for an example. In spite of their appearance, they are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2295 I can see that the top one is definitely a yellow jacket; are they both, and is this an attack or mating? They did not break apart even when I flicked them out of the way with a stick.

This appears to be a mating pair of Vespula spp. - see http://tinyurl.com/q877a6 for an image of a queen and male Vespula. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2294 Hi, for the last few days I have noticed a number of these large bees hovering around my yard. This one was dancing or fighting with a yellow and later I found it dead on the ground. I have never seen them before. What is it and is it dangerous? Hilary, Niagara Falls, Ontario

This could be a male eastern carpenter bee (Xylocopa virginica) - see http://tinyurl.com/qkhvao for an image. They are very similar in appearance to bumble bees (Bombus spp.), but differ in that the dorsum of their abdomen lacks the furry appearance of bumble bees. Male carpenter bees are stingless. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2293 Hi; This spider was spotted scrambling across the floor of our kitchen late at night. The room is on the ground floor above a crawlspace, and the lights were mostly out so the room was slightly dark. At the time it was around 50°F/10°C outside with light rain. Spider's leg span measures just under 50mm, body length is a little over 12mm. Not sure if this is a Hobo spider... that's a bit unsettling. Can you tell? Thanks so much. - Brian (Seattle, WA)

This spider appears to be in the same genus (Tegenaria) as the hobo spider, but a positive i.d. depends on closer examination - see http://tinyurl.com/cmphed for detailed information on how to do this. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2292 Is this a chrysalis of some kind? I have three examples from three different plants. I live in Iowa and first noticed these in March. They haven't changed since then. One is on my Blue Spruce and looks to be made with spruce needles.
I have an answer to my own question! The items on the tree branches are not chrysalides, they are bagworm cases. The bagworm is a caterpillar that eats tree foliage in June, July and August. Each caterpillar makes a small bag or pod from silk and plant bits and carries the bag around as it feeds and grows. Thanks to Dr Donald Lewis at Iowa State University. For those interested, here is the link http://www.extension.iastate.edu/pocahontas/news/bagworms.htm

2291 I have found a couple of these in the evenings in our bedroom. They are about an inch or maybe a bit more across. Is it the kind that eats clothes, or should we worry about them at all? We live in Texas. Thank you.

This is not a clothes moth of any kind, but is in the family Geometridae. Their larvae often are called inchworms or loopers because of their mode of locomotion. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2290 We found this in our bathtub the other day. I think it is a wolf spider – I live in Danbury, CT. It is the biggest spider I have ever seen in my life outside of a museum! Any help confirming the identification of this spider would be great. I’ve read they are not harmful to humans but I have a 9mth old and a cat – would a bite to them be harmful?

This appears to be a fishing/dock spider (family Pisauridae); most likely Dolomedes tenebrosus - see http://tinyurl.com/cxfeaf. Like wolf spiders, they are active hunters that do not spin a capture web. Large specimens are capable of inflicting a painful bie if mishandled, but otherwise are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2289 Hello, I seem to notice these spiders during this time of year in central Alabama, but they could be around at other times. The really curious thing about them is that they jump if threatened. The jump may be 3-6 inches sometimes after having walked a few inches first. The two antennae always have white tips which are waved in what appears to
be a threatening manner and the topside of the abdomen? has a short white stripe. The overall size is about one-quarter inch in diameter which includes the legs. Are they dangerous? Best regards, Jack

This is a jumping spider (family Salticidae), possibly in the genus Phidippus. They are active hunters with excellent (for spiders) eyesight, and often exhibit elaborate courtship rituals. Large specimens are capable of giving one a painful nip if mishandled, but otherwise are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2288 I found one of these beetles which has gold markings on it’s very hard shell, buried in the thick fur of my dog’s neck after we went walking on the Niagara Escarpment. The following day I found one crawling from my hairline on to my neck. They walk very quickly, hence the slightly out of focus pictures, and are difficult to squish. The back shell is rounded and kind of shiny. There are no mouth parts visible. At first I thought it might be a tick but after looking at photos of them online, I don’t think it is. Should I be worried? Louise, St. Catharines, Ontario
Unfortunately, this indeed is a tick in the family Ixodidae (‘hard’ ticks); it looks like a male Dermacentor variabilis - see the image at http://tinyurl.com/dyykhj (Scroll about one-third the way down the page). Often called wood ticks or dog ticks, they are quite commonly encountered in areas where tall grass and wooded areas intergrade. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2287 Hi, I live just outside Barrie, Ontario and I've started to find these little, hollow molting/shedding type things in the lower cupboards in my kitchen (none of which have any food, only pots, pans, cleaners etc). I've since cleaned out the cupboard shown in the picture, but these things have started to reappear. I've haven't seen any living insects in the area, only whatever these are. Could anyone tell me what I'm dealing with? Thanks, Tom

These could be the shed ‘skins’ (exuviae) of larvae of carpet beetles in the genus Attagenus (black carpet beetles and relatives) - see http://tinyurl.com/ajaqgm for an image of a larva. These larvae feed on an extremely wide range of organic material of animal origin, including fabrics, furs, feathers, hides, dead insects, etc., as well as some cereal products. This makes locating the source(s) of an infestation and subsequent control quite difficult. See http://tinyurl.com/yun78p for detailed information on this subject. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2286 Hello, I have found two of these bugs in the past week. One was on the lawn, actually my dog found it. The other was hidden in my horses and donkeys automatic waterer. It is large about 21/2 inches long and maybe 1-inch wide. Brown in color. I would really like to know what it is. I live in rural Eastern Ontario. I have seen them other years also. Thanks in advance, Loulou

This is another giant water bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Belostomatidae) - see nos. 2284, 2283, 2276 and 2269 for other examples and http://tinyurl.com/nrvpb for much more information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2285 Can you please help me to identify this very beautiful spider that is living in my mailbox. It’s not to large only about ¾ of an inch. Our location is Louisiana. Thank you, Beverly

This is a jumping spider (family Salticidae); apparently a species known as the bold jumper, Phidippus audax - see http://tinyurl.com/dxkmyj for images and more information. This species may have a ‘thing’ for mail boxes; I sometimes find one in ours! Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2284 My wife discovered this on a power pole outside our house in Pictou, Nova Scotia, Canada. It is approximately 3" long. Can anyone tell me what it is.

This is another giant water bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Belostomatidae) - see nos. 2283, 2276 and 2269 for other examples and http://tinyurl.com/nrvpb for much more information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2283 Hi. My friend found this huge fly-like bug in her driveway here in Fredericton, New Brunswick – close to the end of April ‘09. The Motorola cell phone is there for perspective – it’s 12 ½ cm long. What the heck is it? Thank You!! Tracy

This is a giant water bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Belostomatidae) - see nos. 2276 and 2269 for other examples and http://tinyurl.com/nrvpb for much more information. Also known as electric light bugs and toe-biters; they are aquatic predators on other pond life, including insects, minnows, and tadpoles. They are strong fliers, and often may be found quite some distance from any water source. They must be handled with caution, as a ‘bite’ from their beak, although not dangerous, can be quite painful. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2282 Hi, I live in Toronto[Scarborough], Ontairo, Canada. its April 25th, I want to know what kind of spider this is? He has made himself a home just outside my window, on the 14th floor of an apartment. I worry that he may be poisonous. can someone tell me other wise? Thanks in advance! JPR

This is an orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae), but the image is not clear enough to attempt a specific identification. All orb weavers are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2281 I have been living in my house 6 months in New Brunswick. I only found 4 or 5 spiders in the basement of my house. I did not think much of it, in the past 4 days, I've been finding a lot of them ! 90% of them in my basement and a few in my garage. Since yesterday, I found 2 on my main floor (bedrooms)... very scary. This is the maximum size I saw them so far... some were smaller. I would appreciate if anyone can identify this spider. Thank you.
The image is too fuzzy to be certain, but this could be a wolf spider (family Lycosidae). These are active hunters that often enter buildings in their search for prey. Large specimens are capable of inflicting a painful bite if mishandled, but otherwise are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2280 Hello, Can you please identify this insect? It was found while chopping wood. Location Mississippi. Thank you, Beverly

This is a pupa of a long-horned wood-boring beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). The adult beetle of this species likely will have antennae much longer than its body. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2279 Hi. I wish to identify this insect. It's pretty close to one of the pictures on your website (#265) but not exactly. I found this one dead on my living room floor. Are these insects dangerous (especially to babies, I also have a 3-year old)? Should I be worried? It somehow found its way inside the house. I just don't why (or how) it was laying there dead. I live in Redondo Beach, California - a beach community about 15-20 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Thanks very much, Paul

This wasp is nothing to be concerned about; it is parasitic on other insects. I cannot be certain of its exact identity as I cannot see the wing venation, but it most likely either is in the family Braconidae (see http://tinyurl.com/cjurf4 for an example), or Ichneumonidae (see http://tinyurl.com/cp8bpq for an example. Please bear in mind that these both are very large families with thousands of different species; finding an exact match through image searching may well be futile. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2278 Is this bug a camel/cave cricket (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae; formerly a subfamily within Tettigoniidae). It looks similar to one I saw on your website under No. 2198. My husband found it inside some Styrofoam. It was either eating the Styrofoam, or burrowing a home in it. My husband had Styrofoam door panels that had lots of Styrofoam built into them. Janet Corbeil, Ontario
This does indeed appear to be a camel/cave cricket, but what it would be doing in styrofoam puzzles me. Had the door panels been stored in a relatively dark and damp area? It definitely would not have been eating the styrofoam, nor do these insects usually chew out a shelter of any kind. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2277 I know they are damselflies since the wings are folded, not spread, but would like to know species. They were seen resting on a dry rock in the creek in south central Texas on a hot sunny day in mid-April. Thanks.
The one on the left could be the blue-ringed dancer, Argia sedula - see http://tinyurl.com/dagogs. Unfortunately, there are several species that can resemble the one on the right; it may take examination with a hand lens to make a specific determination. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2276 This bug was found in the Okanagan in BC. This particular one is the second I have seen and is smaller than the first. The first I saw was about 4” long. This one was about 2 ½” long. They can move quite quickly across the ground and are able to wave their front legs above their heads.
This is a giant water bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Belostomatidae) - see no. 2269 for another example and http://tinyurl.com/nrvpb for much more information. Also known as electric light bugs and toe-biters; they are aquatic predators on other pond life, including insects, minnows, and tadpoles. They are strong fliers, and often may be found quite some distance from any water source. They must be handled with caution, as a ‘bite’ from their beak, although not dangerous, can be quite painful. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2275 I live in Truro, Nova Scotia. My house is in the country, and has been invaded by these spiders. The bodies are about a quarter inch long. They scurry around at great speed, and while I see them during the day, they come out at night in great numbers. They are outside, and run inside when we open the door. I don’t think they build webs. Can you tell me what they are? Any suggestions on how to get rid of them? Steve

The image is too indistinct for a definitive identification, but the commonest home invaders of this nature tend to be wolf spiders (family Lycosidae). They may be distinguished from other nocturnal hunting spiders by their very large anterior median eyes - reflections from these show up quite well in the beam of an electric torch. These are so common in the general environment that it would be impractical at best to ‘get rid of them.’ About the best you can do is to keep your house as insect-free as possible (if there is no prey for them, they won’t stick around), avoid opening doors at night if at all possible, and placement of ‘sticky’ (glue) traps along baseboards. Please keep in mind that they are performing a valuable (and free) pest control service for you! Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2274 Help: I live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. We have found a lot '5 a day' of these in our basement. Basement has hardwood floor and is well heated. Question is are they coming in from outside or are do I have an infestation somewhere inside. Any help -advise would be greatly appreciated. Rick

This is a woodlouse, aka sowbug (Crustacea: Isopoda). See no. 2257 for another example and http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/sow_bugs.htm for more information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2273 Hello, I have a 'snow ball bush' and for a number of years we've had aphids. I have tried the natural remedy of ladybugs with limited success. Last year (08) was particularly bad but I'm not sure it was only aphids....the foliage was eaten through quite horribly very early into the summer season. A number of days ago, I examined the branches and found a large quantity of dead/dry branches with what appears to be small bark like scabs. Scratching the scabs off, yields small pockets of small yellow spheres/eggs. To say the bush is infested is an understatement. I am at a loss as to what these are and am looking to handle this problem quickly as to save the bush! I live in Mississauga, Ontario. Thank you in advance.

These do appear to be scale insects. Control methods include application of a dormant/horticultural oil spray before the leaf buds appear - see http://tinyurl.com/d8tdv5 for detailed information, and spraying with insecticidal soap (see http://tinyurl.com/cns5r4) once the plant breaks dormancy (multiple applications may be necessary). Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2272 This spider was found in my dining room at night when the lights were off in Putnam country New York. The spider was inside a glass (three inches diameter). Please help me with what kind of spider it is? Thank you

This is another fishing/dock/nursery web spider (family Pisauridae) in the genus Dolomedes (see no. 2270), possibly Dolomedes tenebrosus - see http://tinyurl.com/cxfeaf for an image and more information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2271 This is on my door in south central Texas. It's about an inch and a half long. It's mid-April, sunny and warm, but we had a big rain yesterday.

This is a tussock moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) caterpillar, possibly in the genus Dasychira - see http://tinyurl.com/cx5f9q for an example. Many of these caterpillars have urticating setae that can cause a skin rash if they are handled carelessly. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2270 I found this spider on the frame of our front door in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

This appears to be an unusually boldly marked fishing/dock/nursery web spider (family Pisauridae) in the genus Dolomedes, such as Dolomedes scriptus - see http://tinyurl.com/djmkpw for an image. Large specimens are capable of inflicting a painful bite if mishandled, but otherwise are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2269 Could you please help us identify the insect, a photo of which is attached, found this afternoon in our backyard near the garbage can. We live in a rural area, outside of Perth, Ontario. The coin beside it is a penny. Thank you for your help. David

This is a giant water bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Belostomatidae). Also known as electric light bugs and toe-biters; they are aquatic predators on other pond life, including insects, minnows, and tadpoles. They are strong fliers, and often may be found quite some distance from any water source. They must be handled with caution, as a ‘bite’ from their beak, although not dangerous, can be quite painful. See http://tinyurl.com/nrvpb for much more information on these fascinating creatures. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2268 Hi, My wife found this lovely specimen on the floor in one of our rooms inside our house. She has also found others on the floor of the bathrooms and once in a cupboard. Can you identify what the bug is? Also why are we seeing them more often and what is the recommended procedure to get rid of them. I live in Stouffville, Ontario, my house is aprox 3 years old. Regards, Jim
This a beetle larva, but exactly what kind, I cannot say. Although it does not resemble any of the species commonly found infesting stored products and the like, it probably wouldn’t hurt to examine your pantries for any signs of insect infestation. I will keep looking for more information on this one, and will revise this answer should I come across something definitive. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2267 Hello, This insect was found in the house in somewhat of a stupor. Dispatched w/rubbing alcohol, dried and photographed.
This appears to be a bald-faced hornet, Dolichovespula maculata; Hymenoptera: Vespidae - see http://tinyurl.com/ctvrt3 for images and more detailed information. Not a true hornet, these wasps construct papery nests, usually in trees, but occasionally on houses and other structures. They are active predators on many other insects, but tend to be very touchy when it comes to bothering their nest. Being stung by these is no picnic. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2266 We have had 3 of these insects in or near our house in the past few days. It is about 1 1/2" long, has a black and orange striped body and black wings. We live in Mission, BC, Canada.

This a stonefly (order Plecoptera); their larvae (naiads) are aquatic, usually found under rocks and other shelter on the bottoms of lakes and streams. See http://tinyurl.com/c3rdeu for more information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2265 Hello, These bees? come around every spring here in central Alabama. They are nectar gatherers and appear to live in wood. They bore perfectly round (approx five-sixteenths inch) holes in whatever wood they find and disappear into and minutes later re-emerge from the holes. Are these "carpenter bees"?

From the hairiness of its abdomen, this likely would not be a carpenter bee (see http://tinyurl.com/cre8ry); it looks more like a bumble bee (Bombus spp. - see http://tinyurl.com/d295gc for an example. There are several species of non-wood boring bees that will utilize pre-existing holes in wood, including abandoned carpenter bee tunnels, for nesting purposes. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2264 What is this? We've found a total of 2 of these each 1 about a week apart on our kitchen floor over the last 2 weeks in late March early April. We live in Calgary, AB. The cupboards are spotless

This is a terrestrial crustacean known as a sowbug; aka woodlouse - see No. 2257 for another example. See http://pestcontrolcanada.com/sow_bugs.htm for detailed information including control recommendations. They are not pantry pests. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2263 What is this bug? I found it on my bathroom counter? I live in Gainford Alberta. Tanya Number
This is a pseudoscorpion, a tiny predator on other small arthropods. Unlike true scorpions, they lack a sting, and are harmless to humans. See http://tinyurl.com/cvkaqy for a fact sheet with much more detailed information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2262 We found it in our yard. Thanks

This is a larva of a beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. Whether or not it is harmful depends on where you found it. There are several species (primarily Phyllophaga spp. - see http://tinyurl.com/yxopcm for an example) collectively known as ‘white grubs’ that can be serious lawn/turf pests, grazing on the roots of grasses just below the soil surface. Others, such as Cotinus spp. (see http://tinyurl.com/ct3mnw for an image) and Osmoderma spp. (see http://tinyurl.com/cwd6ec for an image) basically are detrivores, feeding on decomposing organic matter such as rotting wood. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2261 I found this fellow walking across the page of my book as I lay reading in bed. It is about .25" in length. I live in Southwest Middlesex county in Ontario, just north of Glencoe. Thanks Robert

This is a two-spotted stink bug, Perillus bioculatus (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) - see http://tinyurl.com/dch6ds for an image. They are predaceous on other small arthropods, including the larvae of Colorado potato beetles. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2260 Hi, We're finding quite a few of these bugs lately, and from what I read, they look like carpet beetles. The part I don't get is that we're mostly finding them in our kitchen, collected on the grout of the tile floor right beside the wall. The wall goes up for 6" and then into a ledge below the sliding glass door to the outside.
We've also found one here and there as far as the living room, but most of them on the tiles beside the door. There's no sources of food on the floor that they might be coming from and I've seen no traces of them in the pantry or cupboards.. Any help you can offer on whether they're even carpet beetles, where they might be coming from or how to get rid of them, would be much appreciated! Thanks, Clancy

This does appear to be a carpet beetle in the genus Anthrenus (perhaps the common carpet beetle, Anthrenus scrophulariae - see http://tinyurl.com/c7xhr2) that has had most of its scales rubbed off. Controlling these insects can be quite difficult simply because their larvae will feed on such a wide variety of organic materials in addition to woolen carpeting (the adult beetles are pollen feeders that do no damage). See http://tinyurl.com/yun78p for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2259 This is a follow up photo to 2251 the lines are millimeter hope that helps, thanks again.

Unfortunately, there are not enough defining characters visible necessary to identify this beetle. However, it does not appear to be any of the species that commonly are found infesting stored food products. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2258 Another large unknown spider at my home. Can you let me know what this is? Photo taken on the edge of my door in Prince George BC
This is an orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae) in the genus Araneus, see http://tinyurl.com/c45yoj for an example. This is a large genus, with several species that superficially resemble one another; all are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2257 Our garage is infested with these nasty bugs. How do I get rid of them? We have not found any in the house yet (knock on wood!) but with the number of them that we have in the garage, I wouldn’t doubt that they will soon make their way in. How do I get rid of these? Thanks, Greg.

This is a sowbug, also known as a woodlouse; it is a terrestrial crustacean that breathes through gills that must be kept moist. Therefore, the primary control for these is moisture control - if you can eliminate as many unnecessary sources of moisture as possible (such as leaky/dripping water pipes or taps, condensate from refrigeration/air conditioning units, etc.), you should have far fewer of these making themselves at home. They are for the most part nuisance pests, harmless scavengers on decomposing organic material; severe infestations have been reported to damage very tender plant seedlings. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2256 One day my brother had came across this unknown worm in our rice pot. Never in our whole lives we've found worms to be in our grains of rice. May i know what type of worm is this? and how did it get in there?

These appear to be moth larvae, perhaps in the family Pyralidae that includes several cosmopolitan pests of stored grain and other dry food products. However, they do not appear to be the species most commonly encountered in North American pantries, namely the Indian meal moth (Plodia interpunctella), as these usually spin a lot of silk that entangles whatever they are feeding upon. Insects such as these usually arrive as eggs or very small larvae that already are in the product when it was purchased. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2255 Hello. These pictures were taken at a trailer park near Milton, Ontario last summer. If I remember correctly the body of this insect was about 5 cm long and the "stinger"? another 7-8 cm. Thanks. Bruce.

This is a parasitic wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, genus Megarhyssa; the ‘stinger’ is its ovipositor, used to drill into wood in order to reach the tunnels of its prey, larvae of wood wasps in the family Siricidae. See http://tinyurl.com/cdkecq for images and more information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2254 Attached is a photo of a bug that we found on the wall in the bedroom. What is it? Thank you, Judy
This yet another carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus, possibly the varied carpet beetle, Anthrenus verbasci. See http://tinyurl.com/22zcmp for a fact sheet that includes control measures. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2253 This spider was in our family room. We live in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I have searched several databases trying to identify it but I haven't been successful. Alex

This spider is in the family Pisauridae (fishing/dock/nursery web spiders) in the genus Dolomedes, such as Dolomedes triton, the six-spotted fishing spider - see http://tinyurl.com/dlkd29 for an example. Please note that the abdominal spots are only faintly visible in your specimen. Like humans, spiders can exhibit a good deal of individual variation. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2252 Hi Ed! Thank you very much for your website. Looking at bug photo's is getting tedious. I'm in Auburn, Washington about 30 miles south of Seattle. I find about two of these a week in my kitchen on the stove or scurrying around the sink. I do leave the stove hood light on 24 hours. Fast little boogers! I think they come in on my Douglas Fir firewood. I'm guessing western conifer seed bug? Thank you, Greg

Not a western conifer seed bug, but another seed bug in an entirely different family. It appears to be Rhyparochromus vulgaris, an introduced species in the family Rhyparochromidae - see http://tinyurl.com/dcu7jt for an image. A Palearctic species, it has become a serious nuisance pest in the northern Pacific Coasts, sometimes invading homes and commercial establishments in large numbers. BTW, this is not my web site, I merely monitor what gets posted on it - it belongs to a very nice gentleman in British Columbia. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2251 I live in Toronto I found this near my bed, it is magnified 200X with a digital microscope.

Can you provide another image that shows the entire beetle, preferably next to a ruler or other measuring device? Otherwise, I hesitate even to guess. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2250 Hi, this insect was found inside a ‘sugarsnap’ (Pisum sativum) pea-pod when it was being eaten raw. The peas are from Kenya but were bought in Ireland. The insect is about 8mm long with brown and white stripes running lengthwise along the body and with short black hairs protruding from each segment. The insect has 10 segments with 4 pairs of prolegs on segments 6, 7, 8, &9 (taking the ‘head’ as segment 1). Any assistance in identifying it would be gratefully appreciated. Many Thanks, Andrew

This looks like a caterpillar of a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae (coppers, blues, etc.). It is possible that it could a species known as the long-tailed blue or the pea blue butterfly, Lampides boeticus - see http://tinyurl.com/c888ax for an image. This species is very widespread in Europe and Africa, and often is found feeding on peas. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2249 Hello, I live in Oakville, Ontario in a wood constructed condo (3rd/top floor) and I have found a number of these flies flitting around. They are shimmery beige in colour. I think they may be clothes moths but I'm not entirely sure and have yet to find their source. Could you please confirm my suspicions? Thank you so much.

Unfortunately, I do not believe that these moths can be definitively identified; given their condition, one would have to examine them under a microscope. If you can find any of the resting, they have a fairly characteristic appearance - see http://tinyurl.com/c22qfl for an example, having a prominent ‘tuft’ of stiff, short hairs on their head, and strongly fringed hind wings. You might be better off looking for signs of their larvae and/or feeding damage on woolen and silk clothing, especially any items that have been in storage for some time. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2248 My daughter found a couple of these on a futon we have in the family room. My wife searched the web and thinks they are Carpet Beatles and I think she’s right after I zoomed in on the scanner. Thanks, Rusty
These are indeed carpet beetles (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus. See http://tinyurl.com/22zcmp for a fact sheet that includes control measures. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2247 I live in North Texas, and I found this crawling across my arm the other day and I kind of got grossed out and picked him up and threw him against the wall. My bed is kind of close to a wall with a window on it, and I found him again this evening sitting on the corner of a pillow I had stuffed between the bed and the wall. He did not move too much so I caught him in a glass jar, and studied him till I freaked myself out thinking he was some sort of bed bug. I took a few pics and pasted them together here, then when I was done, I smashed him and he almost kind of crunched, and basically fell into dry little pieces. It is nearly 4 am and I am creeped out...what is he?! Thank you! Rachel D.

This could be a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus that has had nearly all of scales rubbed off. Have a look around your home to see if you can find any beetles that look like http://tinyurl.com/cchm69 or no. 2248 on this page. If you do, closely examine the edges of rugs as well as any woolen or silk clothing for signs of their larvae - see http://tinyurl.com/b7zl3o for an example. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2246 We live in Windsor, Ontario, and have now found 4 of these bugs, on 4 different occasions, they are always on the wall, have always been found in the kitchen. What are they, where should I look for them, how can I get rid of them, thanks.
Ervin

This is a broad-nosed/short-snouted weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; subfamily Entiminae), possibly a black vine beetle, Otiorhynchis sulcatus - see no. 2240 or another example and http://tinyurl.com/dzaal2 for an image and more information. These beetles often come indoors in search of shelter, but do no harm there. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2245 For the last couple of years, I have seen this spider (see attached file) in my basement laundry/bathroom. I finally saw one the other day and was able to take a picture. I live in Michigan, near Detroit. I have see them up to 3/4 of an inch in length. I do not know if they get bigger. Can anyone identify it. Todd Fleming

This is a woodlouse/sow bug spider (Dysdera crocata; family Dysderidae). They have quite large fangs for their size, easily capable of puncturing their well- armored prey - see http://tinyurl.com/cetola for images. They are capable of inflicting a painful bite if mishandled, but otherwise are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2244 This moth? is one of several that have been seen in my workshop (Calgary) lately, probably came in with some green wood brought in for turning (Manchurian Elm and Manitoba Maple). It’s about I cm. long. Anyone care to tell me what it is? Thanks, Herm

I suspect that this is a native species, Polix coloradella (Lepidoptera: Oecophoridae) - see http://tinyurl.com/cg6sjl for a specimen in the University of Alberta collection, and http://tinyurl.com/c56vpn for a living specimen. It does not appear to be a pest of any kind. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2243 My son's condominium in Toronto is infested with these bugs. What are they???

This is a cockroach; likely a German cockroach, Blattella germanica - see http://tinyurl.com/cxfxhq for an image. Control of these insects requires a coordinated effort by all the condominium residents, as they can disperse very rapidly. Their presence is not necessarily an indication of unsanitary conditions, merely that favourable harbourage is available to them. See http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/cockroaches.htm for links to control suggestions. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2242 Hello. We live in Caledon, ON. I noticed a few of these black-fly looking bugs in the ensuite bathroom ceiling and window in the fall. They are about 1/4" long. It is a small 2-piece bathroom. They don't seem to bother us except I have continued seeing them almost every day all winter long! Today I noticed them in between the 2 panes of the window seeming to sun themselves on the glass in the sun. At night they are typically inside near the ceiling. They don't appear to leave this bathroom area. Obviously we need to investigate what seams around the window they are getting in, but can you tell me what they are? Hopefully the photo is clear enough. If not, I will try to send another. Thanks in advance, Dana

This does appear to be a true fly (order Diptera), but the image is too fuzzy for me to say much more. Perhaps an expert on this particular group may recognize it. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2241 I saw this on my kitchen floor and thought it was a small green pea someone had dropped. I picked it up and it began to move with its approx. 8 tiny legs underneath. Anyone have a clue? Thanks. David Brooklyn, NY

This is an engorged hard tick (family Ixodidae). If you have dogs, it’s possible that it could be an American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis) - see http://tinyurl.com/d84cbq for an image. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2240 We live in Victoria and recently have found several of these insects in our kitchen. What are they and what is your suggestions to getting rid of them. We have cleaned out our cupboards and behind the appliances. Dennis

This beetle is not a pantry pest, but a plant pest that often comes indoors in search of winter shelter. It is a broad-nosed/short-snouted weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; subfamily Entiminae), possibly a black vine beetle, Otiorhynchis sulcatus - see http://tinyurl.com/dzaal2 for an image and more information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2239 Hi. We live in the southern interior (Okanagan Valley) of British Columbia, In the past month, this bug has appeared on the main floor of our two-storey town home. It is light brown in colour and about 1/2" in length. It moves like a spider, but it jumps! It is usually in our living room, dining area or kitchen. So far, it has not been found in the downstairs bathroom. It is not underneath the sink. None have been found in cupboards or counters. It's strictly on the floor, so far. It appears to be attracted by the baseboard heater in the living-room. We have an unheated crawl space for a basement, but have not been able to find any down there. We see them one at a time, but they are becoming more and more numerous as the weather warms up. We have killed about 10 in total - 4 of those in the last day. We have lived in this home for two years and have never seen anything like this bug before in this home, or in any of the other eight homes we have had in several provinces of Canada. Help! Thank you very, very much. Diane

This is a cricket (Orthoptera: Gryllidae); possibly a striped ground cricket, Allonemobius fasciatus - see http://tinyurl.com/c4rsq9 for an image of an adult female. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2238 Hi, I have found this bug in a sticky trap alongside a wall. I have carpeted floors. I think it is a coleoptera but I'm not sure what it is. Can you identify it ? Jean-Luc Larose Montreal, Canada

This is a nymph of an assassin bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Reduviidae); it may be the species known as the masked hunter - Reduvius personatus - see http://tinyurl.com/c9mprb for images and more detailed information. It is an imported species that has become well-established in eastern North America. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2237 Hello; Were from Montreal Canada, Could you please identify this little guy. Josh & Terry

This beetle is in the family Silphidae (burying/carrion/sexton beetles), genus Necrophila; likely the American carrion beetle, Necrophila americana - see http://tinyurl.com/cy6fgo for an image and more information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2236 Please help. don't know what they are..........they were found behind the refrigerator.......I think they came from inside the wall.........thousands of them!!......yuk!...any info would be appreciated...ASAP.. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
These are winged termites, the reproductives that leave their colony and attempt to establish new ones. You should contact a reputable termite control company in your area for and schedule a thorough inspection of your premises. For starters, see http://tinyurl.com/ddsa37 or http://tinyurl.com/37kpbt Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2235 Jan_2009, As my son Nathan was chopping up some wood for the fire place he found some of these. We live in South-Western Ontario where the wood came from. Not sure if this is one of those " don't burn bugs"? They seem to be only in some of the wood, not all that was brought home. Thank you for your help, Patrick
Although this beetle larva is in the same family (Buprestidae; flat-headed/metallic wood-boring beetles) as the emerald ash borer (EAB), it is not that species (see http://tinyurl.com/d9rlx4 for an image of EAB larvae). Also, the larvae of EAB are found just under the bark, and not deep within the wood. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2234 Please ID this spider. Located on Quadra Island, BC, in early March 2009. The spider was found along the house when renovating the deck. Scale in is inches. Temp was around +3 degrees - (s)he was quite active. There were quite a number of dead ones relatively the same size but entangles in webbing. I don't believe this spider is dangerous, but it always pays to know more. Thanks much!
This spider is in the family Agelenidae (funnel web/grass spiders), genus Tegenaria; likely Tegenaria duellica, the giant house spider - see http://tinyurl.com/cmm42c for an image. These spiders basically are harmless to humans, but larger specimens can deliver a painful bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2233 I found this insect that I’ve never seen before on the driveway of our house in East Texas on March 10. The weather has recently warmed to the 80’s during the day and we have had a few days of light rain in the past few weeks, but are still in moderate drought. I thought its front legs look very unusual. Reminded me of a crawdad. Could it be a queen insect of some sort? It seems very shy and covers its big eyes with its front paws. It does not fly and can barely walk. It measures 1.2 inches long. Best Regards, Ken

This appears to be a southern mole cricket, Scapteriscus borellia (Orthoptera: Gryllotalpidae). They feed primarily on other small arthropods and earthworms just below the soil surface, but can cause damage to turfgrass and other plants because of their burrowing activity - see http://tinyurl.com/bl3j5n for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2232 Hello, I live in Toronto Ont. Two nights last week my wife was bitten several times by some unknown bug as we slept. The bites were clustered together and they swelled up similar to mosquito bites, but "hurt" more. So we searched and searched for some sort of bug, but couldn't find anything. Every so often I'd recheck the bed and then I started poking at bits of lint and then one lint ball wasn't a lint ball but some tiny BUG! I rushed to get a glass and trap it.
FINALLY a suspect, an incredibly small suspect. So with specimen in hand I searched the internet for it and came across nothing really concrete...which brings me to your website in hopes of identifying this bugger! This thing was probably 4-5mm long.... looked like a tiny piece of lint at first glance.... and when bothered it rolled up into a ball slightly bigger than a poppy seed. I don't know how it's able to bite people as it's so incredibly tiny...
Thanks, Jason

I doubt very much that this insect would be responsible for your bite symptoms. The images are too unclear for a positive i.d., but this appears to be a larva of a predaceous beetle. Just about any insect will attempt to bite in self-defense if handled/threatened, but ones such as this simply are not in the habit of biting people unprovoked. Identifying the cause of ‘mystery bites’ is extremely difficult without actually catching the culprit in the act of biting, as not only do most bites look pretty much alike, but there are several other causes of skin eruptions/lesions that easily can be mistaken for bites - see http://tinyurl.com/adjuag Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2231 Here's another one I found in my backyard today (in Northwest Florida). The body was a little more than 1 cm long and probably 4mm wide, bright orange and black. the wings are iridescent green and black, and the legs and antennae are long, slender and black. I got it on my glove but couldn't see if it had a proboscis before it flew away. Is this an assassin bug? Thanks again for your help!

This is indeed an assassin bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Reduviidae). Specifically, it is a milkweed assassin bug; Zelus longipes - see http://tinyurl.com/ad8oed for images. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2230 Hello -- I live in Washington DC, and just recently moved into an apartment where I am constantly finding these little bugs, mainly in my bathroom and underneath the kitchen sink, though a few throughout the apartment (where I have all wood floors). The pests do not move/crawl very much - I usually find them lying still or dead. I don't appear to be suffering bites. The previous renters had a dog, so I am particularly trying to assess whether they are fleas or ticks of some sort. Thank you, A. Gupta

These are spider beetles (Coleoptera: Anobiidae); possibly shiny spider beetles (Gibbium psylloides). Once considered a family unto themselves (Ptinidae), spider beetles now are placed in the subfamily Ptininae). They will feed on a wide variety of organic materials, including dry foodstuffs, and may become pantry pests. See http://tinyurl.com/c43nea for a fact sheet that includes control. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. recommendations.

2229 My wife saw this little guy crawling down our sidewalk. I’ve never seen a spider like it before. Can you identify it? Picture is a little blurry as she does not like spiders and didn’t want to get any closer.
The image is too blurry to be certain, but this spider most likely is in the family Amaurobiidae (hacklemesh weavers); such as those in the genus Callobius - see http://tinyurl.com/d5teky for an example. They all are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2228 Hello. Attached are some photos of my pest to be identified. I began finding these small flies in my Cambridge, MA apartment about a week ago. They are most numerous in the kitchen and bathroom although can be found throughout the apartment. They are small with reddish heads. They seem to be attracted to water. We have cleaned thoroughly, and flushed all drains with foaming drain cleaner and/or boiling water. House plants have dry soil and no flies are near them.
Thanks for providing this great service, let me know if you post it as I am interested in reading the responses. Sincerely Rob

These flies appear to be in the family Drosophilidae, genus Drosophila. Often called fruit flies, they more properly are known as vinegar flies or pomace flies. They feed on overripe fruit and decomposing organic matter; if you have a compost container anywhere in your home, this could be their food source. We have them as ‘guests’ in our home during the warmer months of the year; they can be quite annoying when they wind up in one’s wine glass. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2227 We live in Southeastern Alberta and discovered this little guy in our bed this morning. It has eight legs which I think would make it a spider of some kind but the body looks more like some kind of shield bug. I was crawling around in the trunk of an old car that I am restoring just before bed the night before so I may have picked him up out in the garage. Just wondering what kind of bug he is for peace of mind’s sake. Rae

This is a hard tick (family Ixodidae) in the genus Dermacentor, likely the Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni). These ticks can vector several diseases that affect humans and wildlife - see http://tinyurl.com/c2x5fg for more detailed information Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2226 Hi I found a couple of these 4mm insects in my closet. I am living in Freiburg, southern Germany. I was wondering if this could be Dermestes spp. Thanks

This is a larva of a beetle in the family Dermestidae, but not likely to be a Dermestes spp., as I cannot see any urogomphi (see no. 2220). There are quite a number of dermestid species in several genera that have been reported from Europe - see http://tinyurl.com/ba48cl for a list. Yours bears at least a superficial resemblance to some in the genus Trogoderma - see http://tinyurl.com/ch4dyj for an example. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2225 I live in southern Indiana farm land and these little guys have taken over. They're mostly seen outside in the late fall, however they infiltrate my house during the winter. They're about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch in length. I think they're some type of conifer seed beetle or milkweed beetle but I don't know for sure. My kids call them stink bugs although they don't emit any smell. They're just a pain to deal with as they crawl around everywhere in the house. Thanks...

This is an eastern boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Rhopalidae), a very common nuisance pest. See http://tinyurl.com/cqojju for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2224 Hi There, I've found about 10-15 of these insects over the last 5 days in my apartment in Toronto. I think they might be some sort of grain beetle but I'm not sure. They seem to be on the floor, under carpets and at seams in the wood. Could you help me out? Thanks, Amanda

This is a grain beetle in the genus Oryzaephilus (family Sylvanidae), possibly the merchant grain beetle, Oryzaephilus mercator - see http://tinyurl.com/c957an for an image. The morphological differences between this species and the saw-toothed grain beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis (see http://tinyurl.com/bmxvp9), are rather slight, depending mostly on the length of the head behind the eyes. The merchant grain beetle can fly, but the sawtoothed grain beetle cannot. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2223 I saw this guy struggling on a path after rain in Northern Thailand in September 2007. I think he/she was about 3 or 4 inches long. It was almost the highest altitude in Thailand, surrounded by forest/jungle, if that helps.

This is a female scarab beetle in the subfamily Dynastinae, possibly an Eupatorus spp. - see http://tinyurl.com/ca8fd8 for an image. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2222 Picture Right: Found in Warsaw Ontario in a small cave . what kind of spider is that? Picture Left: Found in Warsaw Ontario outside of a cave. what kind of spider is that? Thank you.

The spider on the right is in the family Pisauridae (variously known as fishing/dock/nursery web spiders), genus Dolomedes - possibly Dolomedes tenebrosus - see http://tinyurl.com/cxfeaf for images and information. The spider on the left is a male (note the enlarged pedipalps) Meta ovalis (family Tetragnathidae - long jawed orb weavers) - see http://tinyurl.com/b2o8nu for an image. These spiders very commonly are found in caves, usually near the entrance. Both spiders are harmless to humans, but large Dolomedes are capable of inflicting a painful bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2221 Please help me identify. Huge thanks! Elaine
There appears to be more than one kind of beetle here, but the image is too fuzzy to be certain of i.d.. Also, a length scale of some sort as well as geographic location would be helpful. As it is possible that the smallest ones could be grain beetles such as those in the genus Oryzaephilus, you should check all grain-based products in your pantry for signs of infestation. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2220 These were taken in a London (UK) flat. Can you confirm they are carpet beetle larvae? Are they of the same group at a different stage or two different groups. Thanks

These are not carpet beetle larvae, but are in the same family (Dermestidae); based on the pair of curved ‘horns’ (urogomphi) at the end of the abdomen, they appear to be Dermestes spp.. Often called larder or skin beetles, they will feed on a wide variety of proteinaceous materials, including cured meats. See http://tinyurl.com/d6y8gg for more detailed information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2219 Dear Sir, I could not identify this fly. this fly was found in a room on the 2nd floor of an 3 star hotel at Bangalore, India.
There is not breeding within the room ( such as drains, flower pots etc) . Three types residual spray with cyphenothrin on walls could not control. 2 rounds of indoor fogging with king fog could not control. All the flies were with red abdomen and measured 1-2.5 mm. Three pictures have been attached (DSC00245.jpg, DSC00267.jpg and fly 018.jpg. A response in this regards would be highly appreciated. With regard Dr. T.S. Sathyanarayan Cheif Entomologist Pest Control (India) Pvt. Ltd. Bangalore

These look like gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) - see http://tinyurl.com/c8d5f7 for an image - but what they would be doing in a hotel room puzzles me. Are there ornamental plantings in the vicinity of the room? Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2218 Hi These bugs started appearing in our kitchen and still seem to be concentrating their efforts near our pantry – they are a beetle of some sort with a maximum size on 2 mm I can’t seem to find any photos of them to properly identify. Any help would be appreciated. Stuart

The images are too small to be certain of which, but these are either cigarette beetles (Lasioderma serricorne) or drugstore beetles (Stegobium paniceum). Both of these species will attack a very wide variety of stored food products; you should check all items in your pantry/food storage areas, including spices, for signs of infestation. See http://tinyurl.com/dba9uj for much more detailed information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2217 Hello! I am not sure how to post on your website so I thought I would be bold and just email you directly. I found this bug in my Ritz crackers. I am pretty sure it is the same thing as #333 but GREATLY appreciate it. Thank you! Sincerely, Stephanie

This appears to be a larva of carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus, and does indeed resemble no. 333. They will infest a number of pantry items as well as munch on woollen fabrics, furs, skins, and the like. See http://tinyurl.com/dkj5ob for some control recommendations. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2216 Hello, I live in St. Albert, AB and I found this bug in the basement of my house in late February. He is extremely slow moving and seemed to be stuck to the carpet. I have never seen anything like this. Any ideas?

This is a wood-boring beetle in the family Bostrichidae, bearing a resemblance to those in the genus Amphicerus - see http://tinyurl.com/bt9olu for an image. Although they will not infest timbers in buildings, one species in this genus (Amphicerus bicaudatus) can be quite a serious pest in orchards. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2215 Hi, We live in Edmonton Alberta Canada and have a cold room in the basement of our home where I have seen this insect a number of times over the past year. I have seen them a few times in other parts of the basement and only once in the main floor of our home. Our cold room has wooden shelves and is used for storage of mainly non-perishable items (canned goods, tools etc). However, we do store some potatoes and onions. The insect is about 3/8 inch in length. It has a brown top with yellow stripes and spots, has 2 antennae in front and 2 protrusions (?) in back and the underside appears to have multiple legs (7 on each side?). Could you please tell me what it is and how best to rid our home of them? Thanks, Gordon

This is an isopod, a terrestrial crustacean that breathes through gills that must be kept moist. Therefor, the first step in control is to eliminate/reduce as much as possible, unnecessary sources of moisture, such as leaky pipes, dripping faucets/taps, condensate from air conditioners/refrigerators, etc. Although some can cause damage to very tender vegetation, isopods are for the most part harmless scavengers on decomposing organic matter. See http://tinyurl.com/djj7oa for an image of a European species, Porcellio spinicornis, that has become established in North America and that resembles your specimen. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2214 Hello, Please find attached a picture of an insect I found in the kitchen on the wall, close to the window. There were many of them. (I live in southern-eastern Europe) They looked like ants with 6 legs, two antennae, wings (but I haven't seen them fly) and a long ovipositor. I assume they are some kind of wasp. They are small, and the striking characteristic is their long ovipositor (as long as their body). If you can help me with their identification, I am looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you very much in advance! Kind regards, Melanie

This is indeed a wasp, and a beneficial one at that. It is one of a very large group that is parasitic on other insects. The image is too fuzzy to be certain, but it might be in the family Braconidae. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2213 We live in Northern Virginia, USA. Recently we have seen lots of these bugs show up in the carpeting near the exterior walls of our upper level. They are approximately 1-2 millimeters in length and are slow moving. Most of them appear to be dead but when they are touched, they begin to move. We don't have any houseplants in this area of the house. Can't figure out what they are or where they came from. Any help identifying them would be much appreciated. Barbara
This is a weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Although its overall size and shape is consistent with it being one of the Sitophilus spp. that can infest stored grains and seeds, the image is too fuzzy to be certain. You might want to check any such items in your pantry/food storage areas for signs of insect infestation. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2212 These pests were found in an apartment in INDEP.,MO. on the edge of the carpet near some house plants. Can you tell us what they are and how to exterminate them?

These appear to be the desiccated remains of one or two small millipedes. Species such as these primarily are nuisance pests that usually can be managed by moisture control; at least one (the so-called ‘garden millipede, Oxidus gracilis) can be a garden/greenhouse pest, damaging tender vegetation. See http://tinyurl.com/9zf35u for more information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2211 Hi! I live in South Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul state, right next to Argentina) and even if I'm used to seeing a considerable variety of bugs in my area I had never seen a spider this big in a city house garden. The body alone must be around 4 or 5 cm (2 inches) long with a rather protuberant abdomen, and including the legs' length it may reach 10 cm (4 inches) or a little more. Could you please help me identifying it? Thank you! Ana Luiza Koehler

This is a well-fed female golden silk spider, Nephila clavipes - see http://tinyurl.com/ahl345 for an example. This species occurs from the southern United States all the way down to Argentina. Once variously placed in the families Araneidae or Tetragnathidae, spiders in this genus now have a family of their own, the Nephilidae. They are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2210 Hello, I live in Markham Ontario and for the past 4 weeks have been over run with these flies. They are in every part of the house but a large number congregate at the main level sliding glass doors. The house is very clean. No lingering garbage. A few potted plants are in the house that are not doing so well. Slow flying easy to kill. Many just kill themselves drowning in any open water as in the picture. One container of water collected 0ver 50 flies in 4 days. Flies are small 2mm in length. We recently had clementine oranges in the house that went off quickly; could this be related? How do I get rid of them? Thanks, Paul.

This appears to be a fungous gnat, a term applied to several species of small flies whose larvae often are found either in fungi or very moist/wet soil, especially with a high organic content - see http://tinyurl.com/m4qc5. They can be nuisance pests indoors, and can cause root damage to potted plants. The first step to take in control is to allow soil in potted plants to dry out between watering as much as the plants can tolerate. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2209 Help! This bug is everywhere – started showing up after we brought new plants into the house. Murray

The photo is not clear enough for a definitive i.d. - it might be either a ground beetle or leaf beetle. Could you please provide an image taken from directly above the specimen and in sharper focus? It also might help to know your geographic location (state/province, etc.) Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2208 I found this insect in my ranch last December in Alamo Veracruz, Mexico (35 kilometers form the Gulf of Mexico 20´58¨ N 97´39¨W ) we are at 100 feet from sea level, it is very tropical and we have not seen this bug before, can you tell me what it is? it measures about 1.5¨ Lic. Alejandro Pérez Quintana
This is a saddleback caterpillar (Acharia stimulea; Lepidoptera: Limacodidae), it is equipped with venomous spines that can give a nasty rash if mishandled. See http://tinyurl.com/cycrfh for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2207 Have any of you ever seen a bug like this? I’ve only seen 3….1 last summer in my house, this one in the pics stuck between our window and the plastic covering the window, and 1 in our bedroom 2 days ago….I live in Minnesota. Thanks.

This is yet another western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae); they often are found indoors where they seek overwintering shelter. See http://tinyurl.com/8djb6f for a fact sheet and nos. 2196, 2195, and 2191 for other examples. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2206 This insect was found dead on a carpet in the house we are using. It was found in the community of Queen Creek Arizona on 9 Feb 09. Any information as to the identity would be appreciated. Thank you Hugh S

This appears to be a nymph of an Indian house cricket (Gryllodes sigillatus), an introduced species that has become a nuisance pest in the southern United States - see http://tinyurl.com/azjcts and http://tinyurl.com/apx3ex for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2205 Hello Sir, We live in Markham, Ont. and my Wife is finding those Bugs on the carpet in the Bedroom upstairs, living room downstairs, also in the basement. It is 10mm long. Some seam to be dead, some are crawling. What is it, were do they nest, or come from?? Thank you very much and have a great day John.

This a broad-nosed/short-snouted weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; subfamily Entiminae). Several species in this group commonly are found indoors; the adults are leaf feeders and the larvae are root feeders. Some, like the strawberry root weevil and black vine weevil, can be serious pests (see http://tinyurl.com/anstvb). Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2204 Hi there. I've been watching this fellow for almost a year now in my cold room vent. It's mid-winter here in Southwestern Ontario. He (or she) does a good job of keeping things out. We've kind of come to an understanding about its continued existence, and I'm hoping that's a good thing? Please advise. Regards, Nigel

This is a cobweb spider (family Theridiidae) in the genus Steatoda; likely Steatoda triangulosa - see http://tinyurl.com/bxmjtj for images and detailed information. Although some spiders in this genus have been implicated in human spider bite cases; no bites appear to have been reported from this species. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2203 Third spotting of this "bug". Always in a washroom. Newly built house 2 yrs old. Appears to be fuzzy on the body-moth like in appearance. Very fragile - easily crushed. It's deep winter here in Ajax Ontario Canada. Very cold lots of snow. Wondering if this is just a moth or household pest?

This is a moth fly (Diptera: Psychodidae). Also known as drain flies or filter flies, their larvae are scavengers on decomposing organic material, including the slime that can build up in floor drains and the like. They are nuisance pests that do no real harm; see http://tinyurl.com/dzqdbj for a fact sheet. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2202 We keep finding this insect in our home (winter time) in southern Wisconsin. It's black with an orange stripe on top and orange underneath. What is it?

This appears to be an eastern boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Rhopalidae) - see http://tinyurl.com/bjlb5y for an image and http://tinyurl.com/2t4elg for a fact sheet. These primarily are nuisance pests, especially when they congregate in large numbers on or in houses. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2201 Hi. Here is a picture of one of our moths. The body is about 1/4 inch long. Please let me know what you think we should do about them if anything. Thanks, Sally

This appears to be a many-plumed moth (Lepidoptera: Alucitidae) in the genus Alucita - see no. 1270 for another example. Only three species, two recently described, have been reported from North America. Their larvae feed on the leaves of honeysuckle; they will not harm anything indoors and control is not necessary. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2200 found this bug in my bathroom. I only see them in the morning and I have only seen one at a time, almost always on the rug in front of the bathtub. They seem to be quick like silverfish and when I kill them they seem to turn to a silvery powder like silverfish. Are they possibly firebrats? I live in Winnipeg. Thanks, Beth.

This does look like a firebrat (Thermobia domestica) - see http://tinyurl.com/crpj98 for an image. Both firebrats and silverfish collectively are known as bristletails, primitive insects in the order Thysanura, family Lepismatidae. See http://tinyurl.com/bzx2w5 for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2199 Hello, We live in Southern Ontario. We have never encountered this bug in our house before. It is the only one we have seen so far but its rather large pincers seem like it could give a nasty bite. Thank you for your help, Lisa
This is a pseudoscorpion, not a scorpion at all, although it looks a bit like one. It is more closely related to spiders and eats insects and
mites that are smaller than it. Normally it would live in the leaf litter outside but this little guy has somehow made its way into your
home. So bottom line is it is beneficial so don't worry about it. You can either let it live in your house perhaps amongst your plants (not
that it will stay there, they do tend to wander) or you can find it some sheltered place outside (a wood shed or wood pile perhaps) and hopefully it will live on becoming active again in the spring. Here are some websites to visit:
http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/natural/insects/bugsfaq/pseudo.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudoscorpion Sincerely, Kathryn Nystrom - Forest Insect Diagnostics and Identification/Diagnostic

2198 Hi. We live in small Northern Ontario town. I found this "shell" in the corner of our basement while spring cleaning. The actual size is around 3/4" long. Looks pretty creepy.

This a camel/cave cricket (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae; formerly a subfamily within Tettigoniidae). They basically are harmless, but can become nuisance pests indoors; see no. 2163 for another example and http://tinyurl.com/bxzlc6 for a fact sheet. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2197 Can someone help me id this bug. It first showed up in August. I am located in Northeast PA. The bug found its way inside the house. For awhile I thought it was gone. But now, I seem to have a infestation in my house. I would like to know what the bug is so that I can get rid of them living in my home. They have a very hard shell and its belly is whitish color. It will fly and has a very loud buzz when it does fly. It appears that flight is short and they prefer to walk around. Thank you for any help you can offer. Sue Merlino
This is a stink bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Pentatomidae). The image is too fuzzy to be certain, but it might be a brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys), a species that commonly invades buildings in search of shelter - see http://tinyurl.com/2bc2n2 for detailed information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2196 Hello, I have had a series of insect encounters that has led me to a curious creature I had never before seen. In late August we had learned the Milwaukee Wisconsin home we had just moved into had a wall infestation of yellow jackets. After about 3 months of fighting them I feel I had seen and killed my last one. Then in early January I had found on 3 different locations a brown bug that appears to be some sort of seed bug photo attached). Then in Late January my wife swatted this black and yellow beast into her dish water and drowned it. She thought it might be the queen yellow jacket photo attached), but I have found nothing to support that. It oddly enough looks like a combination of seed bug and yellow jacket. Interested to see if someone can help me identify and see if we should be concerned of further infestation. Thank you, Cliff.
This also appears to be a western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae) - see nos. 2195 and 2191. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

2195 Hi, We've caught a dozen of these bugs in our house in the past months and we're not sure what they are. They are fairly large (about 1 inch long) and fly around but often I've found them just on the wall, not moving or moving really slowly. Thanks!
This is yet another western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae), a very common home invader - see no. 2191. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2194 Hi I'm living in India. your website provide nice information. the above attached insects was found in my kitchen sugar box. thanks very much. Hope you can help? These insects are accidental ‘visitors’ to your sugar container; there are no insects that actively infest sugar. The one on the left is a small caterpillar too desiccated to identify further; the one on the right is a water beetle - it might be a very small predaceous water beetle (family Dytiscidae - see http://tinyurl.com/dlst7m) or a closely related burrowing water beetle (family Noteridae - see http://tinyurl.com/dh4yot). Many water beetles are good fliers and may be found quite some distance from any water source, especially when attracted by light at night. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2193 This creature is in my basement. This is the second one I have found in a Month. Now we are in full blown freezing cold winter here in MN and it is alive down there. Actually I have placed it in a jar with vent holes.. I thought maybe a wasp of some sort? Thanks so much in advance for any light on the subject
This is a wasp, but a very beneficial one. It is in the family Pelecinidae, likely Pelecinus polyturator - see http://tinyurl.com/bxb2gg for an image of a female. Males are rarely seen, and have a much different appearance - see http://tinyurl.com/cwg4ny. The larvae of these wasps are parasitic on the grubs of June beetles (Phyllophaga spp.; Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

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2192 I saw this in the mountain range of Alberta while on a hike in the parks. I thought it was a cricket it has a black back like one but I had never seen a face like this one...almost something out of a movie...even the noise it made was similar to a cricket. This one was a bit over an 1-1/4" inches long...I have more pictures but some were focused on the grass and blurred the subject...thanks so much, hope you can help. Is it an alpine beetle perhaps?

This insect is a relative of grasshoppers and crickets rather than a beetle. It may be the species known as the great grig (Cyphoderris monstrosa; Orthoptera: Prophalangopsidae) - see http://buzz.ifas.ufl.edu/339a.htm and http://buzz.ifas.ufl.edu/339pm3.htm. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2191 Is this a cockroach or a beetle. Anyone know what kind of bug this is. Found indoors, very slow moving. Some do fly.

This appears to be yet another western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae) - see http://tinyurl.com/8djb6f for a fact sheet and nos. 2186, 2046, 2033, and 2031 for other examples. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2190 I found these bugs in many places in my house in Alberta this year. They would be crawling across the ceiling or up walls, on furniture. They were upstairs and down. I would put them outside when I found them. I was waking up with single hole bites on my head and blood scabs. I didn't see anything in my bed and the sheets were always washed once a week. I do hike close by. I have problem that started this summer around may (my leg is now lame). I'm getting tested for lyme disease. I was wondering if these could be deer ticks. Geoff

The image is too fuzzy to be certain, but this might be a broad-nosed/short-snouted weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; subfamily Entiminae) such as the strawberry root weevil (Otiorhynchus ovatus), a common home invader. Their larvae feed on plant roots and can do a good deal of damage, but the adults do no harm indoors; they definitely do not bite humans. See http://tinyurl.com/7ygutl for more information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2189 I found this guy sitting on his web behind my couch while giving my apartment a much needed cleaning. I could see from the web that it had been eating silverfish (which is A-OK). Its legs are about 5cm long. It has a black spot behind its eyes, brown stripes on its abdomen and black knees. I live in Vancouver, BC Thanks! Kate

This is a cellar spider (family Pholcidae); there are at least two species in this family reported from British Columbia, Holocnemus pluchei - see http://tinyurl.com/9pouqm and http://tinyurl.com/95cfeh, and Pholcus opilionoides - see http://tinyurl.com/7mxgm5 for an image. All pholcids are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2188 I found this trying to get into my house, sorry for poor picture quality was taken on my phone, is about an inch and a half long. Mat

The image is too fuzzy to be certain, but this could be a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2187 We recently had a guest from New York City, USA. The guest's suitcase had a number of these bugs of which at least some have have taken up residence in our home. Please identify them and any health risk associated with them. The bug is about pear shaped and about 3/8 inch long, see attached photo. Thanks for your time and help. Aldo, South Lyon, Michigan

This appears to be the mortal remains of a German cockroach, Blatella germanica. They primarily are nuisance pests, but there are reports of people suffering allergic reactions to their presence. See http://tinyurl.com/8yhau6 for a Michigan Department of Agriculture publication on cockroaches for control suggestions. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2186 This bug was found inside our house, just over the front exterior door frame. Note it's the dead of winter, mid January, right now, so it couldn't have come from outside. Was it living somewhere in our house all along, or did it "hitch a ride" inside somehow? Thanks

This appears to be a western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae) - see http://tinyurl.com/8djb6f for a fact sheet and nos. 2046, 2033, and 2031 for other examples. They often come indoors, especially in late autumn. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2185 I found this bug in my kitchen last summer and have only seen that 1. It was about an inch long. What is it? Alicia, Orillia, Ontario

This is a leaf-footed bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae), but the image is too fuzzy to be more specific. Some, like the western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis - see no. 2186), will invade buildings in search of shelter. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2184 I wonder if anyone can help me identify these bugs. I found them January 12,2009 in my house on the second floor landing. I live in Toronto Ontario. The bugs are about 1/2" long, have a small head and thorax, are black with specs of gold dots on their back abdomen (abdomen seems split down the middle). Thanks Katie, Toronto, ON

These appear to be black vine weevils, Otiorhynchus sulcatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) - see http://tinyurl.com/9uy4ws for an image. The adults feed on the margins of the leaves of several plant species; the larvae are root feeders and can be serious pests. See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2016.html for a fact sheet. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2183 Ok, this is not so much of a pest but a fascinating beetle I found on my deck one day. Any idea of what it is? Neil, Waterloo, ON

This is a predaceous diving beetle (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae). Both adults and larvae (‘water tigers’) are voracious predators on other small aquatic life forms. See http://tinyurl.com/82uy25 for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2182 We have a home in Leavenworth, WA and my wife found this larvae on the carpet of our bedroom/closet. It is just under the size of a dime in its curled up position. Can you identify it? Thanks. Fred

This is a millipede; for the most part, they are harmless scavengers on decomposing organic matter, but some few species in the group to which yours belong can be greenhouse/garden pests on tender vegetation. See http://tinyurl.com/9zf35u for more detailed information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2181 Greetings from south of the border; Recently I had a pool of the attached insects for after a heavy rain in my area. The pools on my back patio had several of these insect 'clusters' and I became curious as to what they were. As I was out fly fishing a few days later, I noticed more clusters floating in a spring-fed creek. My curiosity really piqued, I snapped a few images of them. I zoomed in the best I could; for size comparison, the 'cluster' is about the size of a quarter, no larger. These insects surfaced in late December/early January in southeastern Pennsylvania. Temperatures have been moderate (mid 30's or so). Any help in identifying these would be appreciated. We have come up with a lot of theories on my fly fishing forum, but haven't been able to pin anything down as of yet. Many thanks, Geoff

These are mites of some sort, but I have no idea as to why you would find them in such a cluster on the water surface; they do not appear to be water mites (Acari: Hydrachnidiae) - see http://tinyurl.com/9ewtdf. You might try taking some of them to your county office of Pennsylvania State University’s Cooperative Extension service (see http://tinyurl.com/9azpg2). If no one there can assist in identification, they should be able to forward specimens to the appropriate University office. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2180 It is a moth found in a raisin storehouse in Xinjiang, China. We want to control it ,so it is urgent to know its scientific name. Thank you for your identification!

This appears to be an Indianmeal moth (Plodia interpunctella; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), a cosmopolitan pest of dry food products. See http://tinyurl.com/8x6o46 for detailed information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2179 I found this insect crawling on a desk in my house. Its jaws don't show in the photo, but they are visible anteriorly when it is disturbed or eating. When disturbed, it sometimes scurries forwards, sometimes backwards. I have kept it as a pet for 2-3 weeks, and it eats Cricket Feed (grain products). Is this a pest that would eat wood, and should I be concerned about finding it in my house? Thank you. Karen

This is a larva of a snakefly (order Raphidioptera; formerly considered a family - Raphididae - in the order Neuroptera). They are general predators on other small arthropods, and are otherwise harmless - see No. 2122 for another example, and http://tinyurl.com/7zkys6 for an image of an adult. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2178 These seem to be destroying my almond tree (Honduras) Not sure if the white, scaly ones are just a different stage of the black, white, and yellow ones, or are something completely different, but they are each on the branches and leaves of the almond tree, and now almost all of the leaves are gone from the tree. How do I get rid of these pests and, I hope, save my tree? :-( . Rob

These are two entirely different insects, although both are sap feeders. The colorful ones are treehoppers (Hemiptera/Auchenorrhyncha: Membracidae) and the whitish ones likely are scale insects (Hemiptera/Sternorrhyncha: superfamily Coccoidea). Treehoppers seldom cause any significant damage, and control measures usually are not called for, but some scale insects can be extremely serious pests, and very heavy infestations can result in leaf drop. As you have but one tree, you could try spraying with an insecticidal soap (see http://tinyurl.com/a85q7o) or a horticultural oil (see http://tinyurl.com/6subt8). Please note that if your leaves are disappearing because they have been chewed, neither of the insects in your images would be responsible. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2177 We live in Massachusetts and have never seen these bugs. All of a sudden we have found several of them in our home. They seemed to appear at the same time that my husband threw a new load of wood into the cellar? Can anyone tell me what they are?

This is a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in the genus Xylotrechus - see http://tinyurl.com/8dwwut for an example. This is one of several species that may emerge from firewood and that pose no threat to wood structures. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2176 I found this spider inside in Edmonton, Canada in December. Please tell what it is called, what it eats and if it is a male or female. Thanks!

This is a female spider in the family Agelenidae (grass/funnel web spiders), genus Tegenaria - see http://tinyurl.com/a9dkn5 for an example. They are general predators on other small arthropods, and sometimes will wander quite some distance from their web - especially males. Larger specimens can deliver a painful bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2175 This spider picture was taken in the back yard of Spruce Grove Alberta in September 08 in the evening. The spider had been hanging in this spot for a few nights. We have numerous amounts of them all over the place from August to October. Usually found in corners of the fence, shed, eaves trough etc... What are they?

This is an orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae), likely in the genus Araneus, If you scroll down through these pages, you should see many other examples. All are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2174 This was taken in June of 2008, in Ladysmith, Quebec. What are they and do they sting?

This is a parasitic wasp in the family Ichneumonidae, genus Megarhyssa; likely Megarhyssa atrata - see http://tinyurl.com/axadon for an image. Your specimen is in the act of using its long ovipositor to bore into the tunnel of its wood-boring prey, the larva of a wood wasp in the family Siricidae. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2173 I saw this insect while on a walk in a park in Winnipeg... I have no idea what it is but it is rather interesting looking... can you help?

Other than saying that this is a true bug (Hemiptera; suborder Heteroptera), I can’t say much more, as I cannot see enough diagnostic characters in this image. If a specialist in this group monitors this forum, he/she may be able to help further. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2172 What is this INSECT? Robert P. DeVry University

This is a larva of bagworm (Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis; Lepidoptera: Psychidae) in its protective case. The adult female remains larviform and never leaves the larval case, laying her eggs in the case and then dying. The males are winged, and follow a scent trail given off by the females in order to find mates. These insects can be very serious pests on some conifers such as arborvitae. See http://tinyurl.com/4nyaa for more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2171 Brantford Ontario. ( west of Hamilton, south east of London.) Zero Celsius. Overcast with some sunshine. Saturday it had been 15 Celsius. It was crawling slowly on my asphalt driveway. I took it into the house to photograph it and it stopped moving. It made the photos hard to take. That's why I sent two photos. Thanks, Frank G.

This caterpillar is in the family Noctuidae (owlet moths, underwings, cut worms, etc.). It might be the larva of a large yellow underwing, Noctua pronuba - see http://tinyurl.com/9xk982 for an image. This is a European species that accidentally was introduced into eastern Canada around 1978, and subsequently has become quite widespread. The larvae frequently will become active in the winter during spells of warmer weather. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2170 Can anyone identify this?? I found in in a rotten stump in the yard - December 2008. I live in Arkansas -- USA Becky

This is a larva (maggot) of a fly in the family Syrphidae (drone flies, flower flies, hover flies), likely in the genus Eristalis - see http://tinyurl.com/7slull. Larvae in this genus usually are found in very wet habitats (some are aquatic), where they feed on decomposing organic matter. The adults of some species superficially resemble honey bees, see http://tinyurl.com/7vuh92 Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2169 I was told that you are a great source for identifying pests and that you are a quick responder. I have tried a number of sources already and have so far been unable to identify the spider seen in the attached picture. Found two in the apartment in one day. Any information you could provide regarding the spider's identification and/or characteristics, whether it is poisonous or not and how to get rid of it? We have had a previous spider bite and would like to avoid another issue if possible. Thank you for your time. Dena

This is not a spider, but a closely related arachnid in the order Opiliones, often known as a harvestman or daddy longlegs - see http://tinyurl.com/9aph3x. They are completely harmless to humans. No control other than simply vacuuming them up is necessary; it will be nearly impossible to completely exclude them (or any other small arthropods for that matter) from occasionally dropping in for a visit. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2168 We are noticing an ever increasing number of ants in our home, some larger winged ones and many more smaller "sugar" ants (?). They tend to come out in the evening rather than during the day. The small unwinged ones travel in trails to food sources. The larger winged ones, which fly but rather poorly, tend to be attracted to light sources. Could someone identify the type of ants we have, and an appropriate extermination technique to kill them. Our home is on a concrete slab with no crawl space, but we have a large attic. These little buggers seem to come out from multiple areas (heating vents, behind our fridge, corner cracks in the floor molding, etc.) Thanks for any help.

It is likely that you have at least two different species of ant, but the image provided is not clear enough to see diagnostic characters for specific identification. Effective ant control is dependent on knowing which species you have, as there is no one method that works well for all pest ant species. See http://tinyurl.com/373zfj for a fact sheet that might help in identification and that also gives control recommendations for several commonly encountered species. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2167 I found this caterpillar in my persimmon tree. It was about 5 inches long, and about an inch thick. I live in Ohio. Can you identify it for me?
Thank you.

This is a larva (caterpillar) of a regal moth (Citheronia regalis; Lepidoptera: Saturniidae, subfamily Citheroniinae). It commonly is known as a hickory horned devil, because of its somewhat fearsome appearance, but is completely harmless. See http://tinyurl.com/9d444u for more images. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2166 I am not sure that this is a "pest", but I am interested it giving it a name. Any idea what it is? Keith M Stewardship Forester - Kamloops Forest District

This is a female orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae) in the genus Argiope, namely the banded garden spider, Argiope trifasciata - see http://tinyurl.com/6wg7cn for an image and more information. All orb weavers are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2165 We have been finding these pests in our fully finish basement, they can fly a bit but mostly we’ve been finding them crawling along the baseboards.

This appears to be a rove beetle (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) with its abdomen curled up in a defensive posture - see http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/rove_beetles_subfamily_aleocharinae for some examples. Rove beetles are general predators on other small arthropods, and often wander indoors during their search for prey. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2164 Hello we need some help with what bug this might be I found the bug on my 100% cotton sweatshirt I have enclosed a pic at the bottom.

This is a larva of a beetle in the family Dermestidae (hide/skin/carpet beetles and the like); likely in the genus Anthrenus - see nos. 2124 and 1225 for other examples, and http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2103.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2163 These insects are all over the basement in my home in Southern New Jersey, USA (near Philadelphia). They sometimes appear upstairs, too - esp. in the kitchen and bathroom. We call them sprickets because they walk like spiders and jump like crickets, but I don't know what they are. Thanks for the help!

This is a camel/cave cricket (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae; formerly a subfamily within Tettigoniidae); see no. 2130 for another example and http://entweb.clemson.edu/eiis/pdfs/hs21.pdf for a fact sheet. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2162 These have been showing up on my kitchen floor this past week. I find 1 or 2 at a time, but they are never near one another. They are typically near the center of the floor which is linoleum. They crawl very slowly and are about 1/2 inch long. They curl up and don't move when I pick them up with a napkin. I have been searching and searching to try to figure out what they are.

This is a larva of a soldier fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) - see http://picasaweb.google.com/sphwolf/OkieFlies#5178825685327358306 for an image. They are for the most part harmless scavengers, feeding primarily on decomposing organic matter. Some species also may be found in dung, compost piles, or in decaying fruit, vegetables or under the bark of rotting wood; a few aquatic/semi-aquatic species are predators on other small aquatic organisms. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2161 This was dead on my porch about 1/2 in across - thanks. Ed Catenacci. Rocky Point, NC

This is a stink bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Pentatomidae); but I do not recognize the particular species. Most are plant feeders, but there also are many predatory species in this family. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2160 Hello, can you please identify this caterpillar which we found on our rug in the living room in the UK, we would love to know what it is. I have tried to identify it from your pictures but without much luck. Many thanks. Best Regards, Anne
This appears to be a caterpillar of a moth in the family Noctuidae. This is a very large family, and as the caterpillars of many species can be quite variable in colour pattern, I cannot attempt a more precise identification. The caterpillars all are plant feeders, and are not indoor pests; this one likely entered your home accidentally. You might try locating a copy of The Colour Identification Guide to Caterpillars of the British Isles, by J. Porter (1997). Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2159 A ladder was brought into the house from outside (garage) to change a light by the staircase. After changing the light, the bug was found on the rug. So, the bug could have originated from the ladder or from the light fixture.

You may wish to have your premises inspected by a professional termite control company, as this is a winged (reproductive) termite. It is by means of these reproductives that termites establish new colonies, see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN369 for more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2158 About the size of a grain of rice... found in a bed.

This is an immature bristletail (order Thysanura), a group that includes nuisance pests such as firebrats and silverfish. See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2108.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2157 Can you tell me what this is, and what to do with it. I found it in the closet on my coat? Thanks, Joe

You don’t need to do anything with this other than to dispose of it. It is the empty pupal case of a moth in the family Arctiidae (woolly bears and the like). What it was doing in your closet in the first place is another question altogether, as the caterpillars are plant feeders, and would not damage anything in your house. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2156 I found this bug on top of my sheets in my bed. At first I thought it was a tick, but then I noticed that it has six legs and antennae, so not a tick, right? Living in New York I am somewhat terrified by the prospect of it being a bedbug, but I didn't see any others when I checked my mattress, and it doesn't look flat like the pictures of bedbugs I saw online; it is definitely more round/plump. Also, its body seems somewhat hard and shiny to me, not hairy or striated. From the tip of its antennae to the back of its legs it's about .5 cm, but its body is much smaller than that, probably half that length.
This is a spider beetle (Coleoptera: Anobiidae; subfamily Ptininae); possibly a shiny spider beetle, Gibbium psylloides - see no. 2051 for another example. These can be pantry pests, feeding on a wide variety of organic materials. See http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/spiderbeetle.htm for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2155 We don't know what this really is, just it was really big. About 2.5 to 3 inches. Photographed at Otter Lake Portland Ont. in Aug. 2008. thanks for your help

This is a sphinx moth (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae), sometimes called hummingbird moths or hawk moths. It is in the genus Hemaris, possibly a hummingbird clearwing moth, Hemaris thysbe - see http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/54452582 for an image. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2154 This bug is in my pool in Tucson Az Dec 08. Can you identify please? I don't like to kill innocent bugs but don't want kissing bugs around.

Not to worry - this bug is a plant feeder and not a blood sucker. It is a bordered plant bug, sometimes also called a largus bug (Largus succinctus; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Largidae) - see http://www.forestryimages.org/images/768x512/5369781.jpg for an image. They do not appear to be serious pests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2153 Hello, I found this beautiful beetle walking down the street in Buenos Aires, Argentina .I think it is a Nicrophorus beetle or some pretty close to it. Thanks for your help, Gui. Buenos Aires
This is a scarab beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in the subfamily Cetoniinae, Gymnetis spp.; likely Gymnetis pudibunda - see http://beetlespace.wz.cz/e_Gymnetis_pudibunda.html Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2152 Hello, I live in Lake Worth, Florida and I've been seeing these little worms crawling on my walls (enclosed photo titled IMG_6191). They appear to be living in a small cocoon. The tiny worm will poke it's head out of the end of the cocoon and drag the cocoon behind it. It's very tiny (about 2-4 centimeters long). Here is a youtube clip of the worm: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRk5m1UDJYw I've asked around and nobody seems to know what they are. I've seen empty cocoons, so I think the worm may leave the cocoon at some point of its life cycle. I'd really appreciate if you could identify this little creature for me! Thanks, Angie Lake Worth, Florida
This appears to be a household casebearer (Phereoeca uterella; Lepidoptera: Tineidae). They belong to the same family as clothes moths, but appear to prefer to dine on old spider webs and the like instead of fine woollens. See http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/urban/occas/household_casebearer.htm for much more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2151 A friend found this unusual spider with a body about 1 inch across on his deck in N.W. Calgary. Is it a pregnant Orb-weaving spider? Thanks, Garry

This is a female orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae), in the genus Araneus. There are several species in this genus that are highly variable in colour pattern, and therefore can superficially resemble one another. Because of the angularities at the front of its abdomen, I suspect that this one could be Araneus gemmoides, sometimes known as the cat-faced spider or jewel spider- see http://www.pbase.com/terrythormin/image/54587190 for a different colour phase. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2150 This specimen was one of at least four that we found, on at three different occasions, in our toilet. We sent pictures to two doctors for identification with no results. We really would like to know what they are and where they came from. Thanks

Without some idea as to its size, I cannot be certain, but it may be a larva of a fly in the family Psychodidae, commonly known as moth flies, drain flies, filter flies, or sewer flies. The larvae feed on decomposing organic matter, including the slime that can build up in floor drains and the like. The adult flies resemble small moths and fly in a series of short hops. They are harmless, but usually are considered nuisance pests when the occur indoors. See http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/mothFliesHome.htm for more information, including images of an adult and larva. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2149 Hi there. Love your site for the great info you provide. I found this orb weaver in a sign in Port Hope, Ontario. Keep up the good work! Pete

This is a female Argiope aurantia (an orb weaver in the family Araneidae) along with its egg sac. Like all orb weavers, they are harmless to humans; for more information, see http://www.canadianarachnology.org/data/spiders/15350 Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2148 Hi - This bug was in my apartment in Chicago - it’s the second one since I moved in about 2 months ago. The wood floor panel is about 2.5 inches. Both were hiding by empty cardboard boxes in the dining room. What the heck is this, and do I need to move? By the way, this photo was taken the day after I sprayed it (probably excessively) with Raid. Thanks so much!

This is a nymph of a cockroach, possibly an Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis) - see http://entweb.clemson.edu/cuentres/cesheets/hhold/ce181.htm. See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/pdf/2097.pdf for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. As you are in an apartment, you might want to check with the management to see if other tenants have reported a cockroach problem. Control of these insects in an apartment complex depends on close cooperation between tenants and management. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2147 I'm wondering if some can identify these insects and tell me how to eradicate them and how to avoid getting them. I have two small plants in my apartment in downtown Dallas which I put on my balcony, weather permitting. I first noticed some very small, flying gnats on the soil of the plants. I let the soil dry out, hoping that would take care of them.
I travel a lot and my apartment is closed up. I am meticulously clean and have all foodstuffs either in their original, unopened containers, or in sealed containers, once opened -- nothing is in open boxes or even in plastic bags. I have no observed any bugs in any foodstuffs.
I came back today, after being away for two weeks and noticed a few, dead small gnats on my counter. When I opened my pantry, there were quite a few of the pictured insects which are considerably larger than the gnats. They don't startle or run when I open the door. They have wings and can fly, they also crawl. They're about 1/4 the size of a housefly (about 2-3 mm long). They're not on the plant. In fact, no insects seem to be on the plant -- the original gnats were just hanging out in the soil. (The plant, by the way is a 'ZZ' plant Zamioculas zamifolia.) I've had the plant about 3 months. Thanks for your help, Sharon

The image is not clear enough to be certain, but this beetle appears to have an exposed pygydium (last dorsal segment of the abdomen), making it possible that it could be a pea/bean/seed weevil (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae; subfamily Bruchinae) - see http://www.hear.org/starr/hiinsects/images/thumbnails/html/caryedon_serratus.htm for an example. The larvae of these beetles feed inside whole seeds/grains, usually not noticed until the adults emerge. Do you have any grains of any kind (including bird seed and in ornamental displays) that are not tightly sealed? The gnats you noticed likely were fungus gnats, whose larvae often are found in the soil of potted plants when the soil is overly damp. Drying out the soil was the proper control measure. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2146 Was wondering if you could help us identify the spider in the attached pictures? Found two in the apartment in one day. Or if you could send a contact of someone who could help us identify this spider. Any information you could provide regarding the spider's identification and/or characteristics, whether it is poisonous or not and how to get rid of it? Thank you for your time. Cheers, Dena

This is not a true spider, but a related arachnid in the order Opiliones, which often are called harvestmen or daddy longlegs. They feed primarily on other small arthropods, and are harmless to humans. See http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/harvestmen_opiliones for some more examples. There is no need for any specific control; if they really bother you, simply vacuum them up. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2145 I found this spider in a bucket last summer, and it seems to be more than a standard spider. Do you know who can tell me about it. It has a couple of unidentified ?? ( prongs ) sticking out of the front and/or back. Thanks Jim

The image is too fuzzy for a specific determination, but it is a male spider - the ‘prongs’ at its front end are pedipalps, appendages that the male spider uses in transferring sperm to a female spider. The projections at its hind end are its spinnerets, where silk emerges from the spider’s body. The creature in front of the spider is an arachnid in the order Opiliones, often called harvestmen or daddy longlegs. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2144 I am writing from Boston, Ma I recently found these little about 1mm in length bugs on my wall in my living room (my cat was chasing them). I saw about 4-5 killed them then saw 5 more and more as i looked around the entire living room. there are 5 pictures here I did the best I could with clarity of the photos. I have no idea what the are but I decided to go to bed and my husband noticed one on the wall spreading its little wings but have not actually seen them fly. as I looked around I found them on my walls, bed and clothing and I am freaking out! HELP they are everywhere. I recently purchased a Christmas tree that is dying on the inner sides I also purchased a wreath which is where I first noticed them.
There are at least two possibilities: (1) They could be drugstore beetles (Stegobium paniceum; Coleoptera: Anobiidae). They and their relatives, cigarette beetles, can be pantry pests, infesting a very wide variety of dry organic material, even including some poisons. See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2083.html for more details, including control recommendations. (2) They could be one of the so-called ‘deathwatch beetles’ (also in the family Anobiidae - see http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/84703722 for an example. These are wood borers, and if they are present, you should see small round emergence holes as well as fine ‘sawdust’ in the wood of your pantry. Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2143 This bug was found in Mannsville, NY. We have had six or so of them in the past two months. They've been found mostly in the living room on carpet, a couple in bedroom on carpet. Thank you for this site and any information you can provide.

This is a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in the genus Xylotrechus - see http://www.entm.purdue.edu/forest/images/popups/xcolonus.jpg for an example. These will not infest your house; their larvae feed under the bark of trees, primarily hardwoods such as hickory. Do you have any firewood in or around your house?

Ed Saugstad. Retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2142 Can you help me to identify the insect in this photo? It spent the summer eating my Scarlet Runner leaves and flowers. I live in Chelsea, Quebec, just north of Ottawa, Ontario. Thanks for your help. Adrienne

This is a Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica; Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), a notorious pest of turf (as larvae) and plants in general (as adults) - see http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/crops/hort/news/orchnews/2006/on_0806a7.htm Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2141 Dear Sir, This insect was found in a packet of prepared lettuce purchased in Ireland. We’ve never encountered a similar insect before and would be very grateful of any assistance you could give us in identifying it. Many Thanks, Andrew; Galway, Ireland.

This is a grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididae), but it may be a species not native to the UK. You say that the lettuce was purchased in Ireland, but was that also the country of origin? Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2140 I have been searching the internet for information that would help me identify a bug that I found last September. I would really, really appreciate it if you could help me. My first thought was that it was a bed bug (that's where it was found). However, it has eight evenly spaced legs, not six, and the legs are all short and relatively fat - almost like fat tubes. It appears to have a hard shell without an antenna. Almost everything that I've found so far says that insects don't have eight legs, only mites and spiders do. Yet I don't think this is either a mite or a spider. The top of the bug appears to have a hard reddish shell and the legs appear to be translucent with a brownish tint. In order to give some perspective to the size of the bug, I've included the tip of a needle at the top of the picture. The size of the bug is roughly three millimeter in length. I can't tell where the head is. I have not been able to find anything like this on the internet. Please help.

Unfortunately, the image would not enlarge. As it has eight legs, it would be an arachnid and not an insect. I suspect that most of legs have been broken off, and that they would have been much longer when the critter was alive. Possibilities include a hard tick (Ixodidae) or a harvestman (Opiliones). Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2139 I am hoping you can help me identify these larvae. They have been found on the carpeting under a bed. There has also been the occasional little beige moth-type flying creatures with long wings that is about 1/4 inch long. The moth seems to match images of clothes moths that I have found on Google Images but the larvae do not match. The images of clothes moth larvae show them as being white with dark heads. The larvae in the photo are in a plastic Ziploc bag. I have also found tiny beige granules on an antique braided rug that may have wool remnants in it. The rug was stored under the same bed. The home is located in Oakville, Ontario. Many thanks

These appear to be more carpet beetle larvae, likely in the genus Attagenus - see no. 2136. See http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/IN/IN14400.pdf for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2138 Hi could anyone tell me what this insect is I live in Australia.

I suspect that this beetle is in the superfamily Cucujoidea, possibly one of the fungus beetles, but I cannot provide a specific i.d. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2137 Hi, I live in the parish of St. Catherine in Jamaica W.I. at Hellshire which is an area on a beach coastline, I am on a hill facing the
Caribbean sea with lower area surrounded by wooded areas and a pond that only fills up when rain falls. I found these insect living in swarms on the inside of my hurricane shutter at the onset of night they tend to fly or find groves thru the windows to crawl through to the inside of my house. Can you help me identify what they are and if they pose any health risks.

This appears to be a false blister beetle (Coleoptera: Oedemeridae), bearing some resemblance to those in the genus Oxacis - see http://bugguide.net/node/view/102744/bgpage for an example. They are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2136 I have found a few off these larva under our love seat's cushions I think they are Carpet beat Larva can any one confirm this for me...

This does appear to be a larva of a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), see http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/2821817092_d7f0bc8640.jpg?v=0 for an example in the genus Attagenus. See http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/IN/IN14400.pdf for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2135 We live in Toronto, this spider was found in our basement bathroom. Can you tell me if it is a threat?

Although I cannot provide a positive i.d. for this spider (it might, and I emphasize ‘might’ be in the family Corinnidae), it is not any of the few species that are dangerous to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2134 This insect has been driving my family crazy- all summer (60-90 degrees; living in Utah- near mountains/Park City) we found approximately 5 of these daily. They seem to be EVERYWHERE in our house! We just moved into a new house (less than 5 yrs old) that is very clean and dry. They seem to be coming from outside, as we see them on the porch and in the grass (not to mention commonly on windowsills and around the doors leading outside). We sprayed some basic pesticide from Home Depot, but we're still finding them. After continual spaying, winter has brought less... luckily some of them dead. They typically are approximately 1/2 inch in size and are speedy suckers. However, we've seen some up to almost 1.5-2 inches in size!! Please help identify these so we can rid our house of these pests!! Thanks so much! Stacey
This is an earwig (order Dermaptera). They are very common, and often can become nuisance pests; they usually do little real damage, but can damage tender plants. See http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=2092 for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2133 Can you tell me what these bugs are? I see a couple of pics on the site that may be these critters. I have sprayed all around the house and laid a barrier and they just crawl over it. Seem to be coming in at the door. We are now seeing them crawling up the stairs too. Any suggestions on what to do to get rid of them? Thanks...Jim
These are weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), but without a size scale, I cannot be completely certain as to their identity. If they are quite small (3 to 4 mm long), they might be grain weevils in the genus Sitophilus - see http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Sitophilus.oryzae.jpg Just in case, you should check your pantry and any other food storage areas for signs of insect infestation; see http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/cereal_pantry_pests.htm for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2132 We live in Pasadena, CA...at least 40 or more miles from the beach but we have recently been finding dead bugs just like the Beach Fleas in picture #136. We noticed them after a day of heavy rains. There were about 4 of them dead on the kitchen floor and I've found at least two or three (always dead) every morning since the rain. What gives? Gail
These are indeed amphipods of the type sometimes referred to as "lawn shrimp" or "beach fleas." They might be Arcitalitrus sylvaticus, an Australasian species introduced to California that has become quite widespread. You can find out more about them in "Insects of the Los Angeles Basin" by Dr. Charles L. Hogue - See
http://www.acornnaturalists.com/store/INSECTS-OF-THE-LOS-ANGELES-BASIN-P3714C417.aspx Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2131 Can someone tell me what this little guy is? These have taken up residence in the eve of my house in Akron, Ohio. Are they bees and/or will they die off during the winter months? Or do I have to have them removed. Gary
This is a wasp in the family Vespidae, likely in the genus Vespula ("yellowjackets") - see http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2075.html for a fact sheet. [Note: Some authorities raise the subgenus Paravespula to genus status for a few species, including the common yellowjacket.] Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2130 I live in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada .wondering if anyone knows what this bug is .Found alive and floating in a toilet at my work place probably came from a overhead vent. How did it survive our November weather?
This is a camel/cave cricket (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae; formerly a subfamily within Tettigoniidae); they can be common indoor (that’s how they survive the winter) nuisance pests - see http://entweb.clemson.edu/eiis/pdfs/hs21.pdf for a fact sheet. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2129 New York, NY. Scores of tiny bugs like this started to appear out of a plant that we recently purchased from a nursery at a street fair. The nursery is probably located in NJ or upstate NY. We potted the plant in soil that we had outside in a bag for some time. This was one of the larger specimens I found. It appeared in the house several days after I moved the plant outside. Most were about half the size and were perhaps younger. The pictured bug is on a Lifesaver candy for scale. No more have appeared.
This appears to be a shiny spider beetle, Gibbium psylloides (Coleoptera: Anobiidae; subfamily Ptininae) - see http://www.kendall-bioresearch.co.uk/BEETLE95.gif for an image. Spider beetles can be pantry pests, feeding on a wide variety of dry stored food products. See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2117.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2128 Location: Ontario, Canada. Date: November 29. Temperature: around 32 degrees F. Was working in my garage when this appeared on a pine board. Suspect the heat from a quartz work light drew it out of hibernation. Cold enough though that he was very sluggish. Also seemed to prefer being in shadow. I'm sure Amazing Ed the expert will readily provide an ID. Thanks, much appreciated. John
This fly appears to be in the family Syrphidae (flower/hover flies); possibly an Eristalis spp. - see http://www.aida.nu/Eristalis-Tenax-1.jpg However, this is an extremely large family with many species that superficially resemble one another (see http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/syrphid_flies_syrphidae for some other examples), so I hesitate to attempt a more specific identification. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2127 We found this spider out side of our home in Costa Rica, can anyone identify it for us? Thank you
This is a wandering spider (family Ctenidae); possibly a Cupiennius spp. - see http://www.americanarachnology.org/JOA_online.html They can deliver a painful bite, but otherwise are harmless to humans, whereas some South American species in the genus Phoneutria are very dangerous. Cupiennius spp. are arboreal, and some species will take small reptiles and amphibians as prey. `Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2126 This evening I stomped on a bug I've seen for years but have never identified. Any idea what it is? Photos attached. Rob P.
This is a leaf-footed bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera:Coreidae) in the genus Acanthocephala - see http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/86628156 for an image. These are plant feeders that can be garden pests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2125 We found this guy behind our micro fiber couch in Hood River OR. Looks pretty much like 2124. Appreciate the identification, thanks!
This is indeed another larva of a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus such as no. 2124. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2124 I live in Cincinnati, OH. I found these bugs in my kitchen cabinets today (11/26/2008 mid 40’s outside). We started noticing our brand-new oven mitts were getting chewed up. At first I thought a mouse was to blame, but I didn’t see any evidence of “droppings”. Once I began to remove all items from the drawers and cabinets, I started noticing these little critters. Can someone please tell me what they are? Thank you, Jason Mayer
This is a larva of a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus. See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2103.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2123 Hello, I found this cluster of beetles on my Vine Maple. Being smaller in size, I noticed them originally because of the way they were patterned on the seed wing. So I got the camera and started shooting images. Then I realized that they had eggs underneath and nymphs around. I am not sure whether the eggs are being laid, eaten, hatched or tended to by the nymphs. At one point all the adults walked off leaving the eggs and the nymphs behind. It appeared as if the nymphs were tending them. Thank you very much. Great Site! Carol Eugene, Oregon, USA
These are stink bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) nymphs. I cannot be certain, but these might be nymphs of the green stink bug, Acrosternum hilare - see http://www.pbase.com/tmurray74/image/68131620 for an image. Some stink bug species do appear to exhibit a degree of maternal care. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2122 Found in our bedroom in San Francisco Bay Area, CA. USA. Less than a half inch long. Suspect it traveled with us from a recent plane ride from Austin, TX that laid over in Las Vegas, NV.
This appears to be a larva of a snakefly (order Raphidioptera; formerly considered a family - Raphididae - in the order Neuroptera). They are general predators on other small arthropods, and there are species native to California - see http://www.bugpeople.org/taxa/Raphidioptera/OrderRaphidiopteraPage.htm for an image of an adult. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2121 We've just moved into this new house and found this insect in our basement (Evanston, Illinois). It hops and runs very fast. Oh, and there are more of them in both big ( >1 inch length) and smaller sizes. I think they grow very fast (in terms of number and size.) Are they dangerous? Can anyone please tell us what they are and how to get rid of them? Thank you so much, Poppy.
This is a member of the long-horned grasshopper family (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) known as a camel cricket or cave cricket; they thrive in damp, dark environments, including basements. They basically are nuisance pests that usually do no real harm. See http://entweb.clemson.edu/eiis/pdfs/hs21.pdf for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2120 These black pests are about 7-10 mm in length and have suddenly appeared in our kitchen on the day of the first rain of the season. They have We live in Northern California. Can someone tell me what they are and how to get rid of them? Thank you!
You have termites. This is a reproductive (‘swarmer’) that has shed its wings and is looking for a suitable place to initiate a new colony - see http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7415.html for information on California termites. You should contact a professional termite control service for advice - starting points include http://www.pestworld.org and http://www.termite.com/north-california where you can click on your general area. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2119 This little guy is about 3mm long. Bit me on the ankle while I was walking on my lawn. It looks larval to me, but I really have no idea Ian.
This appears to be a larva of a green lacewing (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) - see http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CritterFiles/casefile/insects/lacewings/lacewings.htm#larva for images and more information. They are general predators on small, soft-bodied arthropods, particularly aphids. Biting humans appears to be a defensive reflex, as we are not among their preferred prey! Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2118 I found these spiders in our backyard. We live in McAllen, TX. The first and third picture is the same spider front and back. The second picture is a different spider (not sure if it is the same species). What can you tell me about them? Are they poisoness? Thanks, Nancy Garza
This appears to be a silver garden spider, sometimes known as the silver argiope (Argiope argentata) - see http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/spiders/Argiope argentata.htm for images. This spider is in the family Araneidae (orb weavers), all of which are harmless to humans. Technically, with the exception of one small family (Uloboridae), all spiders are venomous; only a very few species are truly dangerous to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2117 Hello I live in Chatham Ontario and I came across this spider out of no where and freaked out as usual I hate spiders, I just want to know if its poisonous cause I have problems with spider bites and such at nights. Thanks so much.
This appears to be a long-legged sac spider (Cheiracanthium sp.; family Miturgidae) - see http://www.canadianarachnology.org/data/spiders/23333. They commonly are encountered indoors, often found in upper corners of rooms. They are capable of delivering quite a painful bite, sometimes at night when pressed against in bedclothes. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2116 I found this large critter on my patio at night, I walked pretty slowly. I live in Dallas, Texas. Thank you!
This is an assassin bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Reduviidae) known as a wheel bug (Arilus cristatus) because of the cog-like projections on its pronotum. It is the largest member of its family in eastern North America, and never fails to draw attention when it is spotted. Be careful when picking one of these up, their bite can be quite painful. See http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/IN/IN24300.pdf for much more information on this fascinating insect. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2115 Hi there, my name is Carrie-Lynne, I live in Ottawa, Ontario. I have seen many spiders around in the garden, but this is a new one and I cannot seem to find any pictures on the web to identify it...Can anyone help??? It is currently living above my garage door with quite a large web spun across a two foot diagonal in the corner...the spider, legs and all must be about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter...a bit larger than the usual garden spider. Thanks for any help.
This is an orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae) in the genus Araneus; possibly another colour variant of Araneus diadematus - see no. 2106. All orb weavers are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2114 I live in Stratford Ontario, I originally found this spider in my laundry room. I have since found three more in the kitchen. They are in dark corners where there is moisture. The largest one is tiny, a several mm. They look black widow in shape. I generally like spiders, but this one makes me nervous because of the shape. It is not an orb weaver, it makes a jumbled messy web much like cob web spiders. I am just wondering if it is poisonous. I am able to go right up close with the camera and they don't move. Picture 1 is top side, second picture is belly side.
This spider does belong to the same family (Theridiidae) as the widow spiders (Latrodectus spp.), but it is in a different genus (Steatoda), possibly Steatoda triangulosa - see http://www.canadianarachnology.org/data/spiders/8125#image. They can deliver a painful bite if mishandled (as I can personally attest), but otherwise are not dangerous to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2113 Hi. I found this little guy in my basement washroom. I want to ID him, and I was hoping you could help. Yours, Patrick
This is a house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata); a general predator on other small arthropods. Large specimens can deliver quite a painful bite if mishandled; see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scutigera for much more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2112 Dear Sirs, Can you tell me what kind of Beetle / insect this is? I've never seen anything like it, especially with it's super long snout. Thank you, Harry
This is a weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae); the ‘snout’ is characteristic for most members of this family. In some species, it may be as long as or longer than the rest of the body - see http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image:Curculio_elephas01.jpg; the beetle’s jaws (mandibles) are at the tip of the snout. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2111 I found this bug in my cream of wheat and in my moms dresser, I do not know where its coming from or what it is exactly. Please help. James
This is a larva of a beetle in the family Dermestidae (carpet/hide/skin beetles), possibly in the genus Attagenus - see http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/images/g07372art01.jpg for an image of both a larva and adult. These larvae will feed on an extremely wide variety of organic materials, primarily that of animal origin, but that can include cereal products as well. The adults primarily are pollen feeders, and do no harm themselves. See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2103.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2110 I found this little creature in the basement when I moved a box. I found a couple more under the wash basin. They seem to jump as they don't fly away. I know the photo is not very good however, I have a hard time capturing them and not sure how else to take a better picture. Any suggestions are welcome.
The image would not enlarge, but this appears to be a so-called ‘booklouse’ (Psocoptera: Liposcelidae) - see http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/INSECTS/booklouse.htm for an image. These insects primarily are nuisance pests, feeding on mold spores and the like, but they occasionally can be pantry pests, feeding on starchy materials. See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2080.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2109 I found these bugs in the carpet in my room and in the kitchen and bathroom areas. The ones I found in my room were close to crumbs of food. I live in Dallas, TX. Any help identifying these bugs would be much appreciated! Thanks, Alex W.
These are grain beetles are in the family Silvanidae, either saw-toothed grain beetles (Oryzaephilus surinamensis ) or merchant grain beetles (Oryzaephilus mercator). The main difference is that the merchant grain beetle can fly, whereas the saw-toothed grain beetle cannot. Both species can be pantry pests, see http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2086.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2108 From lower NY State: I found this on me after sleeping. I was wondering if it was part of a cockroach nymph or possibly a bed bug's cast skin? I do have the occasional roach, but bed bugs would not be good! Thanks!
This does appear to be the hind portion of a cockroach nymph; it most definitely is not a bed bug! Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2107 Hi Im emailing from West Vancouver BC, I came home one morning, walked into my room and noticed something odd on the top of my duvet cover (aka bed) Upon closer inspection I realized there were a bunch of these little white larvae wiggling around, and there were alot of them. After calming down from utterly freaking out, I started looking around there's nothing on the ceiling that they could of dropped down from and they seemed to mostly originate from the center of the bed (of course some have wiggled off the bed and other areas) I remembered there being a large fly in my room a couple days ago. I shook everything out and washed it and spent an hour vacuuming just incase i missed one. I'm really concerned as to what they are, and how they got there so quickly because I didn't notice anything the night before. PLEASE HELP!!! Thank you. April
These are fly larvae (maggots) of the sort that feed on decaying organic matter, either animal or vegetable in origin. Their food source should be fairly close by - are you absolutely certain that there was no gap of any kind (including light fixtures) in the ceiling that they could have fallen from? It would be next to impossible for them to have climbed up onto the bed. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2106 Hi there, I live near Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. I have a number of these spiders in my barn. What I find unusual is that they are still active even though we are into the month of November. I thought spiders either hibernated or perished after laying their eggs. Though these could be males, not sure because I really do not know much about them. It appears to be roughly 2 inches in length, (the body) has quite a large web. I just want to make sure it's safe to be around. Though I haven't seen it behave aggressive it has caught bees and wasps which kind of surprised me.
Thanks for any info supplied. Hope the pictures have enough detail in them. Thank you. Henrica
This is an orb-weaving spider (family Araneidae) in the genus Araneus; all are harmless to humans. There are several species in this genus that can have a roughly similar colour pattern (there is a good deal of individual variation within species). This one might be a cross spider (Araneus diadematus) - see http://www.oeko-msc.de/Araneus-diadematus_1.JPG for an image. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2105 Shortly after moving to a house in Picton, Ontario, I found this bug on my bedclothes! I also found another one which seemed to have a black “X” on it’s back. Would really like to know what this is. Thanks, Marianne

This is a seed bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Lygaeidae); specifically, it appears to be a small milkweed bug - Lygaeus kalmii - see http://www.myrmecos.net/insects/Lygaeid2.html for an image. They sometimes are mistaken for boxelder bugs (see http://www.pbase.com/mike_pearson/image/87029718 ), which are in a different family, the Rhopalidae Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2104 Hi, This bug has taken over my bush outside in my backyard. It's very small (only about half a centimeter in size) and they seem to all be dying or dormant in this cold weather. I am in Brampton, Ontario (just 25 minutes from Toronto) and when I crushed one of them blood shot out all over the place, looked like human blood. I thought it may be a tick but I looked it up and I'm not sure. I attached 3 pictures, can you let me know what this bug is. Thanks, Kyle

These are aphids (Hemiptera/Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae); the red fluid is their ‘blood’ (haemolymph), a rather unusual colour for insects, most have clearish to yellow-green haemolymph. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2103 I found this fuzzy little guy in the house early summer (Whitby, Ontario). Late summer, I found him again outside but twice as big. Looking forward to find out what kind of critter he is. Thanks! Sheri
This appears to be a nymph of an assassin bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Reduviidae) known as the masked hunter (Reduvius personatus) - see http://www.insectimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=1455073. This is a European species that has become well established in some areas of North America. It often is found indoors, and can deliver a very painful bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
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This bug appears to be the same one shown and identified in photo 1954. Rod. B.

2102 Hello, I live in Quebec and I found this beetle in my house a few days ago, it's very small and brown. They seem to like bathrooms, I'm only finding them there. Now there not too smart, they role over onto their backs and that's it, their stuck, and will most likely die like that. I checked the internet and could not find this insect anywhere. I would just like to know what kind of bug this is because I have never seen it before. And also I wanted to know if these bugs are something to worry about. Thank you for your time. Ames
This weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) likely is one of the pantry/granary pests in the genus Sitophilus (see http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IG120, http://entweb.clemson.edu/cuentres/cesheets/grain/ce94.jpg, and http://www.agricomseeds.net/images/plagas/big/35.jpg for three different species. You should check grain-derived products in your pantry/food storage areas for signs of these weevils or their damage. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

2101 I came across your site while I was searching the web to ID this spider I found in my house. I have not been able to identify the spider yet so I was hoping that you could satisfy my curiosity.
I live in southern Ontario and have never seen a spider this big, other than ones I've seen at the zoo. The body was about an inch long and was hanging out by a bedroom door on the second floor of the house. I also found it strange that it seemed to like the water. When it was put in the toilet, it kinda swam around the surface and then it 'swam' to the bottom, walked around and 'swam' back up. Can all spiders do this? Anyways, I'm hoping you know what kinda of spider it is. And is it commonly found in southern Ontario? Thanks, Shelley
Most Canadian spiders as large as you describe are in the families Lycosidae (wolf spiders) and Pisauridae (dock/fishing/nursery web spiders). However, the image provided is not clear enough to be certain of an identification, and there is something about the overall appearance of this spider that bothers me. Have a look at the hackledmesh weaver (family Amaurobiidae) at http://www.canadianarachnology.org/data/spiders/22605#image to see if there is any resemblance to your specimen. Many spiders are capable of ‘walking on water,’ and some will dive below the surface in pursuit of prey. The extreme example there is the so-called ‘diving bell spider,’ a native of Europe that constructs its entire web under water - see http://news.softpedia.com/news/Nature-039-s-Scuba-Diver-71818.shtml. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

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