Pest Photos 1601 to 1700

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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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No photo, just a message of thanks for your website, by which I finally identified our pesky basement "hoppy bugs" as Camel Crickets.
Linda
New Jersey

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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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1700 Hello, I live in West Virginia and I have been finding these bugs in my living room lately. I have never seen anything like them. When I first saw one, I thought it was a bee, but it doesn't have a stinger. It does fly. If anyone has any idea what this is, could you please let me know.

This appears to be a locust borer (Megacyllene robiniae; Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) - see http://entomology.wsu.edu/insectoftheweek/archive/locustborer.html . They do no damage indoors, and their wasp-like appearance may give them some protection against predators. There are several other species of cerambycids that have a superficial resmeblance to wasps. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1699 Hello, I spent a lot of time looking but didn’t see this very small insect listed. We live in Colorado and it’s winter. My wife noticed this small bug on the wall. After looking, there are quite a few in the lower part of the house. She found a few near each of the heat registers (vents), a few where the ceiling and wall meet, many closer to the base board at the exterior wall where it’s colder, and a few in the room near the carpet. So they’re spread out and not just in on spot - noticed more in the darker areas. Please let us know what they are and if they are a threat. No flying bugs around and we have plants in the entry and after looking closely, no bugs. Thanks for your time, Dave and Monica.

Although the photo would not enlarge, I suspect that this more likely is a so-called ‘duff’ or ‘bristly’ millipede (family Polyxenidae - see http://myrmecos.net/insects/Polyxenus2.html for an image) than a carpet beetle larva (see http://www.kendall-bioresearch.co.uk/BEETLE94.gif ). Polyxenid millipedes use the tufts of specialized setae at the end of their abdomen as a defense against ants. See www.pnas.org/cgi/reprint/93/20/10848 for a detailed account. Like the vast majority of millipedes, these are harmless scavengers on organic detritus, and they pose no threat to your home or its contents. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1698 My girlfriend and I found this larvae on Pachena Beach, West Coast of Vancouver Island, BC, Canada, in April after my dog dug a couple of them up from the sand. Its pretty large, about 2 inches long and as big around as average persons pinky finger. Just wondering about the species. Thanks Stu Spencer
This is a larva (grub) of a beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. The larvae of many species spend their development feeding on plant roots beneath the soil surface. There are at least two species of scarabaeiform beetles whose larvae may be found in sandy areas of British Columbia. One is the long-haired June beetle (Polyphylla crinata; Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae - see http://www.bentler.us/eastern-washington/insects/long-haired-june-beetle.aspx ), whose larvae feed on sod and roots of trees. The other is a bumble bee scarab (Lichnanthe rathvoni; Coleoptera: Glaphyridae) whose larvae reportedly can be found in coastal dune areas, where they feed on decaying litter and organic detritus under the sand surface. The adults are active fliers, and may be found in the vicinity of flowers/foliage near the larval habitat. See http://www-museum.unl.edu/research/entomology/Guide/Scarabaeoidea/Scarabaeoidea-pages/Scarabaeoidea-Key/images/19.jpg for an image of an adult; I could not locate an image of a larva. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1697 Please help identifying this beetle found dead in my backyard in Maryland.
This is a bess beetle (Coleoptera: Passalidae); it also goes by many other common names, including bessbug, betsy beetle, and patent-leather beetle. This specimen may be a horned passalus, Odontotaenius disjunctus. These beetles are semi-social, often found living in family groups in rotting wood. Both adults and larvae can produce sounds that can be heard by humans. See http://entweb.clemson.edu/museum/beetles/local/btle14.htm for more information on these fascinating insects. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1696 Spider found on the wall, in an apartment. (as you can see) Sorry, but no other information to tell? I really don't know anything about spiders! Sarah.

Number 1696 - This appears to be a wolf spider (family Lycosidae) - note the reflection from one of its enlarged frontal eyes. It resembles the rabid wolf spider (Rabidosa rabida); see no. 1669 for a similar example. Wolf spiders frequently are found indoors where they have wandered in search of prey. They are harmless to humans, but large specimens are capable of inflicting a painful bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1695 Hello, I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. I found several of these insects in a plastic box of socks in a drawer in my bedroom. There were also some insect casings in the box. It looks similar to the photos of carpet beetle larvae I've found. Is that right? From what I've read I should throw away any possibly infested clothing! Yikes!
Thanks for your help. Julie
This could be a larva of a carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Attagenus. See nos 1660 and 1549 for similar examples. You should not have to discard infested clothing items unless they are too badly damaged for use. See http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/fabric/black_carpet_beetle.htm for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1694 Hi, we are in Montreal, Quebec and have found 5 or 6 of these strolling across our floors in the last month (January) ¼” – 3/8” long. Murray Champagne
This is a short-snouted/broad-nosed weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, subfamily Entiminae); likely a black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) - see http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/natural/insects/bugsfaq/weevil.htm for an image and http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2016.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. This species often invades homes in the autumn. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1693 help . Can you me identify this bug and how to get rid of it. We first started seeing after my daughter moved form an apartment in Omaha, NE to our home in Minnesota. We see it most in our laundry and family room in our walk out basement and where things from Omaha were stored. It's about 3/8" long. thank you, Dave K
This is a sow bug and it is very unlikely it's presence has anything to do with your daughter moving things into your home. They would not have survived the trip unless they were enclosed in a container that remained very damp during the move. Sow bugs can not breath dry air. Read more about them on this web page and you will understand why they are in your home and how to eliminate them. Sow bugs.

1692 Still love your site...I wanted to share a neat photo of what I think is a 'jumping spider' (Delta, BC)...also a spider from Kenya that I have not been able to identify..any help out there? hanks, Doug

The spider on the right definitely is a jumping spider (family Salticidae) in the genus Phidippus; possibly Phidippus johnsoni - see http://www.dereila.ca/whispers/Phidippusjohnsoni.jpg for an image. The spider on the left is in the family Nephilidae (golden silk orb weavers); genus Nephila. They occur nearly worldwide in the tropics and subtropics. Reportedly, some of their webs may be strong enough to capture small birds. They are harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1691 Hello. I live in Innisfil, Ontario and I found this spider in my basement. I first saw one in September of last year and I just spotted another one a few days ago. It is a very small spider (about the size of a dime). I am intrigued by the markings on it's back. Can you tell me what it is? Thanks.. Bruce

This spider is in the family Theridiidae (comb-footed/cobweb spiders), the same as that of the widow spiders. This one is in the genus Steatoda, one species of which (Steatoda grossa) is known as the false black widow. Yours could be Steatoda borealis, the boreal cobweb spider - see http://www.royalalbertamuseum.ca/natural/insects/bugsfaq/borcob.htm . Some spiders in this genus are capable of delivering a painful bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1690 This insect in Palmer Rapids Ontario was about 2 inches long with 3 inch antennae.
Brian.
This is a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae); it could be one of the so-called sawyers in the genus Monochamus - see http://www.uvm.edu/albeetle/identification/whitespottedm.jpg for an example. They get that name from the noise of their larvae chewing in logs being loud enough for humans to hear. They can be important timber pests - see http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/fidls/ws_sawyer/ws_sawyer.htm Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This is a long horned Wood Borrowing Beetle, commonly known in the Maritimes of Canada as a "Stump lifter" Believe me don't want to get bitten by one of these. Might as well take needle nose pliers and rip off a piece of skin. Kyle

1689 Hi I'm from Antigonish, NS and my son discovered this bug inside our patio canopy. I've never seen one before. It was quite large and didn't move for some time. I also found this moth attached to our BBQ. My son placed it on his red t-shirt to take a picture. Could you identify it for me. Thanks. Joey.

The insect on the left is a cicada (Homoptera: Cicadidae); likely one of the so-called ‘dog-day’ cicadas such those in the genus Tibicen - see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibicen. They have much shorter life cycles than those of the more famous periodical (13- and 17-year) cicadas, and some adults usually emerge every year.
The moth is one of the giant silk moths (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae); specifically, it is a cecropia moth (Hyalophora cecropia) - see http://www.geocities.com/rainforest/5479/ for more information on this, the largest native North American moth. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1688 Hi from New Zealand, I recently purchased a saw that was manufactured in China. When the carton was opened I found this insect in the box. It was dead, probably fumigated at the port of entry. Can you identify it please. It is probably of Chinese origin. Cheers, Rob.
This is a solitary wasp in the family Sphecidae. They provision their mud nests with paralyzed but living prey (usually spiders) that their larvae feed upon. Ones like this sometimes are called potter wasps because of the appearance of their nest. They can sting, but usually are not aggressive towards humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1687 Hello: The photo of the green bug with black dots was taken near Ste. Anne, Manitoba. I searched but cannot identify it. Also, the Bee picture I have included, please identify it also. Txs... Larry. Ste. Anne, MB

The green and black beetle is a spotted cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardii; Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Their larvae are known as the southern corn rootworm and feed primarily on the roots of corn, whereas the adults are foliage feeders, often becoming pests on cucurbits, where in addition to their feeding damage, they transmit a bacterial disease that can be devastating to cucumbers and muskmelons/cantaloupes. For more information, see http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef311.asp and http://vegetablemdonline.ppath.cornell.edu/factsheets/Cucurbit_Beetles.htm

The other insect is not a bee, but is a wasp in the family Vespidae. It is one of several species in the genus Vespula collectively known as yellowjackets. They prey on other insects, but also are attracted to rotting fruit and other sweets (including soda pop); late in the autumn; they often are found scavenging in deadfall apples and the like. They are social wasps, and woe betide the unwitting human who disturbs their nest, no matter how accidentally. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1686 This is a home invader in Connecticut. Appreciate input. Thank You J. Dube

This is a small winter stonefly, (Plecoptera: Capniidae). Their larvae are aquatic, usually found under rocks or gravel in small streams, and the adults usually emerge during the winter months. They are completely harmless, and their occurrence indoors is strictly accidental; no control is necessary. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1685 Hello! I saw this huge spider in my bedroom in Conakry (Guinea, West Africa) last December... What kind is it? Thanks. Christine.
This is a huntsman/giant crab spider (family Sparassidae); members of this family occur nearly worldwide in the tropics and subtropics. Large specimens are capable of a painful bite if mishandled, and females will vigorously defend their egg sacs. For more detailed information, see http://zipcodezoo.com/Key/Sparassidae_Family.asp
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV

1684 What the ? is this. I found it in my washing machine after doing a load of my son's laundry.... it's creepy!! Any help is greatly appreciated. I live in Pittsburgh, PA Carolyn

It's very difficult to be certain, but I suspect that this could be the remains of a house centipede - see http://i.pbase.com/o4/90/516390/1/61400403.1393web.jpg for an image and no. 1595 for another example. Also see http://www.pestcontrolcanada.com/INSECTS/Centipedes.htm for more information on these creatures.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1683 Could you please help identify this bug. is it a spider? i found one before it but it was much lighter in color and had straight hard point fangs much longer than this one has but his one is bigger in size and this one has a ripples on the body . I live in southern san Diego , you have a great site .hope someone can tell me what it is. Jen.

This is an arachnid in the family Solpugidae (also spelled Solfugidae) - see http://myrmecos.net/images/Solpugid1.html for an image. Commonly known as sunspiders, wind scorpions, or camel spiders, they are general predators on other arthropods, and despite their appearance, they are harmless to humans. They can deliver a painful bite if mishandled, but they are non-venomous. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solifugae for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1682 Hi, We live in Fort McMurray, Alberta. We just bought a 1999 mobile home. We find those 2 bugs on the floor and in the light fixture all over the house. The more abundant is 2 mm long, dark brown (visible on the 2 photos). And we found few 7 mm black bug with them (see photo with red background). Are they eating wood? Should we be concerned? Thank you, Eric and Sophie
The two larger beetles are ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae), general predators on other small arthropods. The image of the smaller ones is not clear enough to make a definitive identification. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1681 I live in St. John's Newfoundland and two nights in a row my husband found this insect out on our back deck. They were both found at night and our back light was on and attracting other insects like moths etc. My husband grew up on a farm near here and he has never seen anything like this around here before. These are the best pictures I could get so I hope someone can help us. This bug is an inch to an inch and a quarter long and it flies, it has big wings going the whole length of its body. The first one we saw we thought had one orange stripe around its middle but the next one had two stripes. Please help, and Thank You in advance. Donna S. St. John's Newfoundland

This is sexton or burying beetle (Coleoptera: Silphidae) in the genus Nicrophorus (sometimes also spelled Necrophorus - see http://www.colostate.edu/Depts/Entomology/courses/en507/papers_1999/silphid.jpg for an image. These beetles get their name from their habit of burying the carcasses of small mammals or birds that their larvae then feed upon. Unlike most insects, these beetles exhibit considerable prenatal care of their offspring. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burying_beetle for more information on these fascinating insects. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

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1680 Dear Sir ; I found this bugs at the back of a hutch. There were some holes on the wood and one of them with a yellowish dust. I'd like to know if they are termites, what kind of termites and the treatment. I'm in Caracas, Venezuela. Thank you, Carmen Elena

These are not termites, but case-bearing caterpillars (order Lepidoptera). Several families of small moths have caterpillars with this attribute, including the infamous casemaking clothes moth - see http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Tinea_pellionella01.jpg/800px-Tinea_pellionella01.jpg for an image. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1679 I live in North Vancouver, BC. Recently a visitor came to stay with me from Kelowna, BC & stayed for 2 months. During this time we discovered 3 of these additional visitors. I'm thinking it must have gotten in to my condo, which is on the 18th floor, by stowing away in my visitors belongs. If anyone could enlighten me, it would be much appreciated. Reta

This cricket bears some resemblance to two peridomestic species, namely the house cricket, Acheta domesticus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) - see http://www.pogona.ch/food/heim/Heimchen adult.jpg for an image, and the Indian or tropical house cricket (Gryllodes supplicans; sometimes also listed as Gryllodes sigillatus) - see http://www.junglewalk.com/animal-pictures/201/Cricket-2161.jpg for an image. However, I can find no record of either species being reported from British Columbia. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1678 Great site! Thanks to those who keep it up. I am trying to identify this bug which has infested a house that I am renovating to move into. It seems to like the windows or window sills. It does fly but not a lot. The house has had no baseboard and window and door trim for the last ten years and I wonder if they are coming up from the basement. The infestation seems to be ending- today I only found 4. Some days there were 25 or more. I think the one in the photo may have fine sawdust on it. Any ideas of what it is and whether I should worry about it being in the house? Thanks for any help. peace, Tim Hughes
This an eastern Boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata; Hemiptera: Rhopalidae). They feed primarily on the developing seeds of boxelder trees, and although they appear to do little real damage, they can be nuisance pests when they congregate on or in homes. See no. 1674 for another example, and http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05522.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1677 We will appreciate your help in determining the name and habits of this bug. We catch them occasionally as they crawl slowly across a piece of furniture or drop off a ceiling. They seem to be very slow and almost dormant. We have now caught about a dozen from Nov.-Feb. They fly badly and seem to drop to the floor if they try to fly too far.. Only see them in Winter. Log house is in a heavily wooded area. Forced air heating, lots of glass. Thanks for the help from anyone who is able and willing. Jay. Tremblant area of Quebec Laurentians

This is a leaf-footed bug (Hemiptera: Coreidae); likely a western conifer seed bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis), a species that commonly invades buildings in the autumn. See nos. 1559, 1642, 1643, 1653, and 1654 for other examples. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1676 I would like to know what this Weird Bug is. I took this picture at about 8 P.M. on June 16, 2007. This bug can fly. He shied away from me when I attempted to take his picture. Picture was taken in Simonton, Texas( about 35 miles West of Houston) Any help would be appreciated. Paul Mont-
This an assassin bug (Hemiptera: Reduviidae); specifically, it is a wheel bug (Arilus cristatus). It is the largest species in this family in the United States, and can deliver quite a painful bite if mishandled. They are voracious predators on other small arthropods, and thus may be considered beneficial. See http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek030901.html for much more information on these fascinating insects. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1675 I found this little guy in the crawl space of a home in Courtenay B.C. It appears somewhat similar to a Black Widow or perhaps a Cobweb spider which I believe is related to the Black Widow. Can you give me some idea of what the risk factor is with this guy?? The markings are quite distinctive. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Keith
This spider belongs to the family Theridiidae (comb-footed/cobweb spiders), same as the infamous widow spiders. It is in the genus Steatoda, possibly Steatoda grossa (also known as the false black widow), a species widespread in British Columbia. See http://www.sdnhm.org/fieldguide/inverts/images/stea-gro_jberrian.jpg for an image. Its venom, while much less potent that of its notorious relatives, can result in severe pain if one is bitten. I was bitten by one as a small child growing up in North Dakota, and it was a very long time before I would pick up another spider! Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1674 I live in southwestern Ontario. This bug has infiltrated our home and we kill 5 to 10 of them a day. They showed up a couple of years ago small in number at first and they would be on our white siding outside. Last year there were a lot more of them and this winter they are coming in somewhere. Any idea what they are?? Neil
This is an eastern boxelder bug (Boisea trivittata; Hemiptera: Rhopalidae); they do little real harm, but definitely can become nuisance pests in and around homes. See http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05522.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1673 Hi, we moved into our apartment on the second and third floor of an old house a couple months ago in central Toronto, Ontario and I noticed these beige flying insects occasionally appearing on the wall. They fly and remind me of a very small moth, which got me concerned that my clothes were being eaten. However, I don’t know what they are. Maybe they live in the attic space or something. Please help identify these pests. Bug is photographed next to a Loonie dollar for comparison. Cal

This could be a clothes moth (Lepidoptera: Tineidae), but I cannot be certain from this image. There are several members of this family whose larvae are harmless scavengers on organic detritus of animal origin, including that which can accumulate in birds’ nests, cracks and crevices in homes, etc.; and there are several other microlepidoptera that superficially resemble clothes moths that may be accidental invaders of homes. Nevertheless, it may be prudent to check any woolen/silk fabrics, furs, etc. for signs of clothes moth larvae or their damage. See http://www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef609.asp for images and detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1672 Here is a picture of a fellow that keeps showing up in my toilet. We open the lid and there he is trying to get out but can't climb the sides. I have since found him in our shower once, don't tell my wife, and in the large garbage can outside my office. It is wet and damp in the large garbage can. This guy is 3/4' to 1' long, when bothered will often curl up into a ball, is very fast when moving, and almost bit his way out of this baggie in about 2 hours which my wife doesn't know. What is he, is he a problem, do I have to be worried? Does he come from our septic, we live out of town and have septic. We live in Northeastern BC. in Taylor. Thank you for your help. Wally.
This is a rove beetle (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae). They usually are considered beneficial, as they are general predators on other small arthropods. Unlike most beetles, their wing covers (elytra) are very short, leaving much of their flexible abdomen exposed. Some species will curl their abdomen up over their head in a threat posture (much like a scorpion) when disturbed. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1671 This bug seems to be coming from under our dishwasher and stove or under the baseboards in our kitchen, although some (not nearly as many) are found in our bathroom down the hall as well. We have not seen them anywhere else in our condo.

We live in Calgary, Alberta in a apartment style condo at below grade level. They range in size from 3mm to 1.5cm. They are light in color, but the bigger they are, the more dark marks they get. They are unbelievably fast moving, making it it very hard to catch or squish. When squished, they appear shiny/iridescent like fish scales. If someone knows what these things are, we would be much appreciative, they are quickly increasing in numbers. Thanks!! Jacinda
This is a bristletail (Thysanura: Lepismatidae); likely a firebrat: Thermobia domestica - see http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7475.html for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1670 I have a lot of these insect in my basement. The house is only 1 year old and I think I shouldn't get these insects in my basement. I clean them up, used bleach, insecticide and I still see them coming.... and don't know from where. Are these millipedes? How can I get rid off them. I call the the Builder and left them a message a last Thursday and they haven't get back to me yet. Should I call a pest control? if so, which one? I live in the South East of Markham. The area is under development and our neighbours don't have any of these insects. HELP! PLEASE! Alex.
These indeed are millipedes, but there should be no need to call a pest controller. They are nuisance pests, but will do no real harm indoors. These creatures need a very moist environment in order to survive, so your first line of defense should be to locate and eliminate/reduce all sources of unnecessary moisture (leaky pipes, dripping taps, condensate from air conditioning/refrigeration units, etc. in and around your home. For more information, see http://www.oldham.gov.uk/ocfs-env-epeh55s.pdf Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1669 Hi ran into your website looking for mite information. Fell into a search hole and poked around for a while. Nice site, it's neat to really see all types of bugs. Found your spider section and read someplace that you wouldn't mind getting more photos. So here's another to add to your collection.

Details: Wolf spider found in an electronics company on Long Island, NY a few years back. It spooked a few employees due to his size, so myself and another decided to pick him up in a paper cup and relocate him outside. We did try to keep him for a while but finding other live bugs was too hard. He didn't like feeding on freshly dead bugs, only for a drink. So we let him go. This is the only picture I have up-close and personal before his dismissal. PS I found my mites, the red spider mite. Cheers. Drew
This wolf spider is a female, possibly a rabid wolf spider (Rabidosa rabia; see http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/rabid_wolf_spider.htm for images and more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1668 We have found these on and off in our basement and recently in the main floor. They have jointed legs and can run pretty fast. I have seen one on the basement wall once. We live in Ottawa Ontario. Minna

Even out of focus the multiple long legs are characteristic of a house centipede. There are some better pictures and descriptions on our Centipedes web page.

1667 Have nests of these both at home and cottage. Are these wasps, hornets or yellow jackets. I do know that about a week after I took these photos really close to the nest, a couple attacked when I was at least 10 feet away from the papery nest (which was built on the soffit under an eaves.) Maybe they thought I was paparazzi? Thanks. John

This one of the several species in the genus Vespula (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) that collectively are called "yellowjackets." Because of its hairiness, it most likely is a common yellowjacket, Vespula vulgaris - see http://www.dereila.ca/whispers/YJVulgaris.jpg for an image. It has been my personal experience that these wasps have absolutely no sense of humor when disturbed. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1666 I hope you can help me. I have these bugs that showed up just before Christmas. I brought a rosemary plant in so it would not freeze and set in my main hall way. I noticed these bugs underneath the plant. when I went to clean hall Yuk so I killed them. The plant is now outside. Last night I went in to do some laundry and in my piles of laundry are tons of these bugs. I checked my cupboard and nothing and the dog food is fine. I don’t know if this a grain beetle who likes my laundry better than my grains, or a plant beetle that is lost and replicating like no tomorrow or a wood beetle that is eating my house (new house 3 years old)? Please help. I want to believe that once I have the laundry room completely cleaned out and disinfected that they will gone but they are now appearing on ceramic tile? Help . Nora.
These are grain beetles in the genus Oryzaephilus (Coleoptera: Sylvanidae), either the saw-toothed grain beetle (O. surinamensis) or the merchant grain beetle (O. mercator). See no. 1661 for another example and http://www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/sawtooth.htm for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1665 this is a bug i found crawling in my bathroom. I live in the country in Collingwood Ontario. it was crawling around really fast trying to get into the wall i think.. maybe to escape the light as it was night time when i found it. its kind of a silver color and about 3/4 of a cm, with little antennas on its head and short legs you can only see when you flip it over, and they are a clear maybe white colour (nearly invisible and so so tiny) what is it? thanks, Jayna
This appears to be an immature bristletail (order Thysanura). This order includes some species that may be nuisance pests, such as firebrats and silverfish. See http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2108.html for more detailed information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1664 We saw this guy at night, on the sidewalk in Huatulco, Mexico (Pacific Coast). He's about 6-8" (including legs). Can you identify it? Thanks, Tim
This is a tarantula (Araneida: Theraphosidae); they belong to a suborder called Orthognatha (also known as Mygalomorphae) and are differentiated from ‘true’ spiders (Labidognatha; also known as Araneomorphae) by the orientation of their chelicerae (the structures that support their fangs). In mygalomorphs, the chelicerae move up and down, in true spiders, they move in opposition, sort of like chopsticks. There are many tarantula species native to Mexico, and to the best of my knowledge, none are dangerous to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.

1663 Hello. I am from Toronto Ontario and have the following two bugs in my condo. I am assuming one is the larvae. Originally the black/red bug was found in the kitchen area near the cat's litter box, but are now finding them in the living room & bathroom. I use a wheat based cat litter and did not know if they were coming from that. They are slow moving and easy to catch. The larger ones appear to have red and black markings. The "larvae" I have only found in three places, behind the stereo system, in the cats bed and under my bed. They have always been dead when found. Are these two things related and what are they? Thanks. Heather.

The specimens are somewhat damaged, but they could be a larva and adult of a carpet beetle. Although these insects feed primarily on materials of animal origin, some also may feed on some cereal products. 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.

1662 Hi, great website, thank you. I finally discovered that the tiny translucent bugs I see occasionally around the wash basin in my bathroom in the UK are book lice. Thank you! I am on holiday in Lanzarote, Canary Islands, and would love to know what this is. It is sitting on the washing machine which is outside. I thought it might be a cockroach but it doesn’t scuttle away when I put the light on, in fact it hasn’t moved since I first saw it. Can you tell me what it is? Many thanks. Sue
This is a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). I suspect that it may be in the subfamily Lamiinae; see http://www.forestry.ubc.ca/fetch21/FRST308/lab7/monochamus_sp/5766-2.jpg for an example. Some beetles in this subfamily can be serious timber pests in conifers. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
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Dear Ed. I just wanted to say thank you very much for this and that certainly looks like what it is.We are having some decking put down in the garden of our villa in Lanzarote and I guess the bug may have come with the wood, which is a hardwood but I’m not sure what sort or where it’s from. Do I need to worry about this? Apart from the decking our villa also has wooden doors and window frames (the decking is new but the rest of the house is 2 years old). Kind regards. Sue
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You needn’t worry about this beetle, Sue - it will not reinfest finished lumber. Only a very few species of cerambycids are known to do so, most notably the old house borer (Hylotrupes bajulus) - see http://www.ento.psu.edu/extension/factsheets/old_house_borer.htm for details. I would worry more about termites, such as the West Indian dry wood termite (Cryptotermes brevis), which will attack seasoned timber and does occur in the Canary Islands - see http://creatures.ifas.ufl.edu/urban/termites/west_indian_drywood_termite.htm for details. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.