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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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What is this pest?
Submit photos of any pest you would
like identified.
Hopefully one of our visitors
will be able to identify them.
How to send your photos.
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.
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 3300 I was
outside and i happened to come along this on top of my car port it looks
like some nest of sort to me but i don't know would greatly appreciate
it if you could identify for me. Size:
Soccer ball. Month:March. Weather Condition: Warm. Thank You. Kathy
This could be a wasp nest,
but I’ve never seen anything quite like it. If you have an evening when
the temperature is low enough to inhibit insect activity, you might try
carefully cutting into it to see what is inside.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3299
I found this just north / east of Vancouver
BC Canada. I found it out of the water but about 15-20' from a
creek
As you can see from the picture there is still snow on the ground here
but we have had a few warm days recently.
I'm thinking it might be a dragonfly nymph but that is a very uneducated
guess. Thanks in advance for any info you can provide, Evan G.
This is a
hellgrammite, the larval stage of a dobsonfly (Megaloptera: Corydalidae).
They are aquatic, but leave the water when fully grown in order to find
a sheltered place to undergo pupation. They are general predators on
other small aquatic animals - see
http://tinyurl.com/2ds89l5 for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3298 What is
this? My cat found two inside my apartment two separate occasions
spring/summer and it looks like some sort of cricket with wings & long
antenna's. Kathleen.
This is a domestic house
cricket, Acheta domesticus (Orthoptera: Gryllidae) - see
http://tinyurl.com/3rftkjh for a fact sheet with detailed
information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3297 Hello I
hope you can help me . I keep finding this insect in my home ...it can
fly...I don’t know where it came from. I've lived here for 7 years and
only started seeing it in the last 6 months. I bought some furniture
from a catalog and the pieces came in boxes. the pieces were made in
like Thailand. here is a picture. Thank you. Michael
Fleischer
This appears to be a brown
marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera/Heteroptera:
Pentatomidae). See
http://tinyurl.com/nkexo3 for a fact sheet that includes control
recommendations. In addition to being agricultural pests, these bugs
often become nuisance pests indoors when they enter buildings in search
for overwintering shelter. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3296
This pest was found in our
Northern Minnesota living room. We’ve seen similar ones and they seem to
move fast, I didn’t give this one a chance, but I plan to let it go
outside soon. First day of April, sunny.-Sharon
This spider is in the family
Amaurobiidae (hacklemesh weavers), perhaps in the genus Amaurobius - see
http://tinyurl.com/3gto6tn for an example. These spiders are
harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3295 Hello, this
is not a pest, but I would like to identify what kind of spider it is. I
found this in Mexico two years ago while I was on vacation. This was
during December on a sunny day. ~Tim
This is an orb weaving
spider (family Araneidae) known as the silver argiope (Argiope
argentata) - see
http://tinyurl.com/2dnef2g for images and detailed information.
They are harmless to humans.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3294
This fellow lives in
Kamloops, B.C. in mid-summer on a large outdoor honeysuckle bush. The
insect is not often seen. Approximately one centimeter in length. Can
you identify it? Chris
This appears to be a long-horned
wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in the subfamily Lepturinae
(flower longhorns); perhaps Pseudogaurotina cressoni - see
http://tinyurl.com/3vssq2c for an image..
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3293
Can you help??? For the last two or three weeks my wife
and I have been noticing these bugs around our house. We have lived in
the house for almost six years now and have never seen them before this
year. The odd one just started showing up occasionally in the bathtub
and bathroom and kitchen sinks or just walking around on floor of the
house. We have a hot tub located inside the house and we seem to find
them there around the hot tub more than anywhere else. I found something
that looked similar in the photos on your web site and they appear to be
a ground beetle but I’m not absolutely certain. This picture was taken
about two days ago on March 28th just east of Three Hills Alberta. They
appear to have wings but I have not seen them fly and they don’t seem to
be doing anything other than just wandering around . I started to spray
Raid around the baseboards but I’m not sure if that is the best way to
get rid of them. Thanks very much. Greg
This is a ground beetle (Coleoptera:
Carabidae); likely another example in the subfamily Harpalinae, tribe Harpalini
- see no. 3281. Ground beetles such as these usually are general predators on
other small arthropods, and thus usually considered beneficial. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV.
|
 3292 Dear Pest
Control, My name is Marc and I'm from New York City. The winter is
currently just finishing up and this bug was one of many (~20) that I
noticed scattered on my basement floor. About half of them were dead but
the survivors seemed to be struggling. Some had wings, some had none and
a few were even walking around with just one. I haven't really seen any
bugs flying around except maybe the occasional moth. I've lived here
about 10 years and never noticed these guys before. Nothing has changed;
I don't eat much or store food in the basement and haven't had a water
problem in over 2 years. The guys are obviously tiny as that's just a
dime next to this one but the little bodies in my office are adding up.
If anyone knows what these guys are and possibly why they're suddenly
choosing to commit mass suicide in my basement, I would really
appreciate it.
This is a winged termite (‘swarmer’);
you should consider having your premises inspected by a professional
termite control specialist. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3291 Hello,
I believe this is a house spider but would like to make sure. We have
them in our home frequently. March, NE Washington state below the
Canadian border a few miles. These spiders are usually about 1 inch long
(in a normal position on the wall). They appear to be very dark in
color. We them all inside through the cold months of the year. Thank you
for your help, Ellen
This appears to be a male hacklemesh
weaver (family Amaurobiidae) likely a Callobius sp. - see
http://tinyurl.com/4ya8bck for an example. The are not dangerous to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3290 We found
this larvae in rural Nova Scotia, Canada in March. It was found in a
pine tree’s sap. The photo was taken through a microscope If you could
help us identify it that would be great. Thanks. Colin.
This is a larva of a fly, but I
cannot tell whether it is a scavenger feeding on wound exudate from the tree, or
a predator on other insects attracted to the sap/exudate. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3289 Good
Morning. Can you please help me identify this spider which was
found in an opened box of cereal.
Thank you. Steve
This is a huntsman spider (family
Sparassidae); possibly in the genus Olios - see
http://tinyurl.com/3cfd54e for an example. Sometimes also known as giant crab spiders, these
are active hunters that do not spin a capture web; they primarily are
subtropical/tropical in distribution. Large specimens can deliver a painful but
not dangerous bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3288
What is this bug? was taken at
a friends home in Jackson MS. Sharra.
This is a luna moth,
Actias luna (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae). See
http://tinyurl.com/2fzpdrm for images and detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3287
My name is Liana Lues.
I discovered this little insect, it
was to small to take photos with the lens I have on my camera so I used
reversed lenses to take the photos, this animal is about 1mm big.. I
have no idea what this is, can anyone help me???
This appears to be an immature larva
of a brown lacewing (Neuroptera: Hemerobiidae). These are general predators on
other small arthropods such as aphids. They sometimes disguise themselves by
attaching bits of debris, including the remains of previous meals, to hairs on
their body. Thus adorned, they may be called ‘trash bugs.’ See
http://tinyurl.com/3vske8q for detailed information.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3286 Hello. I
live in northern VA. I found this spider in our unfinished basement. I
found this spider in the fall (Sept/Oct). Thank you for helping me to
identify this spider.
This is a wolf spider
(family Lycosidae); it looks like the rabid wolf spider, Rabidosa
rabida (see
http://tinyurl.com/nlvjlz for an image). This is a very common and widespread
species that in spite of its name, is harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove,
WV.
|
 3285 Hello, I
found this bug in my camera shop, in Sarnia, Ontario, on a camera back
pack. It was found indoors near the end of March 2011, it’s about 14 mm
long 5 mm wide. The attached photo is an actual photo of the bug. It
appeared to be covered in a dust/powder like substance. Helge
This is a nymph of an assassin bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera:
Reduviidae); likely Reduvius personata, a peridomestic species commonly
known as the masked hunter. They are general predators on other small
arthropods, but can deliver a very painful bite if mishandled. See no. 3245 for
another example and
http://tinyurl.com/egdfr for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV.
|
   
3284
These recently submitted photos are all carpet
beetles. For information please see the previous submissions: 3231,
3247, 3249, 3258.
Webmanager. |
 3283
Attached are photos of an unknown spider?
(not sure because only has six legs) . These photos were taken in the
summer while berry picking in the interlake region of Manitoba. The
spider was around the size of a loonie, very beautiful if you ask me. If
you could help me identify the subject in question that would be great,
Karlene
This is an orb
weaving spider (family Araneidae); likely a shamrock spider, Araneus
trifolium - see
http://tinyurl.com/4spomqv for an image. All orb weavers are
harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3282 My name is
Sheryl and I live in central Texas (Waco to be more specific) and these
insects are swarming my yard. I have a 1 year old daughter and I was
wondering if they are harmful and what they are. Thanks for all your
help!
This is a nymph of a
boxelder bug (Boisea sp.; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Rhopalidae).
They basically are nuisance pests that do little if any real damage,
feeding mainly on the developing seeds of maples and related trees. See
http://tinyurl.com/5haez8 for images and more detailed
information. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3281
Can you identify this bug? It was found in a house in
March in Saskatchewan. Black in color & less than 1mm in length. There
are lots of them up stairs & down. this has been a wet year for Sask;
Thank you Vern
This is a ground beetle (Coleoptera:
Carabidae); likely in the subfamily Harpalinae, tribe Harpalini - see
http://tinyurl.com/3n9l46x for an example. Ground beetles such as these usually are general
predators on other small arthropods, and thus usually considered beneficial. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV.
|
 3280 Hey I found
this odd little bug on my outside wall. It appears to have 6 legs, 2
antennae, and two long ... things? from its body. At first I thought
they were folded wings, but it doesn't seem to be able to fly. When I
blew on it and tapped on the wall near it, it would only walk, not fly.
I live in the Seattle area. It's a cloudy but dry day, 42 degrees F or
so, end of March, and I would estimate the total wingspan (?)
horizontally to be about 1 inch.
Thanks! ~Melissa
This is another plume moth
(Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae) - see no. 3279. |
 3279
Hello, This bug was on my door and no one seems to know what it is. I
was hoping that you may be able to help me identify it!! Thank
you, Tresley, Surrey, BC
This is a plume moth (Lepidoptera:
Pterophoridae); the pose is very characteristic of this family. See
http://tinyurl.com/4jrmbre for an image of a similar species from your region.
|
 3278
Hi Pest Control Canada Team, Thanks for
your help. Attached are two pictures taken of a bug, that was found on
my bathroom tile floor. There were four of them. I also found one
yesterday in my kitchen cupboard. I have cleaned out the cupboard,
the bathroom floor and cabinets, and did not find anymore. These
pictures were taken today (March 24, 2011). We live in a condo, in North
York ON. Please help me identify! Thanks!! -Francis
This is a
weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae); it appears to be one of the grain
pests in the genus Sitophilus - see
http://tinyurl.com/yfaa4cv for detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3277 I’m located
in Alhambra, CA, a suburb of Los Angeles. Can you help identify this bug
we found in the garden. I’ve never seen it before. Thanks.
Mitch
This is a case-bearing caterpillar;
it looks like a household casebearer, Phereoeca uterella (Lepidoptera:
Tineidae) - see
http://tinyurl.com/25sckwj for images. They appear to feed mainly on
old spider webs and the like. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3276 Found this
embedded in our relatively new carpet after we moved our couch. Also
found these all over the old carpet when we first moved into the house
last year. Live in the Twin Cities, MN. Currently spring, weather is
cold and wet. Maria
These are fragments of
long-dead millipedes. These basically are harmless scavengers on
decomposing organic matter that occasionally can be nuisance pests when
they occur indoors.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove,
WV. |
 3275
Hello, Found this carcass underneath heating vent in ground floor
apartment suite in Edmonton, AB. It is about 2 cm long. My best guess
would be a centipede. It appears to have been partially eaten by
something else. Dean
This is indeed the south end
of a previously north-bound centipede. It may have been chomped upon
after its demise.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  3274
I live in Tyler, Texas. The pictures are
of an inside wall in the bathroom. The insects are Boring thru the
sheetrock and forming a sawdust ball on the outside of the sheetrock.
You Can see the insect in the picture and the other is a picture of the
sawdust nest that is on the sheetrock. Can you identify? Thank you, Tony
Although the
behavior appears a bit unusual and the image is none too clear, this
looks to me more like a termite than anything else. You may wish to
schedule an inspection by a termite specialist just in case. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove,WV. |
 3273
My name is Daisy, currently living in
Houston, it's about 80 degrees and somewhat humid. I found these bug in
my dogs crate on her pillow and in my carpet. Please tell me what they
are.
This is a
weevil (Coleoptera; Curculionidae); it bears resemblance to an alfalfa
weevil, Hypera postica - see
http://tinyurl.com/4pcxdpt for an image. Although these can be
serious agricultural pests, they pose no threat to human or animal
health. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3272
my name is guy, this was 1 bug in a
swarm of them outside. photo was taken on St. Patrick's day 2011. it was
the first day of the yr when the temp get above 55 deg Fahrenheit.
it was in my backyard here in Jackson NJ. .
This appears
to be a sawfly in the family Tenthredinidae; likely in the genus
Dolorus - see
http://tinyurl.com/4mcampt for an example. I have seen these flying about
in our area of WV recently. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3271
I took this picture of a spider found in my
backyard. We live in Sidney BC Canada and I have never seen this spider
before. I am hoping that you will be able to identify and have
information on this spider. Thank you for any assistance.
Christine
This is a hacklemesh weaver (family
Amaurobiidae) in the genus Callobius, possibly Callobius severus -
see
http://tinyurl.com/d5teky for an image. These spiders are harmless
to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3270 Found in
our shed September 19, 2010. she? was very fuzzy, and didn't
really move very quickly...my boyfriend caught her and put her outside
in the woods...
This looks like a fishing
spider (family Pisauridae) in the genus Dolomedes,
possibly the dark fishing spider, Dolomedes tenebrosus - see
http://tinyurl.com/2g5kmbp for an image, and no. 3104 for another
example. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3269
Hello Webmanager, I just noticed these
piles of tailings recently where none existed before. I suspect the
change in seasons has had a hand in this. Is it possible to identify the
creature that made this pile? Brushing away the tailings reveals the
burrow entrance which is about a quarter of an inch in diameter.
Best regards, Jack
Unfortunately,
I do not believe that the owner of this burrow can be identified with
any precision. It may be a ground-nesting bee or wasp. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3268 Hi there.
Just found your amazing website. This insect was found on the concrete
floor of a glasshouse in Auckland, New Zealand. Any idea of its
identity? This is the second one of these we have seen here. Kind
Regards. Tara
This appears to be a moth that has
run into a problem after emerging from its pupal case. It could be in the family
Arctiidae or Ctenuchidae. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3267
Thanks to your site I found that the bugs
I've had that I thought were called silverfish are actually house
centipedes. But there is another, much tinier bug I'm trying to get rid
of. (see attached) These bugs are tiny, 1mm to 2mm at most (the
photo is highly enlarged), and I find them 10 at a time scurrying around
on a windowsill when I open it. Sometimes a bunch will appear on my
bathroom floor. They seemed to be resistant to a lambda-cyhalothrin
0.03% spray - bugs walked right over it a few hours after spraying. They
stopped appearing when the weather got cold in November, but now that
it's March and it's warmer, they are back. Help! --Tom in Fort
Lee, NJ
This appears
to be a primitive arthropod in the order Collembola called a springtail
- see
http://tinyurl.com/yh9wgyw
for detailed information. The vast majority of these (such as
your specimen) are harmless scavengers on decomposing organic matter
that sometimes may be nuisance pests when they come indoors. However,
they are very susceptible to drying out, so lowering indoor humidity and
eliminating unnecessary moisture sources usually are sufficient for
control. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3266
We just bought a house and I'm finding these bugs on the
window sill - maybe two - six at a time. They are slow movers, don't
fly, play dead when I touch them. I vacuum them up, but they reappear
after a day. Unsure if they are getting in from the window weep holes,
but it appears this problem is old as I found clear tape covering some
of the weep holes. Thanks for the help! Yvette - Bellevue, WA USA
This is yet another carpet beetle (Coleoptera:
Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus; the adult beetles
often are found at windows, trying to get outdoors after
completing their immature stages indoors. See
http://tinyurl.com/4zbmy4g
for control recommendations.
Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3265
What r these bugs crawling all over in
yard driveway and on house. spring in lower Louisiana .temp somewhat
warm.
This is a
weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). The image is not clear enough for a
positive identification, but it looks somewhat like an alfalfa weevil (Hypera
postica) - see
http://tinyurl.com/4pcxdpt for an image. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3264
My name is Judy from Edmonton Alberta-- We've had
these bugs for quite some time in our basement--they are slow crawlers
and seem to do no harm--we get the almost year round--we think they come
from the foundation-we live in a bi-level- Any help would be
appreciated. Thanks
This is a terrestrial crustacean in
the order Isopoda. Commonly known as sowbugs or woodlice, they breathe through
gills that must be kept moist, and thus mainly are found in damp environments.
They basically are scavengers on decomposing organic matter, but can be nuisance
pests when they occur indoors. More detailed information, including control
recommendations, can be found elsewhere on this site - see
http://tinyurl.com/4hrwx7h Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV.
|
  3263 On inspecting my overwintered bee
hives , I find this beetle has destroyed comb , overwintering stores and
brood. There is a Small Hive
Beetle with the same M.O. but does not look like the ones I find.
Vancouver Island was a quarantined area, but our Provincial Government
chose to remove the quarantine to allow Alberta to overwinter here and
importers to bring in foreign stock. I'm afraid that our government
has made a terrible mistake .
I've lost hives and on inspection find a beetle that has destroyed
comb and stored honey and new brood. I've checked with American
interests and photos of their Small Hive Beetle do not totally agree
with the beetle I've found. Photos of the ones if find attached. Bob
J. Comox B.C.
This most definitely
is not a small hive beetle (Aethina tumida; Coleoptera:
Nitidulidae). It appears to be a flat brown scavenger beetle,
Necrophilus hydrophiloides (Coleoptera: Agyrtidae) - see
http://tinyurl.com/48okvg5 and
http://tinyurl.com/4lddl4w for images of an adult and larva,
respectively. This is a native species that reportedly is found
primarily around carrion and decaying plant material in coastal forests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3262
For the last two years we've been noticing these bugs around our house.
They usually show up in the summer months outside the house but this
year they've been showing up inside the house (mainly bathrooms and the
bedroom beside it) in the winter time. I'm worried they're going to get
worse once the temperature rises since they seem to populate around
then. This picture was taken in March in Midland, Ontario but we have
been seeing them around since late January. The weather's been back and
forth lately so I'm not sure it affects them. It's been sunny and hot
one day and then cool and snowing another. I believe they have wings but
I have not seen them fly. I'd just like to know what they are and the
best way to get rid of them.
This is a boxelder
bug (Boisea sp.; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Rhopalidae); likely the
eastern boxelder bug, Boisea trivittata. They basically are
nuisance pests that seldom do any real harm. See
http://tinyurl.com/5haez8 for images and more detailed
information. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3261
I found this on the wall in my
bedroom in Edmonton Alberta on March the 13th can you plz tell me what
it is.
This is a larder beetle,
Dermestes lardarius; Coleoptera: Dermestidae); they will feed on a wide
variety of organic material, primarily that of animal origin (including cured
meats). See
http://tinyurl.com/l6ndgr for more detailed information, including
control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3260
Hello. I live in Cape Town , South Africa. I
emptied the laundry bag out on to the bed to sort, and with the laundry
came dozens, if not hundreds of these tiny worm-like creatures. They are
approx 3 - 5mm in length, very thin and tapered on both ends. Hope you
can help identify them. Thanks Marisa
Unfortunately, there
is insufficient detail in this image for me even to guess at what they
might be - if at all possible, try to get another image that is in
clearer focus. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3259 Hello, my
name is Gege and I found this Beatle in a tall grass field in my yard on
Northeast USA, outer Cape Cod Massachusetts. It was March12, 45 deg.
sunny day, outdoors in wild tall grass, it was walking through matted
grass and is the size of a Quarter exactly in length, has an iridescent
green/black color. I hope you can tell me what kind it is. Thank you.
This is a blister beetle (Coleoptera;
Meloidae) in the genus Meloe; they commonly are called ‘oil
beetles’ because of the reflexive ‘bleeding’ from their joints when
disturbed. This fluid contains a chemical, cantharidin, which can cause
blistering to tender skin. See number 3236 for another example and
http://tinyurl.com/y2u2sck for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3258 Hi,
This photo was taken in Vancouver, BC. The season has been pretty cold
and wet lately around here with brief pauses for maybe a day or 2 every
few weeks with some sunshine. I've been getting bites from something
when i'm sleeping at night, and i suspect sometimes while i've been
sitting on my futon in the evenings. I'd sometimes get none for a day or
2 (that i notice anyway), but then i might get 2 or 3 the next night,
usually well spaced out in completely different areas of my body, not
grouped together or in a line like bedbug bites often are (so i've
read). I used to work in a hostel about a year and a half ago, which had
bed bugs, so i know what they look like and where they usually hide, but
i can't find any in or around my bed at all. I did find 2 of these
(image attached) though, but from what i can tell, and judging from
other photos on this site, this looks like a carpet beetle. But! Carpet
beetles don't bite, right? So could this be something else, or have i
got 2 separate bug problems? Hope you can help me out with this, i
really appreciate anything you can tell me about what could be going on.
Thanks, Eoin
This is indeed a carpet
beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus, possibly
Anthrenus verbasci, the varied carpet beetle - see
http://tinyurl.com/4d8frnq for an image. Their larvae will feed on
a very wide range of organic materials, including wool and silken
fabrics. See
http://tinyurl.com/yun78p for a fact sheet that includes control
recommendations. These would not be responsible for your bites. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3257 Hi my name is
Dillan and i was wondering what kind of bugs these are? I have
found about 10-20 of them on my window sill in my bedroom over the last
couple of days. I'm not sure if they are in other parts of the house
because they are so small I wouldn't normally notice them. I live in
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and found the bugs in March, 2011. The
weather has been warming up lately but they bugs might have been here
for a while I just never noticed them. Thanks for your help!
The image is not clear
enough for me to be certain, but this could be a booklouse (Psocodea:
Liposcelidae). They are not true lice, but scavengers that feed
primarily on mold spores and bits of organic detritus. Occasionally,
they may become nuisance pests in food storage areas. They do need high
humidity and moist conditions in order to persist in an indoor
environment, so lowering humidity levels and eliminating unnecessary
moisture sources help control them. See
http://tinyurl.com/mvz4xf for more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3256 I found a
few of these guys in my basement of a newly constructed home in Milton
Ontario. I’m new to the country living and have never seen a spider like
this. A neighbor told me he was bitten months ago by a brown recluse.
When I researched this spider and saw how dangerous it was I wanted to
be sure that the few I’ve seen are not the brown recluse. It’s
roughly an inch long and ¾” wide. I have seen them in October and just
yesterday. I have only seen them in my basement which is unfinished with
just poured concrete. Hopefully someone will be able to know what type
of spider this is and if it’s dangerous. Thanks. Mark
This looks like a fine, fat and
sassy female wolf spider (family Lycosidae), they frequently wander indoors
during their search for prey. Large specimens can deliver a painful (but not
dangerous) bite if mishandled. Just FYI, the endemic range for the brown recluse
spider (Loxosceles reclusa) comes nowhere near anywhere in Canada - see
http://tinyurl.com/4b9v28b for a map. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3255 These small
brown bugs are in our house. We have noticed a few of them in the fall
for the last couple of years but they always disappeared after a couple
of weeks. This year they have been around all winter. They like to hide
in dark places like the cracks around doors and we find them on window
sills. They are about 1 cm (3/8 inch) long and don't seem to bite or
sting but there are lots of them and they are annoying. We live in a
rural area with lots of oak trees in Paso Robles, California. Can you
identify them and tell us how to get rid of them? Thanks! Russ
This superficially resembles
a scentless plant bug (Hemipera/Heteroptera: Rhopalidae) such as those
in the genus Arhyssus - see
http://tinyurl.com/ygwzdz5 for an example. These are nuisance pests that appear to do
little if any real damage.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove,
WV. |
 3254 Young's Point Ontario. Both insects found
indoors. The house is 30 plus years old. It is rather damp and
dusty inside. The 1st insect was in the bathroom early fall last
year. My cat found it actually so I captured it in a glass then I
put it outside after taking the picture. It seems to rest on one back
leg. It seems to have spikes also on each leg numerous. The
second is in different rooms of the house. I have seen the same insect
around the window ledges which when trying to capture it seems to snug
right into the window sill. It plays dead rather well. It appears
to have markings middle of its body with the head and backend looking
very dark and somewhat a fuzzy appearance. I first saw this in the
summer and have just found this a day or so ago. Any help would be
great. Donna
The first image is a
cave/camel cricket (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae); sometimes also called
‘sprickets’ because they look something like a cross between a spider
and cricket. They frequent dark, damp environments (such as basements),
and can be nuisance pests when they occur indoors. See
http://tinyurl.com/5ncego for more detailed information. The
second one is a larder beetle (Dermestes lardarius; Coleoptera:
Dermestidae); they will feed on a wide variety of organic material,
primarily that of animal origin (including cured meats). See
http://tinyurl.com/l6ndgr
for more detailed information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3253 Hi, I live
in Flagstaff, Arizona. Flagstaff is located on the south edge of the
Colorado Plateau with an elevation of 7000 feet (2100 m). The climate
here is cold in the winter with abundant snow and hot in the summer with
a monsoon rains between June and August. Most time of a year it is
sunny and low in humidity. I have seen this bug in my bathroom since in
last Fall. They appear in dark brown color and measure about 2-4 mm in
length. They seem to come out of cracks in walls and move slowly on the
wall surface. I have to remove dozens of them every day. I would
greatly appreciate it if you could identify the bug and let me know how
to control them. Ray
These are not insects at all, but
millipedes in the family Polyxenidae - see
http://tinyurl.com/4bpt9uw for an image. They superficially resemble carpet beetle larvae,
but a close inspection shows that they have far more legs than do carpet
beetles. They frequently come indoors, sometimes in large numbers, often
concentrated near areas of high moisture, such as bathrooms, around kitchen
sinks, and near outdoor hot tubs and faucets. Although they can be nuisance
pests, they do not reproduce or survive long indoors. They primarily feed
outdoors on decaying plant matter, fungi, and algae. No effective insecticides
have been identified to reduce invasions of duff millipedes; keeping the area
around foundations clean of cover and reducing sources of moisture should help
in their management. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3252 We found
this spider at work and have no idea what it is. Thanks.
Bob. Help Desk Technician
xxxxxxxxxxx Foods Corporation.
This appears to be a
woodlouse spider, Dysdera crocata (family Dysderidae) - see
http://tinyurl.com/4ev2lr9 for images. They have unusually large
chelicerae for their size, and can deliver a painful (but not dangerous)
bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3251
Small, found in clothing, it seems to affect clothes that have not been
worn for a long time. NO damage yet, sheds its skin as we have found
skin in clothing. I think its a varied carpet bug but want to be sure.
Matt. Montreal
This larva has lost much of its
hair, but it still looks more like an Attagenus sp. which includes the
black carpet beetle and allies - see
http://tinyurl.com/2vdd96g for an image and
http://tinyurl.com/4zbmy4g for control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3250 Hello.
We live in Edmonton Alberta and these photos were taken March 8, 2011.
We have been finding many of these worms on our stairs, they seem to
enjoy burrowing into the carpet. They stay very still until they are
disturbed and seem to have about 6 legs in the front only. They are
about 4-5 mm in length, are reddish brown with white stripes, and have
wispy feathery bits coming from their tail end. We started noticing them
around the first week of February and have been routinely finding
several a day since. Any help you could give us would be greatly
appreciated. Thanks. Diana
This is a larva of a carpet
beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae), likely in the genus Attagenus,
which includes the black carpet beetle and allies - see
http://tinyurl.com/2vdd96g for an image. Control recommendations
included in
http://tinyurl.com/4zbmy4g apply to these beetles as well. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3249
Hello my name is Sean and i found this
bug my crawling on my bed in my room in Toronto Ontario during the
winter. I am worried it is a bed bug, any help is appreciated. The pest
is approximately one millimeter. Thank you.
This is yet
another carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus
Anthrenus; the adult beetles often are found at windows, trying to
get outdoors after completing their immature stages indoors. Unlike
their larvae, the adult beetles are not destructive, but feed primarily
on flower pollen.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3248
Hello i would like to identify this bug.
I have no clue what it is they appeared at home a week ago. weather that
week was quiet cold and at times spring like. They are found and
at night and during the day time. During this week i have found about 12
of them in my room. On separate occasions. It is warm at home. All so
they are approx 2.5 - 2 mm length and i have found one black one like
that with yellow dots Location is United Kingdom Midland
(Buckinghamshire ) season beginning of the spring but its still at times
cold as during winter, location it is found all over the room.
Could u please identifying it and give a suggestion if its a pest is it
spreading fast, how to get rid of it if its a pest. thanks in advance.
Regards, Ricardas
This is
another carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus
Anthrenus, likely the varied carpet beetle, Anthrenus
verbasci; see
http://tinyurl.com/4do44x3 for an image. The same comments as for
no. 3247 apply here as well. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3247
I found this bug dead in my laundry
basket in Port Hope Ontario, March 2, 2011. It is small, about 5 mm
long, and hard.
I had it
inside a piece of scotch tape (not pressed tight but folded over.)
When I took it out a piece fell off and wings appeared. I have included
the piece that fell out in the picture.
Thanks. Fran
This is a
common carpet beetle, Anthrenus scrophulariae (Coleoptera:
Dermestidae), sometimes also known as the buffalo carpet beetle. It is a
cosmopolitan species whose larval stages feed on a wide variety of
organic materials, including woolen and silk fabrics, furs, hides, etc.
See
http://tinyurl.com/4zbmy4g for detailed information that includes
control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3246
Hello: Attached is photo of the bugs I have in
my house. I live in Stoney Creek Ontario (Hamilton). It is winter and
snow is outside. These bugs are about 3/8 of an inch long Thanks.
Gil
This is a
short-snouted/broad-nosed weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; subfamily
Entiminae). It could be a black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus
- see no. 3229 for another example and
http://tinyurl.com/2e98ta4 for a fact sheet. These weevils often
enter buildings in search of shelter, but do no harm there. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3245
Hi .. My name is Pete, and we live in Ajax, Ontario. My
son found this bug in his bedroom at night, in March. It was about 1cm
long. We've had rainy warmer weather for the past couple of days, but we
had a sudden temperature drop during the day from about +7C to -5C. This
is the only one we've seen so far. Any help in identifying it is
appreciated!
This is a nymph of an
assassin bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Reduviidae); likely that of
Reduvius personatus, known as the masked hunter - see
http://tinyurl.com/4wgcj8t for an image and no. 3218 for another
example. These are general predators on other small arthropods, and can
deliver a very painful bite if mishandled. See
http://tinyurl.com/egdfr for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3244 We live on
Manitoulin Island on Georgian Bay. This is one of a dozen hornets that
we have found and killed in our bedroom this Feb. It seems impossible
that they are all queens over wintering as your site info suggests. They
are very slow and lethargic and easy to catch but we just found one in
our bed sheets and would of course like to get rid of them. How do we
find them? We live in a 5 yr. old timber frame house and our bedroom is
situated in the loft area. There are so many natural cracks and crannies
in these timbers where they could be entering that it is a real problem,
so we would appreciate your help. What do you suggest we do? Thank you
in advance. Kristin
This is a paper wasp
(Hymenoptera: Vespidae) in the genus Polistes; likely Polistes
fuscatus, a highly variable species - see
http://tinyurl.com/48nrpl8 for some examples. These wasps are very
opportunistic in selecting overwintering shelter (see
http://tinyurl.com/4kze7ot), and short of hermetically sealing
your house, there likely is no way to keep the occasional ‘visitor’ from
gaining entry. However, they are not aggressive, and simply may be
gathered up in a kerchief, heavy paper towel, or similar object, and
released outdoors. We frequently do this in our house, and have never
been stung. Other control should not be necessary. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3243 Hi, A
bunch of these bugs appears to be coming out of new heating ducts
(new=installed at the end of December 2010). The bug was in a small
bathroom paper cup. We live in the North-east Greater Philadelphia PA
community. We have had a lot of work done on our house (heat, siding,
and trees very close to the house removed). Is this something to be
concerned about? The picture was taken today (within the hour of
composing this email), it is overcast but warm.
The bug was coming out of the
upstairs vent, we have a two zone system with an air handler in the
attic. I did look through your pictures but i didn't see anything that
looks like this. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Tom
Although the antennae are
not distinctly elbowed, this specimen looks like a male carpenter ant
(Hymenoptera; Formicidae; Camponotus sp.) - see
http://tinyurl.com/4rjah6y for an example. These ants usually
attack wood that already has been damaged in some way, such as by
moisture; you may want to inspect the attic area carefully for signs of
their presence. See
http://tinyurl.com/dsx2t for some control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3242 I found this bug trying
,unsuccessfully, to climb up a brick wall towards my porch light in
North Central Texas at night after 2 days of nice weather. It seems so
ungainly with that large abdomen that I worry its some kinda queen and I
have a problem but I couldn't find any pictures on your site or through
any other research. Please help. Dawn.
North Central Texas
This is a blister beetle
(Coleoptera; Meloidae) in the genus Meloe; they commonly are called
‘oil beetles’ because of the reflexive ‘bleeding’ from their joints
when disturbed. This fluid contains a chemical, cantharidin, which
can cause blistering to tender skin. See number 3236 for another
example and
http://tinyurl.com/y2u2sck for more detailed information. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3241 Hi. I
found these two bugs in my bedroom - one is a worm like bug - the
picture if what I believe to be two "dead skins"? - I was unable to get
a picture of a live one - but I'm still finding them. They appear
to have three pairs of legs on them too. The other one appears to be a
small looking beetle. Anyone have any idea what they are/how to get rid
of them? I poured boiling water on the carpet last night to try
and get rid of them - we'll have to see if that did anything or not.
These photos are taken in southwestern Ontario and at the end of
February. If anyone could help me out by letting me know how to
get rid of them/what they are I would really appreciate it.
These are the shed ‘skins’
of larvae of beetles in the family Dermestidae (hide/skin/carpet beetles
and allies), they will feed on an extremely wide variety of organic
materials, primarily those of animal origin. See
http://tinyurl.com/yun78p for a fact sheet that includes control
recommendations. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3240
Hello - could you please tell me what spider this is. I
looked on your website so I don't think it's dangerous but it probably
could give you a nasty bite. I found it in my house (probably off the
wood I bring in for my fire), in Victoria BC. It was found Dec 2010.
This looks like a foldingdoor spider
(family Antrodiaetidae) in the genus Antrodiaetus - see
http://tinyurl.com/2bneoy4 for an example. These spiders are not dangerous to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV.
|
 3239 The insect
and many more were crossing the snow covered road. My wife and i
took the pic at Kempt Head on Boulandere . Donald,
Georges River
This is a winter stonefly, likely a
small winter stonefly (Plecoptera: Capniidae), they can be active at freezing
temperatures - see
http://tinyurl.com/48zccjb for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV.
|
 3238 Location =
Halifax Nova Scotia, Canada. I have these walking in my house In
February/Winter Size = ½” The biggest one I caught. Any Idea what
type of Ants these are? And do ants normally walk around in the middle
of winter? It’s snowing a blizzard here. How do I get rid of them?
Thanks in advance for any help.
This could be a carpenter ant (Camponotus
sp.) - see
http://tinyurl.com/4v9eqww for an example. Some of these can be
structural pests as they tunnel in wood to make their nests. Unlike termites,
they do not eat the wood. These can be difficult to control, see
http://tinyurl.com/dsx2t for some recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3237
Hello, I noticed this big spider
moving slowly across my living room floor. I live in North Vancouver,
BC, and these photos were taken over a month ago in January around
midnight. In the second photograph, I sprayed the spider with raid
because my room mate is extremely phobic and insisted that I do so
(that's why it's wet-looking and shriveled up). Hope someone can
tell me what this is! Letty
I cannot be
certain, as I cannot see the spider’s eyes, but this could be a funnel
web spider (family Agelenidae) in the genus Tegenaria - see
http://tinyurl.com/4dvxmlp for an example. These spiders often are
found indoors, sometimes wandering quite some distance from any web.
Large specimens can deliver a painful bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3236 Hi my name
is Dan I live in the northeast US (CT) I find these bugs on my lawn or
in the mulch during the spring, summer and fall. They seem to come out
when the ground warms I see them more in the morning hours. No one has
any idea what they are or if they are harmful in any way. please help!
I have seen them in sizes from 1/2 inch to almost 2" they are slow and
seem not to fly but burrow into the ground. - Thank you Dan.
This is a blister beetle (Coleoptera;
Meloidae) in the genus Meloe; they commonly are called ‘oil
beetles’ because of the reflexive ‘bleeding’ from their joints when
disturbed. This fluid contains a chemical, cantharidin, which can cause
blistering to tender skin. See
http://tinyurl.com/y2u2sck for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
  3235
Dear Editor, My name is Juliana and I am
from Indonesia. Recently I went to different locations of jatropha
planting area and found the yellow green and yellow insects that I think
they both are the same species, however I cannot identify it in jatropha
pests list. I found the yellow green insect on a jatropha leaf in
Sumbawa-Indonesia. The photo was taken on the 7th February
2011 afternoon in a jatropha nursery, outdoor. The area has experienced
lots of rain. The second photo of the yellow insects was taken
outdoor on the 14th of February 2011 in a coastal area of
Sikka-Flores-Indonesia. The insects were mating on the jatropha leaf.
The area has experienced lots of rain. My colleague and I have
never seen the insects eat jatropha leaf or fruit. We are really
wondering are they pest or not? Thank you in advance for your kind
assistance. Regards, Juliana
These are
short-snouted/broad-nosed weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; subfamily
Entiminae). For the most part, the adult beetles are leaf notchers,
feeding on the margins of leaves, but these do not appear to cause
serious damage. Their larvae tend to be root feeders, and some of these
can be serious pests. See
http://tinyurl.com/4szlszv for a list of pests of jatropha. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3234 Hi - This
is from August in upstate New York (Rochester). Can you tell me what it
is? Thank you. Jeff
This is an orb-weaving spider
(family Araneidae) in the genus Micrathena; likely Micrathena gracilis
- see
http://tinyurl.com/4mlq6x5 for an image. All orb weavers are
harmless to humans. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3233 Hi there,
Found this bug, alive, on my bathroom counter, today Feb 23/11. We live
in Strathcona County, Alberta, Canada. I hope someone can tell me what
it is, unusual to find bugs around in mid-February! Marjorie
This looks like a larva of a
scarlet malachite beetle (Malachius aeneus; Coleoptera: Melyridae)
- see
http://tinyurl.com/4vfkh6n for an image. These larvae appear to be
predaceous on other small invertebrates. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV.
|
 3232 Hello, My name is
Karen and I live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. We just moved into our new
home (newly built less than one year ago) and we started noticing these
little bugs once the winter began. They seem to be coming from our
unfinished basement and they are capable of flying. We have well water
and there seems to be quite a few of these bugs dead near the water pump
in the basement. They seem harmless enough but we would like to know if
anything needs to be done. Thanks, Karen in Ottawa
The damaged condition and lack of
detail make it difficult to pin an i.d. on this one. That aside, it does not
appear to be any pest species of great concern; at worst, there is a possibility
it could be a spider beetle (Coleoptera: Anobiidae; subfamily Ptininae). Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3231
Hi, I found this bug on my tile
bathroom floor in Vancouver, BC. The grout line it's walking along is
about 3/16" of an inch wide, so it's a pretty small bug. I'd be
interested to know what it is! Thanks, Brian
This is a
carpet beetle (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus,
possibly Anthrenus verbasci, the varied carpet beetle - see
http://tinyurl.com/4d8frnq for an image. Their larvae will feed on
a very wide range of organic materials, including wool and silken
fabrics. See
http://tinyurl.com/yun78p for a fact sheet that includes control
recommendations. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3230 My name is Vern and I live in southwestern ontario near Windsor. I
found this worm in my swimming pool last spring. It was about 2 inches in
length. I have never seen anything like this before and wondered what it was
and whether it is harmful.
This is a centipede in the
order Geophilomorpha - see
http://tinyurl.com/662zbvq for an image. They are known as soil
centipedes and usually are found in loose soil or under rocks, etc., where they
are general predators on other small arthropods; they are completely harmless to
humans.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3229
Hello again, My name is Mary and I live in an apartment building in downtown
Toronto. I found another pest in my apartment and I'm wondering what it is. This
guy is the length of a penny, he is black with some speckles on his back (which
is shell like). He doesn't move very fast and is usually hanging around dark
places in the early morning or late at night. He seems pretty harmless but I've
seen a couple of them now and want to know if I should be doing anything serious
to get rid of them. Any tips would be appreciated! Thanks again, Mary in
Toronto
This is a short-snouted/broad-nosed
weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; subfamily Entiminae). It could be a black
vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus - see no. 3200 for another example and
http://tinyurl.com/2e98ta4 for a fact sheet. These weevils often
enter buildings in search of shelter, but do no harm there. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3228
Please identify this beetle. Central New Jesey - 20 miles from the
Atlantic Ocean, indoors, winter. Jeff
This one also appears to be another
brown marmorated stink bug - see nos. 3226 and 3227. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV.
|
 3227
Can anybody tell me what kind
of bug this is. John M.
This appears to be another
brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera/Heteroptera:
Pentatomidae) - see no. 3226. In addition to being agricultural pests, these
bugs often become nuisance pests indoors when they enter buildings in search for
overwintering shelter. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist;
Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3226
Hi there. My name is Martin and I live
in Central NJ. Ever since we moved in about a year ago, we have seen this bug in
side the house. Now that it is a little warmer, we have seen 3 in as many days.
Looks a little like a stink bug but it doesn't smell when we grab it. It
actually seems to leave a whitish powder when we grab it, almost like a moth.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
This is a stink bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera:
Pentatomidae); likely a brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys, an
Asian species that has become a pest in northeastern North America. See
http://tinyurl.com/nkexo3 for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3225
My name is Rob and I live in the Niagara Region. I have found
about 6 of these bugs in my home, mainly near the kitchen area. It is the
middle of February and I have no idea where these bugs are coming from. Before
I find any more, please let me know if we could have an infestation, how to find
the source of where there are living / entering, are they harmful, and how to
get rid of them. Also, I am curious - I had a plant that lived outside the
entire summer and I brought it in for the winter. Could this bug have lived in
the soil? I appreciate any help you can offer. Regards, Rob.
This appears to be a
short-snouted/broad-nosed weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; subfamily Entiminae).
See
http://tinyurl.com/23amafz and nos. 3178, 3162, 3126, and 3056 for
other examples. These weevils often enter buildings in search of shelter, but do
no harm there. Their larvae of some species can be serious garden pests, as they
feed on the roots of many plants.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3224
Found this bug recently (Feb 16th)
on a comforter inside a home. Should I be concerned with this property ie.
Would this bug be traveler? Is it a bedbug??? Sincerely - a concerned
Realtor, Bernice
This is an arachnid (relative of
spiders, scorpions, ticks, etc.) known as a pseudoscorpion. They are general
predators on other small arthropods, and are completely harmless to humans. See
http://tinyurl.com/lubjn5 for more detailed information, Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3223
Hello - I live in Cape Cod, but make weekly trips to NY. Recently our firm in
NYC had bed bug eradication done. Upon returning to the Cape, I woke up this
morning and found this bug on my bathroom wall. Is it a bed bug?
This is a young nymph of a
cockroach, possibly that of a German cockroach, Blattella germanica (Orthoptera:
Blattidae), a very common pest species. See
http://tinyurl.com/6dc2rw for detailed information including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3222
Hi, We have these bugs invading our house this winter, most of them are in the
basement, they don’t live very long but are a nuisance. We had a few last
year but many more now. Is there any way to get rid of them? We live in
Saskatchewan, Canada. Thanks Don
These are ground beetles (Coleoptera:
Carabidae). Ones such as these are general predators on other small arthropods,
and thus usually considered beneficial. They will enter buildings during their
searches for prey, but will not set up housekeeping there. Short of hermetically
sealing ones house, it is almost impossible from keeping an occasional ’visitor’
from dropping in. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3221
Hi - I live in Southern California. It is
February and the temperatures are in the 40-60s and it has been dry. I recently
took in some furniture and property from a friend who had to relocate. These
bugs showed up shortly after, but that may not be related. I have lived here for
10 years and never seen them before. They are inside and seem to be located in
just one room, but not near the kitchen or bathroom. I have been seeing about
2-5 of them a day. They are about the size of a pinhead. They crawl, but not
quickly. They don't fly. Thanks so much!! Elizabeth
This beetle is in the
family Anobiidae, and although that family includes some wood-boring pests, this
one more likely is a pantry pest such as the drug store beetle, Stegobium
paniceum. See
http://tinyurl.com/4hprj5f for detailed information including
control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3220
I took these photos while it was on my wall inside my home. It a slight overcast
outside. Matt Handel. Bakersfield, CA USA
Unfortunately, some key characters
(eye pattern and spinnerets) cannot be seen in this image; my best guess is that
this may be a funnel web spider (family Agelenidae), such as a Tegenaria sp. - you can compare yours with images of common California spiders at
http://tinyurl.com/5b3tvr Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3219
We found this bug crawling on our kitchen counter
tonight in Richmond Hill, Ontario. We believe we saw it just before Christmas in
the kitchen cupboards but have not seen it again since then. Is it a cockroach?
This is a German
cockroach, Blattella germanica (Orthoptera: Blattidae), a very widespread
pest species. See
http://tinyurl.com/6dc2rw for detailed information including
control recommendations. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3218
Hi: I’m Jack Wight from eastern Ontario.
I found this insect on our basement table alive. It doesn’t seem to have
wings. We think in came in with an item that was retrieved from a storage
unit. It is February 15 and find it hard to believe it survived the cold
weather.
This is a nymph of a true bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera);
possibly that of Reduvius personatus, an assassin bug (family Reduviidae)
known as the masked hunter - see
http://tinyurl.com/4wgcj8t for an image. These are general predators on other small
arthropods, and can deliver a very painful bite if mishandled. See
http://tinyurl.com/egdfr for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3217
I'm from Jakarta Indonesia and I have these
insects on my bed, I've captured around 10 of them. I think they bite me
and I have reddish itchy bite marks on my body. I've tried to identify them as
dog ticks, but I've seen the pictures of dog ticks and it's a bit different.
Would you able to identify this for me? I live in tropical climate, it's around
23-33 Celcius degree and it's a rainy season, but my bed room always on air
conditioner with dry humidity on around 23-24 C Thanks so much, Rosanna,
Jakarta.
These are nymphs of
true bugs (Hemiptera/Heteroptera); possibly in the family Coreidae (leaf-footed
bugs). Most of these are plant feeders, with a few species being predaceous on
other small arthropods. None feed on humans, but like many other insects, may
bite humans accidentally. |
  3216 Hello. I live in Summerland, BC, Canada and we have been finding one of
these bugs per day in one room of the house. The only reason we can think of is
that we have used a birch tree branch as a curtain rod but it has been indoors
for months now, and is also varnished, and we have only been finding the bugs
just now. The second picture is likely unrelated but we have no idea what it is
either, some sort of larvae? Thank you very much. Theresa
The first image
appears to be a woodwasp in the family Xiphydriidae, possibly Xiphydria
canadensis, see
http://tinyurl.com/4fzodht for an image. These are quite uncommon,
and as they bore only into dead trees, they really are not pests. On the other
hand, your second image definitely is a pest; it is a larva of a beetle in the
family Dermestidae (hide/skin/carpet beetles), possibly in the genus Anthrenus.
see
http://tinyurl.com/ox6k2d for an example. These larvae will feed on
a wide variety of organic material (including bits that can accumulate in cracks
and crevices), and can persist for quite sometime without feeding. See
http://tinyurl.com/yun78p for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3215
My name is Robin. Hi. I live in NY and this wormy
looking thing moves if you touch it. We've found the same type of thing
before-in kitchen, bathroom and hallway. I found it this morning but this has
been happening since last March. It is mostly brown with a white stripe pattern
and a feathery thing at one end. I hope the photo is good enough. Thanks!
Robin
Unfortunately, there
is insufficient detail in this image to attempt an identification. About all I
can say is that it does not appear to be any commonly encountered household
pest. You might try putting a couple of these in a container with some rubbing
alcohol, and take them to your county office of Cornell University’s Cooperative
Extension Service (see
http://tinyurl.com/4phfp6s for contact information) to see if they
can help. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3214
Hello! In Toronto and
found these under some leaves and looks like they are in the wood. What are
they and should I be doing anything?
Thank you! A Vegter
These appear to be a queen and a
worker ant, but the image is not clear enough for a more definitive
identification. There are several species that will make their nests in
rotting/damp wood, but only carpenter ants (Camponotus sp.) appear to
actually cause structural damage to sound wood.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3213
These were the best pictures I could take. I've looked through your gallery but
couldn't find something similar. February 10th found on the floor as my cat
watched it crawl very fast. At first I thought it was a millipede but it was
white/translucent/silver and it crawled fast across the carpet. Had legs,
it has been cold outside and I think it may have crawled up the duct work.
Kinda freaked me out. We live in a house built in 1970s in North Vancouver.
Would really like to know what the heck this is! Bob. Vancouver, BC
Canada
This looks like a bristletail (Thysanura:
Lepismatidae) that has lost its scales and most of its appendages. This group
includes the peridomestic nuisance pest species silverfish and firebrats. See
http://tinyurl.com/lsuugn for a fact sheet that includes control
recommendations. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  3212
I am Sylvia Sjam, Lecturer of Department pest and
disease Faculty of Agriculture Hasanuddin University , South Sulawesi Indonesia.
I found insect pest in rice plantation on south Sulawesi. The populations
were high and new pest in my country. Early instar nymph (instar-1 and -2)
generally located at the base of the stem, sucking fluid base of the stem of the
plant. Next instar nymph and adult damage grain by sticking stiletnya into the
ears of grain while sucking liquid. Symptoms of attack grain brown then black
The pest classified in belonging Hemiptera, Lygaeidae. According to the
Prof. Scudder from University of British Columbia that pest belong to
Paraeucosmetus sp. and Dr. Aunu said that P. pallicornis. I would like to
conform about this pest because I found two different mophology there are have a
white stripe on the wing tip abdomen and without the white strip. I sent the
picture.. Thank you very much. Sincerely, Sylvia Sjam
This bug appears to be
in the Lygaeid family Rhyparochromidae, which does include the genus Paraeucosmetus. As good images of
Paraeucosmetus pallicornis are hard
to come by (see
http://tinyurl.com/46xt8zn for an example) and there are other
genera in this family having a grossly similar appearance, I hesitate to make a
confirmation. Your two images could be of the same species, but the difference
in their orientation makes comparison difficult. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3211
I live in Rancho Palos Verdes, CA I recently found one of these bugs
in my bed with fresh blood in it. I wasn't too alarmed until I found a second
one today. I am really scared. Please help! Thank you so much for your time.
Kim
This appears to be a badly mangled
cockroach nymph, they are not blood feeders.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3210
Hi there, Mike n Dawn. Live in southern Westchester near the Bronx border in NY
here. We live next to a very large wooded area. Last summer there was a lot of
rain and our landlord had complained of seeing an odd bug in his apartment below
us. Shortly after we also saw one, then another flew inside out projection tv and died
after 3 days. Then we started seeing about one every week or so. Attached are
pics of two we squashed and we have no idea what in heavens name they
are. Should the landlord be alerted, are these insects dangerous? Any help is
truly appreciated, The critter is about 1/2 in length or slightly larger or
smaller but around that size. They have a "grassy or wooden" scent when
squished. They are attracted to light and buzz around fixtures like helicopters.
They are annoying at best and don't seem aggressive.
This is a stink bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera;
Pentatomidae); it appears to be a brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha
halys, an Asian species that has become a pest in northeastern North
America. They frequently become nuisance pests indoors when they seek winter
shelter. See
http://tinyurl.com/nkexo3 for a fact sheet that includes control
recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3209
Hi There, I found this spider on our screen door. We live in
Parksville on Vancouver Island B.C it was summer early August. Could you
please let us know what kind of spider it is and if it's a threat in any way. We
have small children and dogs. Thanks so much. Aidan
This is a harmless orb waving spider
(family Araneidae) in the genus Araneus, possibly a cross orb weaver, Araneus diadematus, a very common species both in North America and Europe.
Like some other members of this genus, these spiders can vary considerably in
their colour pattern See see
http://tinyurl.com/ywgkqf for another example. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3208 My wife and I live in
Washington DC, in a newly built condo, and just noticed these really tiny bugs
in the bathroom. They are extremely small, and difficult to photograph. We are
trying to figure out what we have to do to get rid of them. An I.D. would be
wonderful. (the Canadian embassy owns the condo above ours, but that is our only
link to Canada!) Any help would be greatly appreciated.
This is a booklouse (Psocodea:
Liposcelidae). They are not true lice, but scavengers that feed primarily on
mold spores and bits of organic detritus. Occasionally, they may become nuisance
pests in food storage areas. They do need high humidity and moist conditions in
order to persist in an indoor environment, so lowering humidity levels and
eliminating unnecessary moisture sources help control them. See
http://tinyurl.com/mvz4xf for more information. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3207
Hello, I hope that you can help me identify this type of bug living in my
apartment and help me to deal with them properly. My location is Montreal,
Quebec. I am fairly certain that these small bugs came from a potted christmas
tree which has since been removed. The only place I have spotted them is resting
on baseboards in my apartment. I have not seen any in the bathroom or kitchen
area. They seem to move very slowly.
Thanks so much!
This appears
to be a short-snouted/broad-nosed weevil (Coleoptera:
Curculionidae; subfamily Entiminae). See
http://tinyurl.com/23amafz and nos. 3178, 3162, 3126, and 3056
for other examples. These weevils often enter buildings
in search of shelter, but do no harm there. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3206
Hello, I'm going out of my mind trying to figure out what this insect is, and
how to get rid of it! I live in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and have seen this
insect regularly (1 or 2 a day) all year-round, mostly in my basement, and
occasionally in the bathroom or kitchen (always on the floor). This is a picture
of what I assume to be a baby one, because I've seen it in much bigger sizes as
well (size varies from 0.5 cm to a little over 1 cm). I REALLY hope you
can help me! MayaThis is a terrestrial crustacean in
the order Isopoda. Commonly known as sowbugs or woodlice, they breathe through
gills that must be kept moist, and thus mainly are found in damp environments.
They basically are scavengers on decomposing organic matter, but can be nuisance
pests when they occur indoors. More detailed information, including control
recommendations, can be found elsewhere on this site - see
http://tinyurl.com/4hrwx7h
Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV |
 3205
Hi, This
creature was found in our basement, Feb 4, 2011. We live in East Central
Alberta. It has 6 legs and 1 pair of antennae. Approximately 10 mm in length.
This is a stink bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera:
Pentatomidae) in the genus Perillus; specifically, it appears to be an
unusually pale morph of the two-spotted stink bug, Perillus bioculatus.
This is a predatory species that among other things will feed readily on larvae
of the Colorado potato beetle - see
http://tinyurl.com/4smhrqc for more detailed information.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3204
I have had these bugs in my house since last summer. I live in the Ottawa
region and the temperature is minus 12 during the day. I find them all
over, dead in a drawer, a couple in the bathtub almost every day, in the
cupboards sometimes dead in bowls or cups and sometimes still alive. I find
them in the basement in the toy box and yesterday there was two crawling on my
dining room table. I have searched all over to try and find out where they are
coming from and where is their food source, but no luck. I have been through
all my kitchen cupboard, all my boxes of food. In October I had to throw out my
flour because there were some in it and also little worms (the flour was in a
Tupperware container). Also found the little worms the my pancake mix and my
biscuit mix. I have been checking my cupboards almost every week since then and
have not seen any in my flour or mixes. Please help me. They must have a food
source somewhere. Diane
This looks like an adult of
one of the so-called mealworms in the genus Tenebrio (Coleoptera:
Tenebrionidae); see
http://tinyurl.com/lrol2d for images and
detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV |
 3203
hi, I live in Vancouver, BC. I've been noticing little white
caterpillars crawling on our walls (inside the house). Currently its mid-winter
with indoor temperatures of 19 degrees and 80% humidity. -- Ming
This could be a larva of the
Indianmeal moth (Plodia interpunctella; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) - see
http://tinyurl.com/n6lwlu
for an image. These are cosmopolitan pests of dry stored food products that
frequently infest pantry items; see
http://tinyurl.com/2pz6nk for control
recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV
|
 3202
Attached please find an image of an insect I found in my New York, NY apartment.
This was photo was take on January 30, 2011. This is the third bug I have seen
like this. Thank you for looking at this image. Kindest regards,
Faye
This is a bristletail (order
Thysanura) in the family Lepismatidae, that includes household nuisance pests
such as firebrats and silverfish - see
http://tinyurl.com/lsuugn for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
  3201
This bug is killing my cabbage palms in Neptune
Beach, Florida (Northeast Florida). Photo is taken in January 2011. The bark of
the tree is falling off and this bug fell out. Pictures show view of top view of
bug and underside. Please help me identify so I can figure out how to get rid of
them. Kathleen.
These insects would
not be responsible for any problems with your palms; they are nymphs of a
cockroach (Blattodea: Blattidae); likely that of the smokybrown cockroach (Periplaneta
fuliginosa) - see
http://tinyurl.com/2fc2fjo for an image. These cockroaches primarily are an outdoors species,
but they will also invade homes, especially attic areas. See
http://tinyurl.com/2c47fju for a fact sheet that includes control
recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3200
We live in Newcastle , On and for the past
few days we have been finding these beetles in our house. They are usually in
or near the kitchen, of ten in the kitchen sink. They are very slow moving and
play dead if you touch them. So far we have killed 18 in 4 days. Could you
please tell us what they are and how they may be getting in ? It’s January and
there is more than a foot of snow on the ground. Thank you Wendy
This is a short-snouted/broad-nosed
weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; subfamily Entiminae). It could be a black
vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus - see
http://tinyurl.com/2e98ta4 for a fact sheet. These weevils often enter buildings in search of
shelter, but do no harm there. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3199
Hi, I live in Ohio and have these bugs in my basement…. I am now seeing them by
the hundreds. I keep killing them but I have no clue what they are… can you
help… here is a photo… Thanks, Charles
This is a boxelder bug (Boisea
sp.; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Rhopalidae); likely the eastern boxelder bug,
Boisea trivittata. They basically are nuisance pests that seldom do any real
harm. See
http://tinyurl.com/5haez8 for images and more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3198
Hi, I found this tiny bug crawling around in my house! Please let me know what
it is if you can. Montreal, Quebec, January 2011. Thanks so
much. Cathy.
This looks like a beetle in the family
Dermestidae (hide/skin/carpet beetles and allies). Their larvae will feed on a
wide variety of organic material (including bits that can accumulate in cracks
and crevices), and can persist for quite sometime without feeding. See
http://tinyurl.com/yun78p for a fact sheet
that includes control recommendations. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3197
Not really a pest I don't think ... but saw this
critter on a window screen in Pinyon Pines, CA 92561 on 10/31/10 - sunny morning
about 50 degrees F. Thanks, Don
This is a stick insect
(order Phasmatodea); an imported species (Carausius morosus from India)
recentl;y has become a serious garden pest in some areas of California - see
http://tinyurl.com/4pcsa3u for details. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3196
Kathy in San Francisco, CA Bay Area. Winter now, but mild 40s-70s F, with rain
Dec.-early Jan.2011. Have been seeing these tiny insects (1 at a time) in
various places – kitchen counter, living room incl. on wall or inside a
lampshade. Photo is of captured (now dead) specimens, next to typical straight
pin. They are very dark brown with somewhat elliptical(?) shape. Can only see
extremely teensy legs/antennae when dead on their backs (as in photo).
When alive, they seem to be able to jump away if not quickly squashed -- no
blood detected. Haven’t seen any in bedding, don’t look like the photos of
bedbugs. I do have a very small parrot but, when I buy bagged food, I store in
the freezer for a couple of days as recommended to kill any insects. Hope
someone can help! Thanks.
Sorry Kathy but insects in photos of this quality are
impossible to identify positively. They appear to be not much more than
brown spots on a piece of paper. Please try to send a better quality photo.
Thanks. Webmanager, Larry C.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you cannot obtain a
clearer photograph, I suggest that you take some of these to your county office
of the University of California’s Cooperative Extension Service - see
http://tinyurl.com/m4yvxb for contact information. These offices usually are a good resource
when dealing with most home/yard/garden pest problems. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3195
Location: Freeman River, AB Taken on July 31st. . Warm outside
partly cloudy outdoors. I have no idea what this is, but as you can see on image
0542 there is a mosquito on the side of its head show how big this guy was.
Thank you. George
This is a flat-faced long
horned wood boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae; subfamily Lamiinae);
possibly in the genus Monochamus (‘sawyers’) - see
http://tinyurl.com/4d2qqds for an example.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3194
Hello, I am Tammi in Ohio and found these bugs bored into a
tree we were cutting for firewood. I am not sure they all had wings, but this
one seemed to be the largest. I am concerned whether these bugs are
hibernating or if they are dead. They appear to be dead but not sure?
This is a wood wasp (Hymenoptera:
Siricidae) - see
http://tinyurl.com/4bqyjmt for an example. It may have died after
completing pupation, and never emerged from its host tree. These insects attack
dead or dying trees and thus do not directly affect tree health; however, heavy
infestations may reduce lumber quality. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3193
Location: Ohio. Found on a dish
that had been stored with a set of China for several years in a wooden cabinet.
Could have been there for years. Larvae were dry and apparently dead. No other
signs of shavings, etc. in nearby cabinets. -- Dean
This is a larva of a weevil (Coleoptera:
Curculionidae); how it and the others got to where you found them likely will
remain a mystery. None to my knowledge are wood pests, and in most species, the
mature larvae remain in or very near their food source until they pupate. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3192
Hello, I’ve been finding a couple
of these spiders in my basement recently in Stoney Creek, ON. They are about an
inch in size. What are they? Wayne
I cannot be certain about the
identity of this male spider, but it could be one of the funnel web spiders
(family Agelenidae) in the genus Tegenaria - see
http://tinyurl.com/4r5fvo6 for an example. These spiders often wander about away from their
web. Large specimens can deliver a painful but not dangerous bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3191
Matthew in Lyme CT. I am
attaching a jpg of a small (basic body about half inch from front to back) of a
bug that I flushed down the drain. I think he bit my finger before I dunked him.
Can you identify him? It is January 2011 in Lyme CT. He was on my second floor
bathroom light switch and I never saw another bug like it. He could fly.
This is a western conifer
seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis (Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Coreidae);
they often come indoors in seek of overwintering shelter, but do no harm there.
See nos. 3161 and 3160 for other examples.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3190
My name is Joseph, I live in southern NH, close
to Mass border. The pest is 3/8 inches long, found inside at ceiling
height, (only one ). Currently snow is on the ground, it is 20 degrees
outside and 70 degrees inside. Thank you for your
consideration, Respectfully, Joseph
This is a ground beetle (Coleoptera:
Carabidae). These beetles are general predators on other small arthropods and
thus usually considered beneficial; they sometimes wander indoors while
searching for prey. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3189
Winter (January) in
Southwestern Ontario. I found this bug while I was in the shower. It
is unclear if it was already there, or if it fell off of me (it was at the
beginning of my shower). What concerns me is that it appears to have a small
stinger on the tail end of it. It appeared dead upon getting soaked but
when I dried it out to take this picture it started moving. Can you please help
me identify this bug? Thanks. Cathy
This is a spider beetle (Coleoptera:
Anobiidae; subfamily Ptininae) in the genus Ptinus; likely a male Ptinus fur
- see
http://tinyurl.com/4sc9kzl for an image. These beetles will feed on
a wide variety of organic matter, and sometimes can be pantry pests. See
http://tinyurl.com/mamup5 for a fact sheet that includes control
recommendations. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3188
I used to find these guys regularly in my bedroom, on my clothes or on the
carpet. I just pulled a towel out of the closet that I had not touched in ages
and he was nestled in the fabric. He is tiny, 2-2.5mm long and 1-1.5mm wide.
They don't fly very well and don't move very quickly at all. I suspect they may
be eating my clothes. Sometimes I find larvae casings and wonder if they are
related to these guys. Any suggestions on how to get rid of them if they are
really doing harm to my belongings would be appreciated. -S
This is a carpet beetle (Coleoptera:
Dermestidae) in the genus Anthrenus; their larvae will feed on a very
wide range of organic materials, including wool and silken fabrics. See
http://tinyurl.com/yun78p for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3187
I live in Pennsylvania and I keep getting these
around my kitchen cabinets and walls. Amanda.
This is a nymph of a
German cockroach, Blattella germanica (Orthoptera: Blattidae), a very
widespread pest species. See
http://tinyurl.com/6dc2rw for detailed information including
control recommendations. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3186
My husband pointed out this spider that was
lurking in our bathroom. We live in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and it's the dead
of winter. This isn't one of the species we usually see in our house. We have a
boarder that works at a grocery store, so visiting species from around the world
are a big possibility. Thanks for your help. ~Meghan
This appears to be a
prowling spider (family Miturgidae) in the genus Cheiracanthium - see
http://tinyurl.com/4tfj59v for an example. These are native and not
exotic; they frequently are found indoors.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3185
Hi, I found this insect in my condo building in Toronto. I was terrified
that they were bedbugs at first, but looking at the closeups and comparing them
to bed bug photos found online, I don't think they are. There was one in my
bathroom (I found about a month ago), and tonight I found two - both in my
living room on the carpet. If you could identify it and tell me whether I should
be concerned, that would be great. I'm moving to a brand new place soon and
don't want to bring any nasty bugs with me. thanks, H.
I cannot be certain, but this
looks like a beetle in the family Dermestidae (hide/skin/carpet beetles and
allies) that has lost all of its scales. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3184
My name is Dave, in Edmonton, Alberta. We have been finding these creatures
about every other day in our house since mid December 2010. Some are dead,
mostly they are alive and crawl slowly. They seem to appear in only one corner
of the house (maybe 500 sq. ft) and on the hardwood floor. The picture shows
the relative size to a quarter. Any ideas? We are stumped as to where they
might be coming from. We've never actually seen them appear. We just spot them
walking. We do kill them, and they are harder buggers with a good crunch when
they are offed. Thanks This is a flat millipede (order Polydesmida);
they often come indoors but are nuisance pests that do no damage there. They
require ample moisture in order to survive, so lowering indoor humidity levels
and eliminating unnecessary sources of moisture will go a long way in
controlling them. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3183
Hi, I live in Kamloops BC, we live in an
older house that has been renovated years ago, we have now started Renovations
in the basement and we now get these bugs that kind of look like a beetle with
wings, it is about one half centimeter long, it is besides an ordinary thumb
tack in the picture where it is trying to right itself. Can someone tell me
where they come from and do they present a problem, and do we get rid of them?
It is winter here but no dampness in the basement except for old wood that has
been wet some time ago is seems. Thanks, Richard
This beetle appears to be in
the family Dermestidae (hide/skin/carpet beetles and allies); it could be in the
genus Trogoderma - see
http://tinyurl.com/4posw3s for an example. This genus includes some serious
pests; although yours does not appear to fall into that category, you should
check any dry stored food products (especially cereal grains) for signs of
insect infestation.. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3182
I found this on the floor of my upstairs
bathroom this morning (January 18, 2011). It was minus 28 celcius outside so I
am pretty sure it did not come from outside today. Not sure if it was crawling
on the floor or if it fell off my clothing. It seemed to have trouble crawling
on the smooth linoleum floor as the legs were moving, but it was getting nowhere
fast. It was about 3/8 to half an inch long. I picked it up by letting it
crawl onto a piece of toilet paper and it was able to move better on the rough
surface. I live in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. Bill
This is a larva of a beetle, and
although the image is not clear enough for a definitive identification, it does
not appear to be household pest species. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  3181
Arell, Los Angeles, California (south of
downtown, near USC). I found two of these so far, wandering around in my
kitchen. Once inside a cupboard and once behind the fridge. They are about 1
inch or 1 1/4 inches long by about a 1/2 inch wide. Its January here, but very
warm/sunny outside. I've never seen anything like this, though it seems to
resemble a variety of different insects I have seen. If you can, please let me
know what it is and if I should be worried. Thank you.
These are German cockroaches,
Blattella germanica (Orthoptera: Blattidae), one of the most frequently
encountered peridomestic pest species. See
http://tinyurl.com/6dc2rw for detailed
information including control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3180
Hello, we are in Port Alberni (Vancouver Island) BC. These bugs infested an old
bag of guinea pig food in the laundry cupboard. These photos were taken in the
first week of January. The bugs are approximately .4 cm long. We have gotten
rid of the food source, and most of the bugs. The odd few still are around, but
we don't want them to reinfest. Thanks so much, Tricia
This looks like a drugstore beetle, Stegobium paniceum
(Coleoptera: Anobiidae). See
http://tinyurl.com/4hprj5f for detailed
information including control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3179
Finally got enough nerve to catch one of these. I live in the Vancouver, Canada
area and over the past few months have seen 3 or 4 of these at various times in
my basement (ground level). The one in the picture is around ¾ of an inch long.
Not sure if they are coming in from outside or if they have setup living
quarters inside the house. Haven’t got a clue as to what they are so I don’t
know if I have a problem that needs to be addressed. Can someone tell me what
they are. Thanks! Sharon
This is a rove beetle (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae); these are general predators
on other small arthropods and thus usually are considered beneficial. They
sometimes may enter buildings during their search for prey; there is no need to
apply any control measures. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3178
I've been finding these around my house for the past few days and want to know
what they are or if they're harmful in any way....thanks! Sam.
Concord, CA (near San Francisco)
This is a short-snouted/broad-nosed weevil (Coleoptera:
Curculionidae; subfamily Entiminae). See
http://tinyurl.com/23amafz and nos. 3162, 3126, and 3056 for other examples. These weevils
often enter buildings in search of shelter, but do no harm there. Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV |
 3177
Attached, is a photo of an insect that we commonly
find in our home. Here are comments about this insect: Size: 7mm in
length; 4 mm in width, Found in summer and fall seasons, Always on the floor of
our home, Sometimes dead; sometimes alive, Our geographical location is:
Smithers BC; western central interior; mountain valley dominated by spruce,
pine, aspen. Our home is a single dwelling; meticulously clean; no pets; doors
are never left open and all windows screened. Any information about this insect
would be appreciated.
Brian.
This is a larder beetle, Dermestes
lardarius; Coleoptera: Dermestidae); they will feed on a wide variety of
organic material, primarily that of animal origin (including cured meats). See
http://tinyurl.com/l6ndgr for more detailed information, including control
recommendations. Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV |
 3176
We live in Western Oregon. This
Fall we have been invaded by these bugs. I find them all over the house, but
also in boxes of stored stuff in the garage They don’t seem to be eating the
contents, just hundreds of them hiding in the box. Wonder if they are
reproducing there, or just finding a place for the winter. Thanks.
These could be scentless plant bugs (Hemiptera/Heteroptera:
Rhopalidae) - see
http://tinyurl.com/4m3d62e for an example
in the genus Stictopleurus. They do not appear to be any pest species
that would cause any real harm. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3175
Hello, My name is Mary and I live in an apartment building in
downtown Toronto, Canada. There are some known critters in this building, but I
have not yet been able to identify the critter in the photo attached. He seems
harmless - I've only ever spotted him in my kitchen - in the corners of the
cupboard and on the walls. He is sometimes dead, and sometimes just hanging out
on the wall moving his legs around a lot. He is not in my food or burrowing into
anything, that said, he strikes me as a critter that lives in/off of wood. His
body is the same size as a pin head. It's round and brown - but doesn't ever
seem to be bloated and full of blood (not like a bed bug). Any ideas as to what
this is would be appreciated. Thanks, Mary in Toronto
This is a spider beetle (Coleoptera: Anobiidae;
subfamily Ptininae); likely a shiny spider beetle (Gibbium psylloides) -
see
http://tinyurl.com/ozhmej for an image. These beetles will feed on a wide variety of
organic matter, and sometimes can be pantry pests. See
http://tinyurl.com/mamup5 for a fact sheet
that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  3174
This bug took a bite at my neck, found
inside the house near the wood pile and birch bark. Location Madawaska Maine.
Found in winter January 11.2011. Liza
This is a long-horned wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera:
Cerambycidae); it looks a lot like a white-spotted sawyer (Monochamus
scutellatus) - see
http://tinyurl.com/4n8l4nd. Beetles in this family have very strong jaws, and larger
specimens can deliver a painful bite. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3173
HI this bug came sealed inside a package inside the pant leg of some fleece
pants i ordered from old navy on new years eve. It bit or stung me and left a
welt that is still there 10 days later. Old Navy can't tell me where it was
packaged so I have no idea from where it has come. If anyone can help I would
greatly appreciate it. It may have actually been bigger but my husband crushed
it before it could fly away. thanks so much. eRIN.
This appears to be a nymph of a true bug (order Hemiptera).
Although there is some resemblance to an assassin bug (Hemiptera/Heteroptera:
Reduviidae) nymph - see
http://tinyurl.com/4mcrztg for an example - the condition of this specimen makes
identification very difficult. Many insects in this order are capable of
inflicting a painful but not dangerous bite. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist;
Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3172 I came across
this bug in the stateroom of my cruise ship while vacation on the west side of
Mexico, Baja peninsula. The picture is taken with the insect walking inside a
paper cup lid. I would estimate that it was only 4 mm in length at most, had no
distinctive colouring . Identification would be appreciated. Thank you. Edward
This is a weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, but the image
is not clear enough for any further identification. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
  3171
Hello, The sample was collected by Joe XXXX
of Burnaby BC in the fall of 2010. He had never seen such persistent fruit
fly activity around his home, and he noticed the larvae inside his mason bee
nesting tunnel. He had never seen these inhabitants of his mason bee house
before. it looks to me that the insect larvae have partially consumed mason bee
provisions and at the time of the photo was at the pupae part of its
development. We are wondering if it is the new Cherry fruit fly.
Thank you very much. Margriet Dogterom, PhD.
Owner Operator. Beediverse Products of CPC Ltd
These are not fruit flies (family
Tephritidae), they more likely are in the family Muscidae. See
http://tinyurl.com/2eresoz for
images of cherry fruit flies. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3170
Hi I pulled several of these from my daughter's winter hat today
(January). They didn't seem to be moving so not even sure they were alive. I
don't think it is a bed bug but can't identify what it is or if I should be
worried about it. I haven't found any on her clothes or hair. We live in
Montreal, Quebec. Thanks KimThis is not an insect, but is a plant seed of some sort. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3169
Hi there, found this on top of my fridge in the pest control stickypad… any idea
what it might be? Nick
This is an adult caddisfly (order
Thrichoptera); these are cousins to butterflies and moths whose larvae are
aquatic. The larvae of most species construct cases made of small pebbles,
sticks, or other pieces of debris held together with silk spun by the larva. See
http://tinyurl.com/22kwz5g for some examples of both adult and
larval caddisflies. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3168
Hi. I keep finding this bug every two to
three months. Its about 1/4 of an inch long and has a furry like tail. I
find them in random places such as a dresser, or a old child's teddy bear and
the latest spot is in a old laptop. What is this?! Help!! I live in Westchester,
NY.
This appears to be a
larva of a beetle in the family Dermestidae (hide/skin/carpet beetles and
allies). These larvae will feed on a wide variety of organic material (including
bits that can accumulate in cracks and crevices), and can persist for quite
sometime without feeding. See
http://tinyurl.com/yun78p for a fact sheet that includes control
recommendations. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3167
My name is Sherry and I am in Northeast Louisiana. I was out splitting logs
today and came across this bug. It was in the middle of the log in a small hole.
At first, I thought it was dead, but after a minute of being exposed to the
sunlight and fresh air, it slowly began to crawl out of the log. It was about 40
degrees and sunny today, but the bug appeared to be pretty well settled into the
log. When I was trying to take a picture, it made a snapping sound and popped up
about 3-4 inches straight into the air. It did it twice before I contained it
again so I could get the picture. It is between 1.25 and 1.5 inches long. I have
done some searching online and cannot identify it... Any ideas?
Thank you!
This is a click beetle (Coleoptera:
Elateridae) in the genus Alaus, likely the eyed elater (Alaus oculatus),
the largest click beetle in the USA. The behavior you noted is very typical for
these beetles. See
http://tinyurl.com/m3ht3a for images and detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3166
hello, we saw this very large beast in Algonquin
park last august. it was so loud flying past us we thought it was a bat. when we
shone our flashlights on it, it appeared to be the size of a baseball! from
"head to toe" it was about 2" maybe. it's pictured on the side of our camping
pot. thank you, Phil
This is a long-horned
wood-boring beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae). Unfortunately, the image will not
enlarge, so I cannot see any details that would help identify it further. Just
as a guess, it might be one of the sawyers in the genus Monochamus - see
http://tinyurl.com/272f9jp for an example. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3165
We found these bugs coming out of our Christmas tree (Douglas fir) on New Years
day. It was just infested with them. Can you tell me what they are? Thanks,
Chris
These are aphids (Hemiptera/Sternorrhyncha:
Aphididae), soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of their host plants.
However, the image will not enlarge, so I hesitate to attempt a more specific
identification. Among aphids that will feed on Douglas fir are the giant conifer
aphids in the genus Cinara - see
http://tinyurl.com/27m8cza - and the spruce aphid (Elatobium abietinum) - see
http://tinyurl.com/246nthu. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3164
My name is Denyse Cornish and I live in Holly
Springs, North Carolina and I keep finding these little bugs in the my closet in
little cracks and crevices!!! HELP
The image would not
enlarge, but from what I can see, it looks like a larva of a beetle in the
family Dermestidae (hide/skin/carpet beetles and allies); likely in the genus Anthrenus
- see
http://tinyurl.com/ox6k2d for an example. These larvae will feed on
a wide variety of organic material (including bits that can accumulate in cracks
and crevices), and can persist for quite sometime without feeding. See
http://tinyurl.com/yun78p for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3163 Hi there! I find
these guys in my carport frequently and occasionally in my house, when they are
in the house I usually remove them by hand and have never been bitten though
they are large. Is this a giant house spider? (Tegenaria duellica) I live in Sechelt, BC.
Cheers, Keri
This indeed a funnel web spider
(family Agelenidae) in the genus Tegenaria - see
http://tinyurl.com/28lplbn for an example. However, although its leg pattern is consistent
with that of the giant house spider (Tegenaria gigantea; see
http://tinyurl.com/nungan), I would hesitate to confirm it as such because specific
identification in this genus hinges on examination of certain body parts under
magnification - see
http://tinyurl.com/2cvnzkc for details. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3162
7-8mm in length… would love to know what it is. Thank you.
SallyThis is a short-snouted/broad-nosed
weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; subfamily Entiminae). It looks a lot like a
black vine weevil, Otiorhynchus sulcatus - see
http://tinyurl.com/2e98ta4 for a fact sheet. These weevils often enter buildings in search of
shelter, but do no harm there. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3161
Hi, I’ve seen this bug a few times over the last two
months. Twice in the bathroom, once or twice in the kitchen hallway and once in
the visor of my van. This morning I caught one in my bathroom and took a photo
of it to send it. I am very anxious of bugs and have somewhat of a phobia of
them so I want to get rid of these as fast as I can (I’m sure you can imagine my
response to the one in the van while I was driving!). I do not want to offend
any bug lovers but I need to get this problem solved as quickly as I can. I am
scared to think that it may look like a German cockroach and I have read how
difficult they are to get rid of. I live in Hillsburgh, Ontario and it is the
end of December. We moved here in June and I wonder if these are indeed
cockroaches the could they have been here before we moved in? I am curious why
one is in my van unless we have brought them in from somewhere else.
I really appreciate all your help. MichelleThis appears to be another western
conifer seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis (Hemiptera/Heteroptera:
Coreidae) - see no. 3160. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3160
Hello, I live in Ottawa, Ontario and my husband and I just noticed this bug on
our baseboard on the main floor of our house. It is late December; the average
temperature lately has been about -5 degrees Celsius outside. The insect
measures approximately one inch in length. We are interested in finding out
what type of bug it is and if we have to be concerned about a possible
infestation. We haven't noticed any more of these insects in our house (yet!)Thank you, Molly
This appears to be a western
conifer seed bug, Leptoglossus occidentalis (Hemiptera/Heteroptera:
Coreidae); they often come indoors in seek of overwintering shelter, but do
no harm there. See nos. 3059 and 3060 for other examples. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3159
This most interesting of insects we have ever seen out and around
our cottage on Zwicker Lake in Hants county, NS. This was taken by
myself in July 2009. I have many more shots of this little guy as he didn't want
to move from the lens at all. Either very smart or taking a big risk and not
very sensible. Either way this made my day. I love to use insects and small
plants as my focus when enjoying these wonderful gifts from nature. Always fun
to review later. Puzzling to me as to what this is? Can you identify him or
her?... thanks so much. Pleasure to have found this sight and to find some
answers to life's little creatures. Tread Softly, Heather from Port
Williams, NS
This is an ichneumon wasp
(Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) in the genus Megarhyssa; likely Megarhyssa atrata
- see
http://tinyurl.com/axadon for an image. They are parasitic on the
larvae of wood-boring wasps in the family Siricidae, using their very long
ovipositor to bore through wood into the tunnel of their intended prey. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3158
My co-worker found this spider in her garage here
in Nanaimo, BC, Vancouver Island. We have never seen a spider like this before.
Its about the size of a toonie. It did have hair all over its body until she
tried to drown the poor thing ( which was unsuccessful). I didn’t want to let it
go if it was not indigenous to the Island. Also, should I feed it and if so
what?? Thanks for your help.. Brianne
This appears to be a folding-door
trapdoor spider (family Antrodiaetidae) in the genus Antrodiaetus - see
http://tinyurl.com/2bneoy4 for an image. They are harmless to
humans. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove,
WV. |
 3157
Hello! My name is Christy and I currently reside in a small apartment in
Houston, TX. It is late December, and I have had a bug problem for probably one
or two months now. UGH. I had the carpets cleaned in October (before I had the
bug problem) and have also had a general extermination this past month, but we
still have bugs. They are small, reddish-brown beetle-looking bugs, which are
easily killed by the smush of a finger. They seem to live in the carpet and
munch on that or our clothes, though I have found a few scattered on our tile
floor as well. They do not seem to bite and appear to have wings, but I have
never seen one in flight (could just be my imagination). They are small and thin
and appear to be flat. Please, please help me to get rid of this bug. I have
looked through hundreds of pictures to no avail. Thank you!!!
This is one of the grain beetles (Coleoptera:
Silvanidae) in the genus Oryzaephilus; either the saw-toothed grain
beetle, Oryzaephilus surinamensis, or the merchant grain beetle, Oryzaephilus mercator. They are very similar in appearance, the main
difference being that the merchant grain beetle can fly and the saw-toothed
cannot. Both can be annoying pantry pests; see
http://tinyurl.com/2eaf8hb for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3156
These little insects were on balsom fir buds on
Fogo Island, Newfoundland. Wondering what they are. Thank you, Tom Spurrell
This is a wasp in the
family Braconidae; it likely is parasitic on one of the insects that feeds on
balsam fir. This is quite a large family, all members of which are parasitic on
other arthropods - see
http://tinyurl.com/cjurf4 for an example. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3155
I live in Red Deer, Alberta. I discovered this bug in my garage near my
furnace. There seems to be hundreds of them in the wall and I have tried all
kinds of stuff to remove them. Not sure what they are. Discovered them in
October and they tend to move when the heat is turned up. They are also
appearing now inside my halogen lights on the ceiling. Any help in determining
what they are would be appreciated. Duane
I cannot be certain as your image
will not enlarge, but it could be a spider beetle (Coleoptera: Anobiidae;
subfamily Ptininae) - see
http://tinyurl.com/2fedrdr for an image. If this does not resemble
what you have, please try to take and submit another photo. Spider beetles will
feed on a wide variety of organic matter, and sometimes can be pantry pests. See
http://tinyurl.com/mamup5 for a fact sheet that includes control
recommendations. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3154
The small moth in the attached photo was captured on the main level of our house
in December. I began noticing a few moths flying around recently. This occurred
after we brought up from the basement the artificial Christmas tree and various
Christmas decorations. We are located in a rural area an hour from Toronto,
Ontario. Thank you. Merry Christmas! Rhonda
This moth appears to be in the
family Oecophoridae; possibly Agonopterix canadensis- see
http://tinyurl.com/264bgb5 for an image. It is not a known pest
species. Larvae of moths in this family usually feed concealed in webs or in
rolled leaves of the host plant; a few species may feed on dead leaves, decaying
fungi or even carrion. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3153
I'm wondering what this bug is...found on a back deck in Bedford, NS, August
2008. -Todd
This is a cicada (Hemiptera/Auchenorrhyncha:
Cicadidae); apparently in the genus Tibicen - see
http://tinyurl.com/2368ppz for an image. These insects spend most of their life underground,
feeding on the sap from tree roots, finally emerging to shed their nymphal
‘shell’ (see
http://tinyurl.com/2bhwqq5) to mature, find mates, lay eggs, and
then die. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  3152
Hello, I have found few spiders in my home over the course
of the last 6 months and I would really like to know if they are harmful and
what kind of spider they are. One spider was found in the basement of my home on
the carpet. It was about 2 - 2 1/2 inches in diameter. The other spider was also
found in the basement on the carpet but substantially smaller at about 1 inch in
size. One of the spiders lost one of its legs when I was trying to capture it. I
live in Tillsonburg Ontario Canada. If you do not post the pics to the site,
please email me back with a response about the type of spiders they are, and
whether or not they are harmful. I have 2 daughters and I don't want poisonous
spiders in my home. Thanks, Kristal
The spider on the left is in
the family Gnaphosidae (ground spiders); it appears to be an eastern parson
spider, Herpyllus ecclesiasticus - see
http://tinyurl.com/lr8wd8 for an image. Its bite may cause a small red inflammation on the
skin that may itch much like a mosquito bite but with no lasting effect. They
are active hunters that do not spin a capture web. Because of the distorted
condition of the spider on the right, I cannot be certain, but it could be a
funnel web spider (family Agelenidae) in the genus Tegenaria - see
http://tinyurl.com/y337umt for an image of a live specimen. Large specimens can deliver a
painful but not dangerous bite if mishandled.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3151
We found this bug tonight when we tore out a small portion of a
wall in our laundry room where the dryer vent goes to the outside. It has a hard
shell and moves at one end similar to a slug but that is the only similarity to
the slug that it has.It appears to play possum only moving every now and then.
Please help to identify! Thank you, Shelly
This is a pupa of a moth, but it
would be very difficult to say exactly what specific kind. The part that is
capable of movement is the abdomen. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3150
Hi there! I was vacationing near Cancun in Mexico last week (December 2010), and
I found this little fellow crawling on my pillow as I was going to bed. He is
probably just over an inch in diameter. Just curious if you would be able to
identify what type of spider it is? Thanks in advance! --Paul
This appears to be a very young
huntsman spider (family Sparassidae); adults of some species can reach quite an
impressive size - see
http://tinyurl.com/2edpx5s for an example. Large specimens can
deliver a painful but not dangerous bite. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3149
Hello, my name is Terry and I live in Burnaby BC
in a 12 year old house. In the past couple days, I have noticed these larvae on
our North facing window sill and on the window itself. Picture was taken Dec 19,
the temp has been about 3-10 degrees celsius. Any help in identifying this would
be great. I cannot figure out where they are coming from, the window is
completed recaulked, windows dismantled and cleaned and they still show up,
although less then before the cleaning. Thanks
The image is not clear
enough to do more than guess; I cannot tell for certain whether or not it has
legs or well-defined head capsule. About all that I can say is that it does not
appear to be anything that would be a household pest. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3148
Hi, It is December, there is snow outside, and I just found
this bug on a robe in my closet (the robe hasn't been worn since last winter).
The bug is about 1/4 inch long without its antennae, and it hasn't tried to fly,
so I guess it doesn't have wings. I live in Albany, NY. Thanks, Sally
This is a winter stonefly (Plecoptera:
Taeniopterygidae) - see
http://tinyurl.com/2fjkq6f for an example. Sometimes also called willowflies, they are
harmless and are not pests of any kind.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
  3147 Hello:
I am located at South Surrey, BC. My commercial building is located on a busy
street and is a brick-walled and wood-stud building with a membrane roof. The
picture is of a slot about 3" x 1/4" at the base of one of the walls. This pile
of white powdery stuff would appear occasionally on the outdoor sidewalk
somewhat protected by a roof line from the elements. It is now December and it
started appearing again about a month ago. I would appreciate if someone could
identify what this powdery stuff is and more importantly, what is making it and
how to get rid of it. Stephen
This looks as if it could be pellets
of styrofoam insulation - are the particles easily windblown? Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3146
Hello, I would be most grateful if
anyone could positively id this insect. This photo was taken outdoor in
the Ottawa, Ontario Canada in the summer. I thank you in advance for any
assistance, Francine
This moth is in the
family Sesiidae; likely in the genus Synanthedon - see
http://tinyurl.com/23jb58n for an example. Larvae of these moths are
borers in plant tissue. Some, like the peach tree borer, can be serious pests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3145
Hi, I have these bugs in my basement, came in after I threw in my
wood for the winter, and was wondering if you could tell me what they are, so I
will know if I need to bring in a exterminator or not, thanks. Jimmy Craig
This is a bark beetle (Coleoptera:
Curculionidae; subfamily Scolitinae) - see
http://tinyurl.com/2358qut for an example in the genus Xyloborus. These likely were
under the bark of some of the pieces of firewood; they will not infest any wood
in your home, and control is not necessary.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3144
We live in Calgary, Alberta and
we've had these bugs showing up in our basement a lot lately and I'd like
to know what they are, how harmful they might be and what type of treatment to get rid of them is recommended. Now that
it is winter they seem to be more prevalent and I do not recall ever seeing them
outside. Thank you for your assistance.
Daryle
This is a terrestrial crustacean in
the order Isopoda known as a sowbug or woodlouse. For the most part, these are
harmless scavengers on decomposing organic matter, but occasionally may damage
very tender plants and also may be nuisance pests when they occur indoors. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  3143
We have found hundreds of these larva among three separate
batches of sunflower seeds we've purchased over the past few months to feed the
birds. The photo with the seeds indicates the size relative to black oil and
striped seed (approx 1/2 inch/1.5 cm). The seed was purchased in Southern
Ontario in mid-August and late November. The larvae leave a web-like trail and
appear to make loosely woven cocoons. The other photo shows one that is in its
intermediate stage in the process of changing into a small black moth-like fly
that is about the same length as the larva. We've been buying sunflower seeds
for more than 20 years but this is the first year we've encountered
this problem. Thank you for whatever assistance you can provide. John
These are Indian meal moths (Plodia
interpunctella; Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). These moths are cosmopolitan pests
of dry stored food products that frequently infest pantry items; see
http://tinyurl.com/2pz6nk for control
recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  3142
Greetings, I am Andrea from Battleford, Saskatchewan. I am
submitting photos of 2 insects that I have not been able to Identify.
These photos were taken in my garden after a rain in the late summer. Thanks in
advance for your help!
These are both wasps in the family Ichneumonidae, all of
which are parasitic on other arthropods, primarily insects. The second one
appears to be in he subfamily Ophioninae - see
http://tinyurl.com/2367tko for an example;
the first one could be as well, although there are species in the subfamily
Campopleginae that can be quite similar in appearance - see
http://tinyurl.com/2d2uz3n for an example. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3141
Hi, I have been seeing these tiny dark brown bugs hard shell) in my apartment
(Vancouver, B.C.,Canada) almost every where, in the rooms where the wool carpet
is installed, the laundry room where there is hardwood floors, on the walls.
especially where the light is focused. they can also fly. The building is a new
building. I have a dog in my apartment, i just don't know if the cause is the
dog or something else. I need your help to identify and get rid of these bugs.
also do they have any harm to clothes or furniture? thanks
This beetle is in the family Anobiidae; likely either a
drugstore beetle (Stegobium paniceum) or a cigarette beetle (Lasioderma
serricorne); both species can be pantry pests, feeding on a very wide range
of organic materials. See
http://tinyurl.com/dba9uj for more detailed
information, including control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3140
This bug was in my apartment in Vancouver BC - December 7th 2010. It
is approximately 5mm long and was very fast. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks, Matt
This is another bristletail (order Thysanura) - see no.
3139. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3139
Hello my name is Fred. I live in Toronto Ontario. I found this bug crawling
around in my sink and did not have a single clue about what kind of pest this
was. It's December and It is clearly Winter. But I did find it indoors.
I am pretty sure it is not a centipede. It was very thin and had 5 Antennae.
Please be so kind, if you recognize this pest please identify it for me.
This is a bristletail (order Thusanura) in the family
Lepismatidae, that includes household nuisance pests such as firebrats and
silverfish - see
http://tinyurl.com/lsuugn for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3138
I found this thing (moth? beetle?) on a gas pump last June and took a photo
because it was so unusual. Ran across your site and thought maybe I could find
out what it was. Approx 4" long. Wasn't aggressive but definitely big enough to
comprehend your presence. Did not see it fly but the wings looked functional.
We're in central Maryland. Thanks! Lydia
This is a male eastern dobsonfly
Corydalis cornutus;
Megaloptera: Corydalidae), its very long mandibles look imposing, but they are
completely harmless. The female has much shorter (and stronger) jaws that can
deliver a very painful bite. Their larvae (hellgrammites) are aquatic, and also
can bite - see
http://tinyurl.com/2ds89l5 for detailed information.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3137
Geographical location: Berkeley/CA. We found these works in grains/spices
in the pantry. Are these harmful if ingested? How do we prevent them from
infesting our grains in the future? what precautions do we need to take? thanks,
LakshmanThis is one of the grain beetles (Coleoptera: Silvanidae)
in the genus Oryzaephilus; either Oryzaephilus mercator, the
merchant grain beetle or the saw-toothed grain beetle (Oryzaephilus
surinamensis). They are extremely similar in appearance, separated mainly by
the shape of the head behind the eyes (see
http://tinyurl.com/yl2hx6l). See
http://tinyurl.com/yl2hx6l for more
detailed information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3136
New York area - in
house - In washing machine dead and cling to cloths.
Thank You. Delores
This appears to be a brown marmorated stink bug,
Halyomorpha halys (Hemiptera/Heteroptera:
Pentatomidae), an Asian species that has become a pest in northeastern North
America. See
http://tinyurl.com/nkexo3 for a fact sheet that includes control
recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3135
I live in Cincinnati, OH USA and I have found this size mostly in my kitchen. I
also have found a couple in the bathroom. I saw a bigger one that I think had
wings, and then usually the tinier ones. This oneI guess was about half inch,
I'm not sure where they come from. But I always find them in the same area...on
the wall or on the counter. Usually they do scatter, but this one apparently
felt like posing for me. Weather conditions have been chilly, and I just moved
here in September, and I don't remember when I first saw them. I'm assuming they
want to share my warmth or else they want to be adopted. Someone mentioned it
may be the Palmetto bug or American Cockroach. I need to get some traps, but any
specific information would be fantastic, so I know what I'm dealing with. Thank you so much for your time. Denise
This is a late stage nymph of a
German cockroach, Blattella germanica - see
http://tinyurl.com/2d97of7 for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3134
This tiny fly seems to be living and
breeding in the overflow channel of our bathroom sink. They appear to be at
their most prevalent during the winter. They spread throughout the house – one
and two at a time. They are approximately 2.2mm long and look black to the naked
eye. They fly in an erratic path and are thus hard to catch. This one was
captured using “Scotch” tape. Methods I used to eradicate them are unproductive.
Pete. Minneapolis, MN
This appears to be a fungus gnat (Diptera:
Sciaridae) - see
http://tinyurl.com/252ogqw for an image. Larvae of these gnats
primarily are scavengers on decomposing organic matter, but under some
conditions, may damage the roots stems of tender plants, particularly those
grown indoors. See
http://tinyurl.com/2c6zfrr for a fact sheet that includes control
recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3133
Picture taken 12/4/2010. Indoors, winter, in Minnesota, found in laundry
room. Diameter of legs about the size of a penny. Thank you!
Michelle, Minnesota, USA
This is a wolf spider (family
Lycosidae); they are active hunters that do not spin a capture web. Large
specimens can deliver a painful (but not dangerous) bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
3132 The diversity of insects in my
own Garden is awesome. Some, I can ID from books, but here is two I can't.
Somebody Please ID. Willy. Southern AB.
The insect on the left is a dung
beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in the subfamily Aphodiinae; see
http://tinyurl.com/22p3qop for a similar example. The image on the right is not clear enough
to be certain, but it could be a net-winged beetle (Coleoptera: Lycidae) - see
http://tinyurl.com/28tbx7z for an example. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3131
Hi, I found this bug in our daughter's bed
2 days ago, on December 1st 2010 in the south end of Halifax, Nova Scotia. It is
the only bug that I found, although there may be more, I don't know. The reason
I was looking into the bed is because my daughter has a rash and bites on her
chest arms neck and upper back, she got up many times for a couple of nights,
when the itchy started, 3 day before I found the bug, now she seems to be fine,
but still she has some minor itchiness. and the doctor said that is not chicken
pox, and may be bedbugs (but the doctor didn't see the bug), but we could not
see any bedbugs. I would like to know is this bug (in the photo attached) is
harmful. Thanks a lot, Daniel.
This is a spider
beetle (Coleoptera: Anobiidae; subfamily Ptininae); likely the American spider
beetle, Mezium americanum- see
http://tinyurl.com/njb9zb for an image. Spider beetles will feed on a wide variety of
organic matter, and sometimes can be pantry pests. See
http://tinyurl.com/mamup5 for a fact sheet that includes control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3130
Hello, I live in Connecticut. We have a shower with the grout has a
small hole that seems to be opening even though we try to close it with
sealant. Through the space little worms (about 1/4 in) come out. I just prayed
some cleaner with bleach and even more came out as you see in the photo. What
are they and how can we keep them away. Any suggestions are
appreciated. Thanks. Sue
The image is not clear enough to be
certain, but these could be larvae of moth flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) - see
http://tinyurl.com/2evfnp5 and
http://tinyurl.com/2g3ls49 for some examples. If this is what you have, you also should see
an occasional small fly that looks like a miniature moth (see
http://tinyurl.com/2dj9tkn) and that flies in a series of short ‘hops.’ These are nuisance
pests that do no real harm; if you can permanently seal that grout opening and
keep the shower drain clean, the problem should go away. See
http://tinyurl.com/ycj8btm for a fact sheet. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3129
I live in Grants Pass, Oregon (southern Oregon) and saw this guy moving fairly
fast across my concrete apron. About 1-1/2" long, 1/4" wide but after looking
at all your photos, I failed to find one with this wedge shaped body, large
forward pinchers and what appears to be tail pincher/stinger. The photo was
taken with an iPhone 4. Thanks for any information on this unique (to me)
insect. David
This is a larva of a ground beetle (Coleoptera:
Carabidae); see
http://tinyurl.com/2ek753x for another example. Ones such as these
are voracious predators on other small arthropods, and thus usually considered
beneficial. They are harmless to humans.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3128
Hello, I live in St.Catharines ,Ontario, in
a townhouse 25-30 years old. All of a sudden start founding hundreds of
little tiny brown pests as little as 1mm on the counter top and later on inside
the cupboards and in ...both are pretty much rotten Also the pest likes water or
moisture surfaces ... If I left not well dried plates or cups overnight they
will be all over in the mourning... They don't appear if its dry though ...
I'm trying to indentify them to know exactly how to get rid of them ... I'm also
changing the countertops but don't want the new one to be invaded again! Please
help! Thanks, Iva
These are booklice (Psocodea:
Liposcelidae). They primarily are nuisance pests that feed largely on mould
spores and bits of organic detritus. They do need high humidity and moist
conditions in order to persist in an indoor environment, so lowering humidity
levels and eliminating unnecessary moisture sources help control them. See
http://tinyurl.com/mvz4xf for more information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3127
We have been finding this type of bug in various rooms, normally
crawling on the floor (not carpeted) and occasionally in a cupboard or crawling
up a wall. We find it year round so it's not just one that comes in for the
winter. We don't find it around food storage areas. It likes coming from under
baseboards in the bathrooms. They do not show up on a regular consistant basis,
can be 1 or 2 this week then nothing for a few weeks then we may find 3 or 4
over a couple of days. It has at least 4 legs and possibly 6. Hope you can
identify it. Thank you. Garry Speakman, Nanaimo, B.C
This either is a dead larva or shed
skin of a larva of a beetle in the family Dermestidae (hide/skin/carpet beetles
and allies). They will feed on an extremely wide range of organic materials;
primarily those of animal origin, and sometimes can be pantry pests. See
http://tinyurl.com/2efwz8w for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  3126
Dear Sirs, in this occasion I would like to
ask you for identification. Insects were found in the container in the process
of inspection today in Korea. Container come from Slovenia (EU) fumigated on
27.Oct.2010. Many thanks in advance for your kind support! Brgds Zlatko.
SLOVENIJA
This appears to be a
broad-nosed/short-snouted weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; subfamily Entiminae).
As a general rule, these weevils are root feeders as larvae and leaf feeders
(usually on leaf margins with a characteristic notching pattern) as adults; they
would not be wood pests. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3125
I believe from looking at the pics on your site that this is an orb weaving
spider? This one likes to hang out in and around the light outside our door. I
have almost walked into him a few times as he also likes to hang down really
low, and seems to be looking for food! I live in Kingston, Ontario Canada
He is a little bit smaller than a loonie. But the abdomen is VERY large... I am
wondering why this is? It is November, Rainy but mild weather. I love how
the pattern on his abdomen looks like a man with a moustache, pretty neat with
the whole Movember thing!
Thanks, Cera
This is indeed an orb weaving spider
(family Araneidae); apparently in the genus Araneus. There are a few
species in this genus that can have a quite similar appearance; see
http://tinyurl.com/2fr47q2,
http://tinyurl.com/2duxl89, and
http://tinyurl.com/c45yoj for some examples. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3124
Hi from Melbourne Australia. Could you possibly identify the creature on
the picture. We have found quite a few in lower part of the house, indoor, the
size is about 5-6mm long and it is flat 2mm max. It is warm spring in Melbourne
and we had a lot of rain recently. Kind regards, Emil
This is a crustacean is the order
Amphipoda (amphipods). The vast majority of these are aquatic, but a few species
can be terrestrial in very damp environments. They sometimes are called ‘lawn
shrimp’ or ‘land hoppers’ - see
http://tinyurl.com/2chzx5t for detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3123
We live in Collingwood Ontario. I took these two photos of a spider hanging on
its web. When it got cold it buried itself in one of my potted plants on our
balcony. Can you please identify this for me and let me know if it's
poisonous? I've never seen this species. Is it common in our area?
This appears to be another example
of Araneus diadematus, commonly known as a cross spider or European
garden spider - see
http://tinyurl.com/ywgkqf for an image. This spider is widely
distributed on both sides of the Atlantic, and like all other orb weavers
(family Araneidae), is harmless to humans.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3122
Hi, I have found these in the kitchen during the warm months in Northern British
Columbia. They are very easy to scoop up and put outside. They tip over on
their backs easily and don't move till they think it's safe. They don't tend to
fly, however I did see one fly once. They don't tend to bite. Thank you for
your help :) Jan.
This appears to be a plant bug; from
the shape of its wings,.most likely in the family Miridae. They likely came
indoors unintentionally; they are not household pests of any kind. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3121
I found this spider in my garden in Penticton British Columbia, the picture is
not the best depiction of it, as the color was actually very black and white and
not the brownish color it appears, also the legs were skinny, shiney black and
not hairy or segmented. Reminded me of a black widows legs, of which I have
seen many. I think it looks like an orb spider except all the pics I have seen
look like they have hairy segmented legs, not like what I say. I have lived
here all my life and never seen anything like it before. Seen tons of what I
call garden spiders, which I believe are actually orb spiders this is a first
for me. If you can assist me that would be great. I have freaked out most of
my facebook friends with this pic and they are rabid to know what it is.
Many thanks Kim Boyle
This appears to be a banded garden
spider, Argiope trifasciata. Like their close relative the black and
yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia), their colour pattern can be
quite variable; see
http://tinyurl.com/2fqmch5 for some examples. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3120
I have seen about 5-6 of
these bugs in the kitchen area in the past month or so (on the floor or
countertops) and once in the bathroom. They are about 1/2 to 1 cm long. I live
in Florida in an older condo. Thanks, Tina.
This is a nymph of a cockroach,
likely a German cockroach (Blattella germanica), an extremely common and
widespread pest species. See no. 3095 for an image of an adult, and
http://tinyurl.com/2d97of7 for some control recommendations.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3119
I would really appreciate, if someone
could tell me what this is. I'm unable to find it in any of my Insect
Books. Willy. Cochrane AB
This is wingless barklouse (Order
Psocodea; formerly placed in the order Psocoptera). They are harmless scavengers
on mould spores and bits of organic detritus - see
http://tinyurl.com/2fvyzgg for more detailed information.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3118
HI,
CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHAT INSECT THIS IS PLEASE?? I SOMETIMES FIND IN MY
BASEMENT? IT LOOKS LIKE A CROSS BETWEEN A GRASSHOPPER/CRICKET/SPIDER/ WITH LARGE
LEGS ALL AROUND AND HOPS REALLY HIGH! CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHAT IT IS, AND
WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT? THANK YOU, ALAN STEWART
This is a cave/camel cricket (Orthoptera:
Rhaphidophoridae); sometimes also called ‘sprickets’ because they look something
like a cross between a spider and cricket. They frequent dark, damp environments
(such as basements), and can be nuisance pests when they occur indoors. See
http://tinyurl.com/5ncego for more detailed information. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3117
This spider was found between my window and screen in October - I
think it's been living there for at least a month. This is in south west
Ontario (approx 1.5hr north of London Ont). It is approx. 1 inch from head to
bum. I found the pattern on its body interesting and am wondering what kind of
spider it is. Thanks! B.D.
This appears to be Araneus
diadematus, commonly known as a cross spider or European garden spider - see
http://tinyurl.com/ywgkqf for an image. This spider is widely
distributed on both sides of the Atlantic, and like all other orb weavers
(family Araneidae), is harmless to humans.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3116
Hi, I live in Arlington, TX and this photo was taken 11/20/2010 in my home. We
are currently are in our fall season and it has been averaging about 65° with a
few days in the last week with rain. Last couple days it has been sunny. We
were cleaning and noticed a black spot on the wall that was about 1 in x 1 in
in size. From a distance it looked like a moth on the wall but upon close
inspection we noticed it was a large grouping of the worms. The head is much
larger and red and they moved by moving the head, then the body would hunch up
and push the head forward. Each worm appears to be about 3 millimeters in
size. When we tried to smash them we did notice a few looked like they spun a
web from the head and were dropping. Any ideas? Thank you for taking the time
to review this. Melissa Jackson
These are newly hatched
caterpillars; a moth likely got inside your house and had to lay her eggs before
being able to find her way out. These are nothing that would be a household
pest; see no. 3079 for a similar example.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  3115
My name is Mike, photo
taken today in London of insect (6mm or 1/4 inch long) believed accidentally
brought back from Mexico in August (In sandal buckle). Is indoors, on/in bedding
at present. It leaves black/dark droppings, which are oily and sometimes bloody
when crushed (The droppings). It seems to bite also. Insect can possibly jump.
Thanks.
This does appear to be
a bed bug or close relative in the family Cimicidae. Their populations appear to
be resurgent in many parts of the world. Check out the information at
http://tinyurl.com/27yhfru Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
  3114
Hi; Hope you can identify this pest that
has entered and eaten a large hole where a branch was cut off a few years ago.
The tree is a swamp maple located in Massachusetts. Wood is very wet.
Thanks Steve R
This creature is a
millipede, and would not be responsible for the damage you see, which appears to
be natural rot subsequent to callus tissue failing to completely cover a wound
(either from a broken branch and/or an improper pruning cut). Millipedes such as
this one are harmless scavengers on decomposing organic material. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3113
I live in Surrey BC Canada. I have spotted this just outside our basement door.
There is a drain in the bottom of the cement stairwell. These worms/larvae are
all around the edges of the concrete and in the cracks of the concrete. They do
not appear to be close to the drain. I first noticed 2-3 of them at beginning of
Nov 2010 and today there are about 20 of them. They are quite active. The
outside weather has been cool with a combination of rainy and sunny days at
about 6-12 degrees Celsius. What are they and how do I get rid of them?
Thanks. Tim
Can you provide clearer images of
this creature (including a ventral view, if possible)? It superficially
resembles a caterpillar in the family Noctuidae. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3112
Hello, I live in Waialua, HI and have recently come into contact with
these bugs. They appear in hoards and are attracted to light. They can fly but
seem to crawl most often. I just discovered that they have burrowed by the
hundreds in a potted orchid outside, but NOT in other plants- perhaps because of
the bark planting material in the orchid? I have been plucking them out of the
plant and discovered they have a very strong smell- YUCK. Any information you
could provide would be VERY appreciated. Thank you. Jessica
These appear to be darkling beetles
(Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae); see
http://tinyurl.com/2agh295 for an example. They do not resemble any
of the species in this family that can be common household pests.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3111
Any idea on this critter? In my house in North
Saanich, BC. Thanks
This is a long-horned wood-boring
beetle (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae); it appears to be Plectrura spinicauda,
a species native to the Pacific Northwest - see
http://tinyurl.com/2do6r8d for an image. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3110
Hello, A few days ago, these bugs have begun appearing in our apartment, mainly
in the bathroom. We've spotted them mainly at night, and each time in number
though not clustered. They're about 4 to 5 mm in length, with a reddish-brown
color. We live in Montreal, Quebec, and the photo was taken in November.
Thank you, Raphael
This is a young nymph of a
cockroach, perhaps a German cockroach, Blattella germanica - see
http://tinyurl.com/br7bbf for an image and
http://tinyurl.com/2bb7vr4 for more detailed information including
control recommendations. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3109
this beetle was found between a mattress and box spring in our house today.
Are you able to identify it and tell me how to get rid of it? We have
found 2 of them so far, the other was found last night. The beetle
measures approximately 4 mm long. We are located northeast of Newmarket.
Thanks Deborah
This could be a small ground beetle
(Coleoptera: Carabidae); with very few exceptions, these are general predators
on other small arthropods and thus usually considered beneficial. Unfortunately,
the antennae on this specimen are broken so that I cannot be certain. (Carabid
beetles have slender, filiform antennae that are of uniform diameter throughout
their length. If the antennae appear swollen at the ends, it would not be a
carabid.) Another possibility is a darkling beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae),
but it does not resemble any of the species in this family that can be common
household pests. Your ‘guests’ most likely are accidental intruders that do not
require specific control measures. Ed
Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3108 This moth measures about 1 1/4 inches in length. It was
photographed in Southern Ontario, Canada, in June. Thank you.
This appears to be a Virginia
ctenucha (Ctenucha virginica; Lepidoptera: Ctenuchidae), but a clearer
view of the pronotum and the dorsum of the abdomen would help separate it from
the very similar yellow-collared scape moth, Cisseps fulvicollis - see
http://tinyurl.com/2duhu5s for images. Ed Saugstad,
retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3107
Slightly larger than a ladybug, this beetle was photographed in
Southern Ontario, Canada, in June. John
This is a leaf beetle (Coleoptera:
Chrysomelidae) in the genus Calligrapha; most likely the dogwood
calligrapha, Calligrapha philadelphica - see
http://tinyurl.com/23yscfw for images and more information.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3106
Hello, My name is Dan and live in Mississauga. I have found this bug
twice now, once in the bedroom wall around September 2010 during the day and
today, in the ensuite bath around 9pm at night, again on the wall. It does not
move very much and appears stationary – it’s about 3mm long and 1mm wide. Can
you help identify it and whether I should be concerned?
This could be a larva of a beetle in
the family Dermestidae (hide/skin/carpet beetles and allies). They will feed on
an extremely wide range of organic materials; primarily those of animal origin,
and sometimes can be pantry pests. See
http://tinyurl.com/2efwz8w for more detailed information.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3105
Hi, My name is Gary. I want to identify the fly in the attached
pictures. It was found on the side of a house November 10th in
Central Alberta Canada (near Rocky Mountain House). We have experienced an
unseasonably warm late October – early November. The high temperature that day
was approximately 12 degrees Celsius. The specimen is approximately 5 cm long
with distinct striping on the back end along with visible hair on the head and
rear. Thanks for the help.
This fly appears to be in the family
Tachinidae; see
http://tinyurl.com/24pus4x for an example (not the same species as yours). The ‘stripes’
actually are intersegmental membranes exposed by the abdomen being swollen. All
flies in this family are parasitic on other arthropods, primarily insects. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3104
From Lake County, OH near Lake Erie, about 30 miles east of Cleveland. Found
this spider on my garage door and don’t know what it is. Any help is
appreciated.
This is a fishing/dock spider
(family Pisauridae), in the genus Dolomedes. It appears to be Dolomedes tenebrosus, sometimes called the dark fishing spider - see
http://tinyurl.com/2g5kmbp for an image and no. 3072 for another example. Large specimens can
deliver a painful (but not dangerous) bite if mishandled. Ed Saugstad, retired
entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
 3103
Hello, I live in Brampton, Ontario and have never seen this bug
before. It was found in my kitchen on the floor in the corner closest to our
patio door and wood burning fireplace. Please tell me it is NOT a cockroach.
Thanks, Concerned.
Unfortunately, this IS a
cockroach! It appears to be one of the peridomestic species in the genus Periplaneta; likely the Australian cockroach,
Periplaneta australasiae
- see
http://tinyurl.com/2emh2pb for an image. This species primarily is a pest much farther south
on this continent, but can establish itself indoors in northern areas - see
http://tinyurl.com/2fhkd9h for more detailed information.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV.
|
 3102
Hi: I found this beetle in a bowl in my cupboard, I am located in
Melbourne, Ontario and was wondering if I should be concerned I found it at the
end of summer this year. thanks. Dave
This is a larder beetle, Dermestes lardarius; Coleoptera: Dermestidae); they will feed on a wide
variety of organic material, primarily that of animal origin (including cured
meats). See
http://tinyurl.com/l6ndgr for more detailed information, including control recommendations. Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks
Grove, WV. |
 3101
Hi, I have hundreds of these tiny critters
all over my carpet in one room of my apartment. I live near Washington DC. Are
they mites? Ticks?
These are aphids,
sometimes called plant lice (Hemiptera/Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae), They feed on
plant sap, and can be pests not only from feeding injury and plant disease
transmission, but also by secreting excess fluid as ‘honeydew,’ a sticky sugary
substance that can promote mold growth.
Ed Saugstad, retired entomologist; Sinks Grove, WV. |
|
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