Illinois Insect – Chinese Mantid

This photo of a Chinese Mantid (Tenodera aridifolia) was taken by Gordon Adams (a member of our group). There are roughly 2,300 described species of the insect order Mantodea. This particular species was introduced into the area near Philadelphia around 1900 and has...

Illinois Insect – Large Milkweed Bug

This photograph og a large milkweed bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus) was taken by our member Gordon Adams. Members of this family (Lygaeidae) of the insect order Heteroptera are commonly called seed bugs. As yu can see, they are conspiculously marked. Typically, such...

Illinois Insect – Great Spangled Fritillary

This Great Spangled Fritillary (Speyeria cybele) was photographed by our member Gordon Adams. This species is typically found in open areas or near the edge of forested areas. It can be common at times (depending on the climate conditions in a given year).