Insect of the week (August 19, 2024)
This week, we focus on the insect order Hemiptera. In this case, the “big-eyed toad bug” – Gelastocoris oculatus. This insect was described by Fabricius in 1798. It is classified in the family Gelastocoridae. It can be found in North America...
Insect of the week (August 12, 2024)
Our insect of the week for August 12, 2024 is the Polyphemus moth (Antheraea polyphemus). I htought it was time to feature another group of insects. This species is classified in the order Lepidoptera, family Saturniidae). This species was described by Pieter Cramer...Insect of the week (August 5, 2024)
Our insect of the week for August 5 is not a beetle. Surprise! For the last 3 weeks, we have been discussing beetles. If you start observing animals in central Illinois, on average about 75% of those you observe will be beetles. Yes, they are that common and diverse....
Peoria approximella (a moth named in New York for Peoria, IL). Photo of Michigan specimen courtesy Jim Vargo (used with permission).