Insect of the week (November 4, 2024). Instead of supplying all the details on our featured insect of the week, this week, I present you with a puzzler. First one to correctly identify the insect gets a prize (you can pick it up at our next meeting – November 16, 2024 – yes, must be present to claim the prize). This is a relatively common insect in central Illinois. This photo is of the head of the insect. The specimen was collected in Peoria County by our former member Gordon Adams. The head is about as long as wide (not easy to tell in this photo). What is the common name of this insect (or the scientific name if you really want to challenge yourself). Please place your identification in the comments (or send me a direct message if you are shy). The insect is relatively large (over 2 inches in length) and often encountered as an adult in the autumn.

The insect of the week puzzler was correctly guessed on our Facebook page. It is the head of a walkingstick. Here is a photo of more of the insect so you can see the head in relation to the rest of the body.