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....
Insect of the week (July 29, 2024)
Our insect of the week is Phengodes fusciceps. This beetle species is classified in the family Phengodidae (also known as glowworm beetles). Both females and larvae have bio-luminescent organs. Larvae and females are predators and typically feed on millipedes. Winged...
Insect of the week (July 22, 2024)
Continuing our theme of beetles for the second “insect of the week,” I thought it appropriate to focus on the rainbow scarab (Phanaeus vindex). This species was described by MacLeay in 1819. Although it looks most exotic, it is a species native to...
Insect of the week (July 15, 2024)
Thought it might be interesting to post notes about a selected Illinois insect every week. For our first insect, I thought the one in our logo would be appropriate. The ivory-marked borer (Eburia quadrigeminata was described by Thomas Say in 1826). [He originally...2024 Meetings
Our 2024 Meeting Schedule We decided in January to establish our tentative event schedule for 2024. It is possible these dates may change (or we may decide to pursue another route). Please check this page for updates before each planned event. These are listed below....2023 Meetings
Our 2023 Meeting Schedule We decided in January to establish our tentative event schedule for 2023. It is possible these dates may change (or we may decide to pursue another route). Please check this page for updates before each planned event. These are listed below....2022 Meetings
2022 Meetings We decided in January to establish our tentative event schedule for 2022. Given the pandemic, these dates may change (or we may decide to pursue another route). Please check this page for updates. These are listed below. All events start on Saturday at 9...
Peoria approximella (a moth named in New York for Peoria, IL). Photo of Michigan specimen courtesy Jim Vargo (used with permission).