Insect of the week (December 9, 2024)
For our insect of the week (December 9, 2024), we again focus on beetles. This week, we examine the carabid beetle, Scaphinotus elevatus [COLEOPTERA: Carabidae]. This species was described by Fabricius (a Danish zoologist) in 1787.There are 6 recognized subspecies in...
Insect of the week (December 2, 2024)
Beetles are very common worldwide (including central Illinois). Therefore, we continue focusing on the order Coleoptera (beetles). Our insect of the week is Bolitotherus cornutus (a member of the beetle family Tenebrionidae). This species was described by the German...
Insect of the week (November 25, 2024)
Our insect of the week (November 25, 2024) is Calosoma scrutator (also known as the caterpillar hunter. [COLEOPTERA: Carabidae]. This beetle is relatively common across much of North America. Adults often excrete a foul smelling oil when handled (smells like rancid...
Insect of the week (November 18, 2024)
For the week of November 18, 2024, we continue examining the insect order Hymenoptera (ants, bees, and wasps). Our focus this week is on Tremex columba (Hymenoptera: Siricidae). This species was described by Linnaeus in 1763. The common name is pigeon horntail. Adult...
Insect of the week (November 11, 2024)
Our insect of the week for November 11, 2024 is the wasp Pelecinus polyturator. [HYMENOPTERA: Pelicinide]. This species was described by Dru Drury (a British entomologist) in 1773. Yes, just a bit before we decided enough was enough with the taxation without...
Insect of the week (November 4, 2024)
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...
Insect of the week (October 28, 2024)
Insect of the week (October 28, 2024) is the eyed elater – Alaus oculatus (Linnaeus, 1758). This click beetle (COLEOPTERA: Elateridae) is not frequently found in central Illinois. Some adults reach nearly 2 inches in length. It is thought the false eyes serve to...
Insect of the week (October 21, 2024)
Insect of the week (October 21, 2024) is the periodical cicada, Magicicada septendecim (Linnaeus, 1758) (HEMIPTERA: Cicadidae). As you may already know, this is one of three periodical cicada species found in the Peoria area. Further south (Springfield and more...
Insect of the week (October 14, 2024)
Insect of the week (October 14, 2024) is the northern mole cricket – Neocurtilla hexadactyla (Perty, 1832). This native Orthopteran species is placed in the family Gryllotalpidae. The specimen in this photograph was collected by our former member, Gordon Adams,...
Peoria approximella (a moth named in New York for Peoria, IL). Photo of Michigan specimen courtesy Jim Vargo (used with permission).