Illinois Insect – Soldier Beetle

This photo of a soldier beetle (Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus) was taken by Gordon Adams. Soldier beetles are members of the beetle family Cantharidae and the adults are usually found on flowers.

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).

Illinois Insect – Giant Swallowtail

This Giant Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio cresphontes) was photographed by Gordon Adams (a member of our group). Butterflies of this species are the largest butterflies found in Illinois. They are typically encountered in woods and nearby open areas.

Illinois Insect – Regal Fritillary

This photograph of a Regal Fritillary (Speyeria idalia) was taken by our member Gordon Adams. This butterfly species is typically found in prairie or other open environments (more often in sandy regions). This is a state enangered species. More information can be...