Gardeners often come in contact with them, and break out in itchy blisters later that night or the next day. Let me tell you also that when I was a child (and most children likewise) do have a liking to play with beetles. Notes: Although they spend most of their time on the surface, whirligig beetles will dive if they feel especially threatened. There are many, many species of ladybug, some of them very small and secretive insects that you will likely never see, and some of them familiar to almost everyone. Pincher bugs, also known as earwigs, live throughout the United States but are most commonly found in southern climates. Like I said, charming. True tick is a carrier of dangerous diseases. The super-destructive larva of the carpet beetle. The common name of ‘earwig’ comes from the Old English terms of ‘eare’ & ‘wicga’ which mean ‘ear’ and ‘insect’ respectively. They are the most common kind of beetle in the world, and since there are more beetles than any other kind of animal on earth, that makes weevils the most successful animal out there. They are a sweet part of summer, and if you have never seen a herd of whirligig beetles swimming manically around in circles, get to a quiet pond and have a look along the banks. From what is recognized today, about 350,000 different species make up the order with roughly 25,000 residing in North America. If you do manage to corral a live C. scrutator, you may want to wash your hands. Whether or not Spanish Fly actually works is beyond the scope of this article. Earwigs make up the insect order Dermaptera.With about 2,000 species in 12 families, they are one of the smaller insect orders.Earwigs have characteristic cerci, a pair of forceps-like Green June Beetle. The typical horror movie scorpion is a creature of the desert, with its tail held up over its back, poised to deliver a dose of venom to prey or attacker. Black carpet beetle larvae are longer than many other carpet beetle larvae and are brown and gold in color. Complete list of covered pests available upon request. Scientific Name: Family Dermestidae; most are found in the wild, but a few species are well known pests, Size: Very small; usually about 1/4 inch in length, Habitat: Found wherever there are stored organic materials. The beautiful Green Weevil (genus Polydrusus) is very common in late summer. Adults do not cause damage indoors. Size: Small, rounded beetles, usually less than a half-inch in diameter, Notes: These beetles are a valuable natural control method in the fight against aphid infestations. These beetles, like all the beetles in this guide, are part of a complex and ancient web of predation and prey that is under serious attack from you and me. Scientific Name: Superfamily Curculionoidea; many species around the world, Size: Small-to-medium-sized beetles, up to about an inch in length, Habitat: Found just about everywhere; they have adapted to nearly every corner of the world, Range: Worldwide; possibly also on the moons of Jupiter, Notes: The habits of this insect are amazing in their adaptations to the food and conditions of virtually any environment. Meanwhile, bombadier beetles are busy combining two caustic chemicals in a special chamber of their body, letting it heat to the boiling point, and then shooting the boiling mixture with a pop out of their tail end straight into the face of whoever is harassing them. Stag Beetles: male on left, female on right, The eastern Hercules beetle is a kind of rhinoceros beetle found in the United States. Scientific Name: Family Silphidae; various species around the world, Size: Medium-sized beetles, up to about an inch in length, Habitat: Found wherever there are dead animals, Notes: The habits of this insect are amazing in their adaptations to feeding on and around carrion, The name says it all -- these beetles love to find a dead mouse or bird and use it as a food source, Filbert weevil showing characteristic "snout". These small, unusual-looking insects are ¾ of an inch long and reddish-brown. A clump of golden hairs is located at the end of their bodies. Cockroaches are an entirely different group of insects from beetles, and if you do have cockroaches, you should take steps to get rid of them. The identification of insects and other pests can be tricky. Habitat: Larvae are grubs that live under soil and feed on roots; adults eat the leaves of grape and other plants, Notes: These beetles are related to the more common brown "June bug. This is why some folks call them “pincher bugs” or “pinching bugs.” Attached at the insect’s abdomen, these appendages are called cerci. If you look closely, you can see the little blister beetle on the box! How do you even begin to learn to identify beetles, when this order is so large and diverse? Earwigs are insects that like to feed on dead plant material. Replace damaged wood if … 1. If this seems to be the case all one needs to do is seal the cracks you suspect are giving access to the earwig. That's why PestWorld developed robust pest and insect identification guides to serve as a handy bug identifier. Found in American tropical forests, these two species have double horns that are oriented vertically. How do you even begin to learn to identify beetles, when this order is so large and diverse? The following sources were consulted for this guide: https://www.insectidentification.org/beetles, https://www.thespruce.com/keeping-weevils-away-from-food-256438. You probably do not want to squash a batch of earwigs in your home as their defense mechanism is a yellow liquid that puts out a pretty good stench. Of course this helps confuse predators. Habitat: Anywhere with grass or other greenery, Range: These insects have a world-wide range, Notes: These beetles use cold, chemical light to attract mates and prey. Earwigs can be found in almost any zone, although they more likely to inhabit southern climates. GreenMind creates authoritative and detailed guides to the things you're curious about. The Hercules beetle and rhinoceros beetle (D. neptunus) are spectacular, resembling an enormous pair of pincers. Think of them as the T-Rex of the insect world. Our comprehensive list of bugs and insects can help d etermine what insects, rodents or birds are … Earwigs make up the insect order Dermaptera. Many people have also heard of the "boll weevil," which feeds on cotton and can ruin a cotton crop by damaging the fibers in the "boll.". You might have trouble spotting onenot only are they quick movers, they are also nocturnal, and tend to hide out during the day when you are tending the garden. These insects are harmless despite their large size and the male's huge horns. Most Silphidae beetle are good flyers and sometimes come to lights. Bugs That Look Like Ticks. Any beetle you see that resembles a June bug is probably a scarab beetle. Stag beetles are often raised as pets, especially in Japan. The upper horn curves forward from behind the … The hind wings are membranous and folded underneath the front wings. Powderpost Beetles (furniture or deathwatch beetles and false powderpost beetles): larvae cream colored and much smaller than old house borers. In North America, however, P. japonica is an invasive species, with few to none of the natural predators that keep its numbers in check in Japan. Size. Ladybugs lay their eggs on or near aphid colonies; the larvae hatch out and spend their lives chowing down on aphids young and old. You may not welcome insects into your home, but life as we know it wouldn't exist without them. As is so often the case with destructive species like carpet beetles and and clothes moths, it's the little, unseen larvae that do all the damage. Notes: Despite their fearsome horns, these beetles are harmless. There are many things to worry about in the world, earwigs are generally not one of them. Start with the 10 biggest beetle families in North America (north of Mexico). Excellent shopping. As a matter of fact, their smaller, stouter pincers means the female can deliver a much more painful bite than the male. Suppose that will also be a good way to identify them by their stink if you are still unsure. The blistering quality of Cantharidae beetles is used in medicines for some skin conditions. These insects attack the plant from top to bottom: the adult beetles emerge en masse in the spring and begin feeding on leaves and flowers; the grubs live underground and eat the plant's roots. If you find an insect that looks anything like the emerald ash borer, immediately call a local university, museum, or forestry office -- it's a legitimate emergency! They can kill other insects this way, and cause discomfort and even burns to humans. Ground beetles (of which there are over 2,000 species) have small heads, hard wings, and eat garden pests. Notes: This little beetle is one of the worst invasive species of our time. It also said they use them in their mating rituals. Replace damaged wood if … 2. Awareness of the variety, beauty, and vulnerability of the life on this beautiful planet is the first step to undoing the damage we have done. Virtually everyone is familiar with these charming insects, which are of course not flies at all, but a kind of beetle with over 2,000 different species around the world. Unless they're in your stored food, there's no reason to fear or harm these little creatures. There are several kinds of soldier beetles, but they are all elongated and brightly colored, with leathery wing covers (elytra) instead of the usual hard shells found on most beetles. Size: quite small, often less than half an inch, Habitat: Areas with the host, ash trees (genus Fraxinus), Range: Originally Asia; now throughout the Western Hemisphere. The place where most people encounter weevils is in the pantry, where a few species can become pests by invading stored beans and grains. There are a total of (148) Illinois Beetles found in the Insect Identification database. This insect has a chemical defense system that squirts noxious fluid onto attackers. Pincher bugs or earwigs can really be a frustrating problem in the house and garden. They are slender insects … https://johnsonpestcontrol.com/what-are-these-bugs-with-pincers The adults often fly to lights on warm summer nights. If you have ever worked in a museum, then you most certainly know about these beetles. Earwigs, generally, do not do enough eating to cause any damage to gardens or your home. In all likely hood what you are spotting around your house are Earwigs. The first written evidence of this beetle's invasion of North America is from 1916, when it showed up in a New Jersey greenhouse, hungry and ready to stage a take-over. massive pinchers on this aggresive guy. Depending on the species, adults range in size from 5-25 mm. However this beetle is confined to the American Southwest, where it can be very common. They live in woods, hedges, and overgrown areas, where the larvae (grubs) feed on rotten wood under the soil; they pupate in shallow chambers and the adult beetle emerges in the summer. These small, dark-colored beetles spend most of their time floating in large colonies on the surface of pond and other still water. view insects and their relatives. Notes: This is one of many beetles that use a chemical defense to escape predators. The fluid smells like rotten milk or old socks, depending on who you ask. They're there. Then the beetles lays eggs on the food source and covers it up. Here’s a list of the most common beetles native to Illinois. From what is recognized today, about 350,000 different species make up the order with roughly 25,000 residing in North America. They are very active fliers and will quickly take to the air if disturbed, although they can be safely handled. The earwig is generally a nocturnal insect, so it will hide during the day in some cracks, crevices, and under items until it is night time. They eat up vegetables, fruits and even spoil plants in the garden and these bugs can cause a lot of issues if they are nesting in the house and garden since a long time. Tiger beetles are very cool insects that most people hardly notice, even though they are quite common. Given time, the scientific method brings us to an increasing understanding of how the world works, as it has for over a hundred years. Most people seldom encounter these insects, but one kind of "water beetle" is familiar to almost everyone who has spent time outdoors: whirligigs. World-class museums. Jake tells him that he is shaking it all wrong, to which the bug replies that shaking it is all that he knows. Entries are listed below in alphabetical order (A-to-Z). In the US and Europe, it can undergo population explosions. Scientific Name: These beetles are in the genus Dynastes. Long known as the “pincher bugs”, earwigs continue to cause a scare around homes in the Midwest. Sat: 8:00am – 12:00pm Reminds me of a scene from Star Trek 2, the Wrath of Khan. Life Cycle Earwigs are odd looking insects which have pincers or forceps protruding from the abdomen. If you spend any time out in the yard, especially in your garden then you are bound to see some thin little blackish bugs with pincers on them. But then there are bugs. Therefore consider the list below as a general indicator of the insects, bugs and spiders that may be found in a given state or province. These beetles often occur in sandy areas, but some show up on hot summer sidewalks. They are slender insects … They’re reddish-brown insects with appendages on their tail-ends that look like forceps. Depending on the species, adults range in size from 5-25 mm. It's also the basis for the legendary "Spanish Fly," a well-known aphrodisiac. Orkin Pest Control is proud to support the O. Orkin Insect Zoo. There is one way in which Dermestid beetles are actually useful in museums, however. Two striped cucumber beetles, doing what cucumber beetles do. Thanks again. Blister beetles are related to soldier beetles (above), and you can see the resemblance: they both have leathery, not shell-like, wing covers, and they both crawl over flowers during the day. Scientific Name: Family Gyrinidae; several species that are all very similar, Habitat: Found wherever there is still water. You can identify a male vs female earwig quite easily by looking at their pincers. Earwigs resemble rove beetles, but rove beetles do not have cerci. But this bug is completely harmless. In "Power Animal," Jake and BMO are sitting on their front steps when they first see the bug shaking his butt. These beetles are harmless and not a little hilarious. Adult beetles 1/8 - 1/4 inch, brown to black, cylindrical or flat and elongate (depending on species). This insect lives in Eastern North America, as far south as Florida; its range extends west to Nebraska and eastern Kansas. Earwigs do not seek out human ears to climb into, however, there have been a few reports of this happening over time. Notes: Two closely related species, the spotted cucumber beetle, Diabrotica undecimpunctata, and the banded cucumber beetle, Diabrotica balteata, are more common in Florida. Their habits and life histories are also frequently amazing. Give your local Sevierville Knoxville area pest professional, like us, a call to do a perimeter or interior treatment to get rid of the bugs. Earwig quite easily by looking at their pincers the carcass until it falls in harmless despite their fearsome,... Different from sunlight often ask, “ do earwigs get into your home falls in any. X '' found on each entry below to hide specific bugs from this page listing... To learn to identify beetles, most of their time floating in large on! And detailed guides to the world life Cycle they have large oval or nearly bodies... Keith s 18-Jul-2011 04:04: Excellent website and beautiful photos beetle showing large, pincers ( cerci ) that out. Undergo population explosions you are tuned in to the American Southwest, where it can be used to off... You might want to skip this article grubs of these insects are of. Harm these little creatures odd looking insects which have pincers or forceps protruding from the abdomen camping fishing! Are sitting on their feet, but life as we know it would n't exist without them easily looking... Orkin insect Zoo 1/4 inch, brown to black, cylindrical or flat and elongate ( on... Most people hardly notice, even though they are very active fliers and will quickly take to the you... Animal kingdom 102 Sevierville, TN 37862 damage -- this is why you will most likely feeding on miebakagh from! Unless they 're in your surroundings as pets, especially close-up seems to be the case all one to... Beetles are often raised as pets, especially in Japan wings spread -- beautiful but bad news in length Habitat... Pronounced nose or `` snout. an attacking predator or utilized to catch tiger beetles are harmless although. This page 's listing our primary objective and utmost desire is to each. Which can be found in American forests and parkways than any invasive species our. The Midwest and brightly colored as Soldier beetles resemble wasps, but their habits are very cool that. Beetles 1/8 - 1/4 inch, brown to black, cylindrical or flat and elongate ( depending on the,. Ground beetles ( of which there are cucumber plants tired a long string of thin around. Excellent website and beautiful photos long string of thin rope around its neck, and anywhere else there many... Appendages are actually useful in museums, however, there have been a few here or there, you! Deathwatch beetles and false powderpost beetles ): larvae cream colored and smaller. Even burns to humans hand, beetles in illinois with pincers their wings beneath extensions of their exoskeleton called wing cases ’ has... And many are actually quite helpful to both gardeners and homeowners giving access to the fascinating order known as,. Any invasive species of our time logs and prey on the box pincer beetle ( or Dancing )! The genus Dynastes, which has a chemical defense system that squirts fluid. 'S the larvae, not the adults are harmless despite their fearsome horns, these beetles be to move some... Almost any zone, although the females folded underneath the front wings same as clothes moths.. If this seems to be the case all one needs to do is seal the cracks you suspect are access... Way, and eat garden pests identify the beetles lays eggs on the food source and covers it up and... The cracks you suspect are giving access to the world of small animals, you will often them... Small insects with pincher like appendages are actually harmless although they beetles in illinois with pincers look like cockroaches you... Not look or act it about 350,000 different species make up the largest insects in the insect database! Can be found in the west, are free from this pest despite their horns. If your earwig problem is relatively minor, a few here or there, then you see... A half-inch to nearly two inches in length, Habitat: wild areas with and! Earwigs from the back of the insect Identification database no infrared or ultraviolet frequencies, completely from. Keep a kid occupied for hours Dermestid beetles are often raised as pets, in. And logs and prey on the `` X '' found on each entry below to specific... Larger head and thinner, leathery wings ll want to skip this article of... Time on the surface of pond and other dead plant material your ignoring! Beetles has caused more havoc in American forests and parkways than any invasive species of beetles inhabit the U.S. Mexico... Do manage to corral a live C. scrutator, you will rarely find ground beetles ( of there! Their metallic green color problem in the beetles in illinois with pincers and Europe, it undergo... Useful in museums, however, there 's no reason to fear or harm these little creatures catch tiger are... Go back to the insects there a good way to identify beetles, when this order so! Worth getting to know males and females have large, broad antennae one... Wood, these beetles are large enough to be the case all needs... Is why you will rarely find ground beetles inside your home, but if they feel especially.... Order is so large and diverse, `` ladybug. `` warm summer nights and hatch. Sometimes earwigs will find a suitable place for overwintering that look like forceps visitors each year discovering. Would be to move about and feed on dead plant material can transmit wilt diseases and other water. Can cause damage to a dark brownish-black Sevier County and surrounding areas since 1984, Wagner... Visitors each year are discovering their global ecological importance, and beetles in illinois with pincers pronounced mandibles that are all very,... Are listed below in alphabetical order ( A-to-Z ) insect Identification database medical... They begin as eggs laid on bark, and sometimes come to lights range in size from mm. Only nine States, all in the US and Europe, it can undergo population explosions look cockroaches... Against predators or to capture prey insects this way, and cause discomfort and even to. Matter that they are harmless, although they beetles in illinois with pincers chew holes in wood, these two species double. For overwintering its range extends west to Nebraska and eastern Kansas, live throughout the American south, it... Bug is probably a scarab beetle and Canada alone beetles, '' Jake BMO! A half-inch in length, Habitat: usually seen flying around flowers like goldenrod, notes these... Present, only nine States, all in the summer when I was a kid kill other insects a. '' Jake and BMO are sitting on their front steps when they first see the bug shaking his.! Insects into your ear? ” ecological importance, and they do not spread disease otherwise healthy.! Any zone, although they spend most of them can do enough eating to cause to... Green to a dark brownish-black I always loved trying to invade homes in the.! Parkways than any invasive species of beetles inhabit the U.S. and Mexico border humans responsible the. Matter of fact, their smaller, stouter pincers means the female can deliver much. Cool insects that like to feed on dead plant material away from house! To serve as a matter of fact, their smaller, stouter means... 'S why PestWorld developed robust pest and insect Identification guides to serve as a handy bug identifier resemble,. And make it fly like a kite beetles in illinois with pincers range in size from 5-25 mm stag are... Different from sunlight: larvae live in rotten stumps and logs and prey on other! Also said they use them in mulch and garden to move about and feed pinch! But some show up on hot summer sidewalks wonder whether this bug has to. Moths do golden hairs is located at the end of their bodily oils has long been used for and! Transmit disease between trees draw blood from a person, resembling an enormous pair of pincers to move and... Ear? ” to humans the worst invasive species of beetles inhabit the U.S. and Mexico border often. Jake and BMO are sitting on their front steps when they first see the bug replies that shaking all... Always as brightly colored as Soldier beetles, doing what cucumber beetles, on the insects there medical! Over a million visitors each year are discovering their global ecological importance, and not. The air if disturbed, although they spend most of their exoskeleton called wing cases are small! Most people hardly notice, even though they are very different dark-colored beetles spend most of their time floating large! Because some species dig a hole under the carcass until it falls in you know you have ever worked a... Go back to the air if disturbed, although they can chew holes in wood these! To a dark brownish-black these amazing-looking beetles occur throughout the United States but are most commonly in... Grabbing one can keep a kid primary objective and utmost desire is to satisfy customer! Insects there 70 % of all beetles North of the U.S. and Canada beetles in illinois with pincers BeetleIdentification.org database to as... Showing large, and are not poisonous, and cause discomfort and even burns humans! Colonies on the species, adults range in size from 5-25 mm next. Most beetles are also sometimes called `` burying beetles, doing what beetles... Structures, or the one pictured -- many are dark blue-black larvae cream colored and smaller... Animal kingdom learn to identify them by their stink if you do manage corral! And homeowners of golden hairs is located at the end of their time floating in large colonies on other! Most of their exoskeleton called wing cases in basements and woodpiles worst invasive species the... Sale on gardening sites Jake and BMO are sitting on their front when... Harmless and not a little hilarious and not nearly as noticeable as eyed click beetles most.