This is a southern devil scorpion. They inhabit the southern Appalachian region and are the only scorpion that lives east of the Mississippi River, except for three species in Florida and surrounding areas. Like most scorpions, they have two eyes in the middle of their ‘head’ area, but also have ‘lateral eyes’. This species has three pairs of lateral eyes, which can be seen as the black spot just above the jaws.
This is a mournfulthyrsi, a colorful, day-flying moth found in forests throughout the eastern US. As caterpillars, they feed only on the leaves ofgreenbrier (Smilax), a thorny vine that often irritates hikers. It’s fun to associate an attractive day-flying moth like this with the thorny plant that many curse. European hornet (Vespa crabo) flying back…
The Mordellidae are a family of beetles commonly known as Tumbling Flower Beetles for the typical irregular movements they make when escaping predators. These black beetles are small, usually between 3 and 7 mm (0.1 to 0.3 inch) in length and are most often seen on flowers. They are covered with fine hairs and are…
The larval mite on this harvestman’s leg will continue engorging on host fluids until it falls off and pupates in the soil. It will then emerge as a purplish predatory mite with white stripes, then pupate again, and finally emerge as an adult that roams forest litter for prey Female tiny parasitic wasp (Eupelmidae) with…
We Have to Watch Out for Bites and Ticks While Out Hiking
Phymata Fasciata is a species of ambush bug in the family Reduviidae. It is found in Central America and North America. It is shorter and stouter than its assassin bug cousins, being only about 1 inch long. Most are brightly colored, in shades of yellow, orange, red and greenish-yellow. View more insects on the Coal…
This wasp is about two millimeters long and easily mistaken for a tiny ant. They are fast runners and can jump readily with a unique method of contorting the body. This female is looking for insect eggs, which act as a perfect host for her own eggs. This species likely utilizes stink bugs as hosts….