A Rare Robber Fly New to Virginia

Dr. Art Evans in What's Bugging You?

Dr. Art Evans and Steve Clark discuss a chance encounter that Art had with a very rare robber fly that is new to the Virginia fauna, Orthogonis stygia.

This predatory species was first described from two specimens collected in North Carolina and Mississippi. Since then, specimens of this exceptionally rare species have been found in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas.

Be sure to read Art's blog on this species here.

robber fly

Blood Sucking Skeeters!

Dr. Art Evans in What's Bugging You?

The infusion of moisture in late summer is a boon for mosquito populations. Clouds of whining female mosquitoes are drawing blood meals from birds, people, and pets. What to do? Blanket spraying of vegetation kills not only mosquitoes, but other insects, too, including predators, parasites, and pollinators. The most effective mosquito preventative is to destroy their breeding sites, which includes anything that holds 1/2 inch or more of water. Also avoid peak adult mosquito activity by not going out at dusk and dawn.

Asian tiger mosquito

It’s Spider Time

Dr. Art Evans in What's Bugging You?

Late summer and fall are when many species reach their zenith and spin conspicuous webs across wooded paths, window sills, and hedges. As predators, spiders are an important part of the ecosystem and help keep insect populations in check. Join producer Steve Clark and Dr. Art Evans to find out more about these amazing, yet often misunderstood animals.

Garden Spider

Interview with Author Amy Stewart

Dr. Art Evans in What's Bugging You?

WCVE Public Radio producer Steve Clark and entomologist Dr. Art Evans talked with best selling author Amy Stewart about her latest book Wicked Bugs: The Louse That Conquered Napoleon’s Army & Other Diabolical Insects. Her most recent effort details some 100 “bug” culprits that have or have had the most dangerous effects on humans.

author Amy Stewart

Casey's June Beetle: Endangered Species

Dr. Art Evans in What's Bugging You?

Casey’s June beetle, Dinacoma caseyi Blaisdell, is known from only two populations in the southern part of Palm Springs, California. Its remaining habitat of roughly 600 acres consists of approximately nine fragments and is rapidly declining. Adults emerge from the ground to mate in late March through June and reach their peak in mid to late May. The females have reduced wings and are flightless, while the males are fully-winged and capable of flight. Little is known of their life cycle or food plant preferences.

Casey's June Beetle

European Hornets

Dr. Art Evans in What's Bugging You?

One of the largest wasps now found throughout Eastern North America, the European Hornet first arrived around 1840.

The hornets prefer to build their papery nest in a protected area such as under steps or inside tree holes. They will strip away bark from lilacs and other shrubs to use as building material, which they chew to make the paper nest.

The young of these insect predators are fed mostly a diet of pre-chewed flies and other insects, usually captured on the wing. Adult wasps prefer sap or nectar.

European Hornet

Post-Hurricane Bug Activity

Dr. Art Evans in What's Bugging You?

The GOES-13 (Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) captured this powerful image of Hurricane Irene inundating North Carolina and Virginia on the 27th of August, 2011. WCVE producer Steve Clark and Dr. Art Evans, Entomologist discuss what effects hurricanes and earthquakes might have on insect populations.

Hurricane Irene

Horseshoe Crabs

Dr. Art Evans in What's Bugging You?

Horseshoe crabs are not crabs at all. They are the distant cousins of arachnids such as scorpions and spiders.

horseshoe crab

Yet Another Rare Beetle Found in Virginia

Dr. Art Evans in What's Bugging You?

While sorting through some spring Malaise trap samples from the Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve, Dr. Art Evans came across a single specimen of an unfamiliar beetle about five millimeters in length. After a bit of research, Evans determined the beetle to be Omethes marginatus LeConte in the family Omethidae.

The specimen represents a new species AND family record for Virginia. Omethes marginatus was previously known from Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania; additional new state records include Arkansas and Indiana.

False Soldier Beetle

Forensic Entomology To The Rescue

Dr. Art Evans in What's Bugging You?

Steve Clark and Dr. Art Evans continue their discussion of forensic entomology and how a forensic entomologist cracked an unusual case involving a misplaced millipede and an allegation of child abuse.

Forensic Entomology