What Kind of Insect is That!? – Part 1

What Kind of Insect is That!? – Part 1

In this blog series, we look at some very odd insects that you may encounter in Illinois. In this first blog, we explore: Pseudoscorpions, American Pelecinid Wasps, and Buffalo Treehoppers.

Pseudoscorpions

True to their name, these arachnids very much resemble scorpions, but are actually a different species and lack the tell-tail rear stinger that actual scorpions have. These pests have flat, oval bodies and two front-facing pinchers. On average, they measure about 1/5 inch in length and have dark reddish-brown bodies. These creepy crawlies tend to hind in dark cracks and crevices and are most commonly seen in the spring and summer when it is hot and humid. Luckily, despite their very harrowing appearance, Pseudoscorpions are harmless to both people and pets.

American Pelecinid Wasps

These insects stand out due to their extra-long, spindly tails. When in flight, they tend to resemble damselflies (the smaller cousin of dragonflies), but when resting, their tails notably curl up along its joints. American Pelecinid Wasps are considered “new world wasps” and are typically found in wooded areas, open fields, or gardens. They measure in at an average of 2.5 inches for females and 1 inch for males. Their bodies are incredibly thin and are a very dark, shiny black color. Thankfully, unlike the other wasps that we are used to in Illinois, American Pelecinid Wasps do not sting.

Buffalo Treehoppers

These unique little bugs get their name due to their large, oddly-shaped heads that resemble the face of buffalo. They are typically light to dark green in color and have an interesting humpback shape. Buffalo Treehoppers consume a variety of plants including vegetables, flowers, fruits, trees, etc. Using their wings, these garden pests “tree-hop” from plant to plant in order to feed and lay their eggs. They are most active in the summer and fall prior to entering a hibernation state during the winter.

Citations

American Pelecinid Wasp (Family Pelecinidae) (2013) University of Wisconsin Milwaukee College of Letters and Science. Available at: https://uwm.edu/field-station/american-pelecinid-wasp/ (Accessed: June 9, 2021). American Pelecinid Wasp (Pelecinus polyturator) (2021) Insect Identification. Available at: https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.php?identification=American-Pelecinid-Wasp (Accessed: June 9, 2021). Buffalo Treehopper (Stictocephala spp.) (2021) Insect Identification. Available at: https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.php?identification=Buffalo-Treehopper (Accessed: June 9, 2021). Hahn, J. and Kells, S. (2020) Pseudoscorpions, University of Minnesota Extension. Available at: https://extension.umn.edu/insect-relatives/pseudoscorpions (Accessed: June 9, 2021). Laura (2015) These 9 Bugs Found In Illinois Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine, OnlyInYourState. Available at: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/illinois/bugs-il/ (Accessed: June 9, 2021). Otto, P. (2020) Good Natured in St. Charles: Venomous pseudoscorpions pack mini-punch, Kane Country Chronicle. Shaw Local. Available at: https://www.shawlocal.com/2020/01/03/good-natured-in-st-charles-venomous-pseudoscorpions-pack-mini-punch/api64rc/ (Accessed: June 9, 2021).