Did you know that a single elm tree can host up to 500,000 elm leaf beetles at the peak of an infestation? These invasive pests pose a severe threat to the health and appearance of elm trees throughout the United States and Canada, including in the state of Idaho. Elm leaf beetles are common insects…
Did you know that the confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum) is one of the most common and destructive insect pests for stored grain and food products in the United States? These tiny, reddish-brown beetles are found in silos, warehouses, grocery stores, and even our own homes, infesting and damaging an estimated 10% of the world’s…
Did you know that click beetles can flip themselves over with a distinctive clicking sound? These fascinating insects are known for their unique physical characteristics, diverse habitats, and intriguing life cycle and behaviors. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of these ingenious creatures, covering their appearance, global distribution, feeding habits, ecological importance, and interactions…
Did you know that the odd beetle, also known as the tissue paper beetle, is a peculiar insect that belongs to the family Dermestidae? This monotypic genus contains a single species, Thylodrias contractus, and is native to Asia, but has been widely introduced to North America. Despite its name, the odd beetle does not actually…
Did you know that there are over 50,000 clover mites swarming in the typical Idaho home during peak spring and fall seasons? These tiny, red arachnids, related to ticks and spiders, can literally blanket the exterior and interior of residences, creating an unsightly nuisance for homeowners. Clover mites, measuring just the size of a pinhead,…
Did you know that pillbugs, those unassuming backyard creatures, are actually more closely related to lobsters and crabs than to insects? This surprising fact sets the stage for an intriguing exploration of the pillbugs found throughout the state of Idaho. Beyond their taxonomic classification, these small crustaceans exhibit a fascinating array of traits and behaviors…
Did you know that there are insects that emerge from the ground every 13 or 17 years, creating swarms of millions that fill the air with their distinctive buzzing sounds? These fascinating creatures are called periodical cicadas, and they belong to the genus Magicicada, found primarily in the eastern United States. Their synchronized mass emergence…
Did you know that over 90% of insect-caused tree mortality in the United States is due to bark and ambrosia beetles? These small, wood-boring insects are the most destructive pests in western conifer forests, capable of killing even the largest host trees through mass assault, girdling, or inoculation with lethal pathogens. Bark beetles, collectively known…
Did you know that a single cigarette beetle infestation can contaminate an entire household’s worth of food, costing thousands in damages? These small but mighty pests are a common scourge in homes and businesses across the United States, infesting everything from cereals and spices to books and furniture. The cigarette beetle, also known as the…
Did you know that ambrosia beetles, despite their diminutive size of typically under 1/4th of an inch, can attack more than 100 woody plant species? These small insects, both native and non-native, are a prevalent presence in South Carolina, with the majority causing no significant damage to living plants. However, several exotic species, such as…