Identifying Strange Flying Bugs: A Guide to Common Mistakes and Insect Recognition
Whenever a strange flying bug flutters into view, it often becomes a puzzle to figure out just what it is. From mistaken identifications to detailed ecological insights, this article dives into common misconceptions and provides accurate identification for various insects. Let’s explore some of these fascinating creatures and demystify their true identities.
1. The Mistaken Roman Tower Fly
That looks very much like a Roman tower, are not very many of them, and they live in cool places near… live on plants and spider… they actually eat the legs off spiders.
When you stumble upon a bug with legs missing from a spider, chances are, it is the work of a Roman tower fly (Orthetrum bicinctum). However, it’s essential to avoid mistaking them for Roman towers. Roman towers (Herpestes puniceus) are not insects but birds of prey found in Europe and Asia. These fascinating insects are actually dragonflies that are known for their predatory behavior. They use their sharp mandibles to remove legs and other body parts of their prey. Picture a close-up image of a Roman tower fly in action to confirm its identity.
2. The Buffalo Treehopper
You need to post the picture. It’s not accessible to look at right now.
The insect you observed might be a buffalo treehopper (Stictocephala bisonia), a member of the treehopper family, Membracidae, commonly found in North America. Treehoppers are small and colorful, often resembling leaves for camouflage. They are amazing creatures that help them blend into their environment, making them hard to spot. The buffalo treehopper is a fascinating example of how insects have evolved to use their surroundings to their advantage.
3. The Mantidfly
Looks like you got yourself a treehopper family Membracidae. I think what you have is the buffalo treehopper. It is commonly found in North America. Treehoppers are very interesting little creatures they include thorn bugs. I suggest you look up some pictures of them.
The picture is difficult to interpret but I’d venture that it might have been a mantidfly, a neuropteran of the family Mantispidae.
The clear image you are looking at closely might belong to the mantidfly family, Mantispidae. Mantidflies have elongated heads with hooked spurs on the tarsi, which are characteristic of their family. For a clearer understanding, review images showcasing the mantidfly family.
4. The Lacewing Family
It’s not the clearest picture but it looks like it belongs to the lacewing family just from the way it holds its wings, their structure, shape of its head. So it's not a fly in that case.
When an insect is observed holding its wings in a typical folded or held position, it could be a lacewing (family Neuroptera). Lacewings have two pairs of transparent wings, and their bodies are slender and often green or yellow with large eyes. They are known for their exquisite camouflage and delicate appearance. For a better look, you can find detailed images of lacewings showcasing their wings folded.
5. The Grain Eating Beetle
It looks like a grain eating beetle, which can infest wheat storages but are harmless in themselves. Many people eat them without knowing.
The grain eating beetle you observed could belong to the family Trogopsidae, but it is important to note that not all grain beetles are harmful. Many species are actually beneficial, such as certain grain beetles that feed on pests. Some species of grain beetles are snack-worthy and are sometimes eaten without even realizing it.
6. The Blood-Relating Midges and Mosquitoes
Rich Pollack has already provided you with an identification of these critters but I thought I'd add to his answer by showing you a little about the hatching propensities of these insects. There are many kinds of midges. Almost all those in North America resemble the photo you have provided and only differ in appearance by slight color changes, how big the hump on their back is, but mostly in size. Some of these midges are quite tiny and it is difficult to see their midge characteristics without magnification. Some however are quite large and look like giant mosquitoes though they do not bite.
“In the Great Lakes of Africa the midges there hatch by the billions and form what appears to be smoky clouds above the water. It is quite impressive.
The BBC has video of these insects here: Spectacular swarms: Water The Great Rift: Africa’s Wild Heart - BBC Two
“Here is a still shot closer to the water with a small boat with people in it for scale:
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Back in North America, there are times the swarms are so great at ground level around rivers and streams as well as over the tundra that people wear protective head nets to avoid breathing in the critters, and to stop the biting relatives of the midges! During the month of June in parts of the Alaskan and Canadian tundra, the sound of the wings of the midges and mosquitoes is constant—most would say it is an incessant drone.
Photo: Alaska Dispatch
7. Ecological Impact
Lest you think this is bad, you need to know that these swarms feed millions of other animals. Fish and especially birds eat tons literally of these insects each year. Many nesting birds around the tundra biome rely on these vast swarms to feed the young and to prepare them for arduous migrations to follow.
Although these swarms may seem overwhelming, they play a crucial role in the ecosystem. Migratory birds and aquatic life depend on these insects as a critical food source. These swarms serve as a vital part of the food chain and help to sustain life in challenging environments.