CLOSED: Mystery bug in the Poconos...

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beautifulchaos Indianapolis, IN(Zone 5b) Aug 17, 2008

I saw this little guy while we were on vacation in PA. His/her underside is white. I just thought it was such a cool looking buggie! I've never seen anything like it and would love to know what type it is...thanks.

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Post #5424766
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suunto Sinks Grove, WV Aug 17, 2008

This long-horned wood-boring beetle appears to be the round-headed apple tree borer, Saperda candida - see http://www.duke.edu/~jspippen/naturephotos/saperda-candida060726-3835bchmtnz.jpg

Post #5424949
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beautifulchaos Indianapolis, IN(Zone 5b) Aug 17, 2008

Thank you for the speedy reply suunto! It does appear to be what it is. The only difference that I see is that the one in my pic has white legs and horns. Could that be the difference between the males and females perhaps? Hmmn. I will take the name that you provided and do some looking around. It sounds like these guys could be quite the pest for those with apple trees. Either way, a nicely decorated bug! I wish I would have gotten some better pics though.

Post #5425044
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suunto Sinks Grove, WV Aug 17, 2008

The apparent difference in color of the legs and antennae more likely is a factor of age (and possibly camera/sun angle) than sex. Your specimen may have been freshly emerged with all of its scales intact, and the other one older with some rubbing having occurred - see http://www.flickr.com/photos/gillesgonthier/2607652110/ for another image of this species.

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beautifulchaos Indianapolis, IN(Zone 5b) Aug 17, 2008

Thanks for your input suunto. The age factor makes sense to me. I also came across that flickr pic last night and noticed that along with the coloring; the wings look less 'worn'...they don't have so much of a seperation.

I'm a new to bugs, but find them fascinating. I've also had some neat bug experiences this year with praying mantis nymphs abound, secedas,(sp?) butterflies and other cool 'new to me' bugs. A few of them that I haven't seen around my own yard until this year.

I have an additional Poconos pic of neat catepillar that I will post later today on a separate thread.

Here's a pic of one of the little Mantis buddies that had been hanging out on the dracaenas for days. One day I was talking to him and he started putting his front legs out beyond the plant. I thought to myself...what is he doing? Then I decided to offer my finger and he happily hopped on board and hung out for a bit. It just so happened that I was having a really bad day. Just seeing him was enough to put a smile on my face, but I think he decided to brighten my day a little more. At least it seemed to be the case. :-)

I have more stories, but I'll stop there. I did a lot of reading on them this spring and they are definitely amazing creatures.

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