Hobbies And Interests
Ladybug Beetles
Sometimes called lady beetles or simply ladybugs, these beetles are common throughout most of North America. All ladybugs are beneficial predators, particularly of aphids. They are easily identifiable by their dome-shaped bodies and black spots, although some species are not the typical red or orangery color. You can often find them on garden plants, waiting patiently to attack the aphids and other pests that destroy plants. They received their name in the Middle Ages, where they would prey on pests of grape vines. They were dedicated to "Our Lady," which is why they are called ladybugs.
Longhorn Beetles
Longhorn beetles often have bright colors contrasting on a black body. The species in this family often eat flowers and sometimes are pests of cut logs and sometimes live trees. The common name "longhorn" refers to their long antennae, which often are equal to or up to three times longer than their bodies. Several species live in Virginia, including the red-and-black elder borer and cylindrical hardwood borer. The adult elder borer eats pollen; the larvae feed on elderberry roots. The cylindrical hardwood borer larvae eats unseasoned lumber, including hickory, oak and ash.
Fire Beetles
This family, Pyrochroidae, is named after their bright-red or orange pronotums and black bodies, the colors of fire. The male's antennae are comblike, and these beetles have soft bodies as opposed to most beetles who have hardened bodies. They inhabit forests, clearings and woodlands throughout their range. The adults are active mid- to late-summer, typically June through July. Adults eat flower pollen while the larvae are active hunters of smaller insects.
Fireflies
Like fire beetles, fireflies are soft-bodied as opposed to hard-bodied. Fireflies are familiar throughout their range, and are often referred to as lightning bugs. The pronotum of many fireflies has a black spot surrounded by red. Lightning bugs get their name from the luminous organ located at the tip of their abdomens. Throughout summer, they blink this organ to attract mates and communicate. On a summer's night, you can sometimes see hundreds -- or more -- of lightning bugs blinking low to the ground.
Leaf Beetles
Leaf beetles are among some of the most important agricultural pests. They destroy flowers and, as their name implies, leaves. Most members of the leaf beetle family are known for the bright, sometimes metallic colors that can glisten in the sunshine. The red, black-spotted asparagus beetle is often found in vegetable gardens, while other species may be specific to different types of trees, such as the similarly colored willow leaf beetle.