Polyphemus Moth
Antheraea polyphemus
Large silk moth that is seen in Oregon from mid-July to August. The wing span can be an amazing 4-6 inches.
Prionus Beetles
Prionus sp.
Large beetles that can be as large or larger than your thumb. As grubs these beetles feed on the roots of trees and shrubs. For more information on these beetles click here.
Sawyer Beetles
Monochamus sp.
These native beetles are commonly mistaken for the Asian Longhorn Beetle (ALB). If you see one of these beetles and you are not sure if it is one of our native species or the ALB please submit it to the clinic for identification.
The Golden Buprestid
Buprestis aurulenta
This showy wood boring insect is commonly found in flowers feeding on pollen. The beetle as an immature feeds under the bark of Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir. For more information visit the University of British Columbia Forest Pests Page.
Large Yellow Underwing
Noctua pronuba
Although it is called the "Yellow Underwing" the underwings of this moth are typically a bright orange. The caterpillar of this moth is commonly known as a cutworm and is a common pest of tomato, potato, carrot, strawberry, grape, onions, spinach, mustard and grass.
Indian Meal Moth
Plodia interpunctella
This pest is common in the household feeding on grains, pet food and dry cereal. This pest often goes unnoticed until the larvae have finished feeding and they wander off to pupate. The cocoons of this moth look like small cigar shaped spider egg sacs and are commonly found in corners and cracks.
Variegated Carpet Beetle
Anthrenus verbasci
This is a common household pest that can feed on virtually anything including glue, paper, carpet fibers, stored grains, pet food, and pollen. Click here for more information on this pest and other dermestid beetles.
Little Bears
Paracotalpa granicollis
This species is commonly encountered in spring feeding on apple blossoms and the leaves of peach trees. Unfortunately the feeding habits of the larva is unknown, however some suggest that it may feed on the roots of native grasses.
Alder flea Beetle
Altica ambiens
This pest feeds on the leaves of alder both as an adult and as an immature. The larvae skeletonize the leaves (eating the leaf tissue but leaving all of the veins, resulting in a lace-like appearance) while the adults are shot-hole feeders (eating out small to medium sized circles of leaf material). The adults overwinter at the base of the tree and emerge in the spring to feed and lay eggs. The larvae are present from late spring into late summer.
Douglas Fir Borer
Centrodera spurca
This is a common long horned beetle in the west that feeds under the bark of Douglas-fir as a larva. The black spots on the sides of the beetle distinguish it from some of the other species that occur in Oregon.
Banded Alder Borer
Rosalia funebris
This is a longhorn beetle that is commonly found throughout the west. The larvae feed in the trunks of dead of maple, alder, ash, sycamore, oak and willow. The adults emerge in mid-summer and are often found by home owners. Note that the light colored areas of this beetle can vary from bright white to a pale blue.
Western Lygus Bug
Lygus hesperus
This is a common pest that is encountered during the summer. It feeds on a very wide array of plants including several of agricultural importance. The cream colored heart on the back of the insect is a good (but not absolute) identifier of this species.
Leaf beetle
Calligrapha multipunctata bigsbyana
This beetle is a common pest that feeds on willow leaves as an adult and larva. This pest is common in the urban garden where it feeds on ornamental willows.
Banded Pebble
Gluphisia severa
This moth is one of the first to emerge in spring and can be commonly found at lights starting in May. As a caterpillar it feeds on birch, cherry, willow and aspen, however it rarely causes enough damage to be noticed.
The American Lappet Moth
Phyllodesma americana
This moth commonly feeds on oak, poplar, aspen, and willows. The caterpillar of this species is a solitary feeder that rarely causes enough damage to draw attention.
Click Beetle
Ctenicera lobata
This is a pest of economic importance in British Columbia on cereal crops, grains, vegetables and grasses.