Monthly Archives: August 2014

Goldenrod soldier beetle (Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus)

goldenrod soldier beetle

Goldenrod soldier beetle (Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus) is the most common soldier beetle in the Midwest. Adults can be seen from June to early October but their numbers peak in August to mid-September. They are found on goldenrods and other flowers in prairies, meadows, abandoned fields, gardens, parks, and roadsides. The long, yellowish-brown wings with black marks give this species a distinctive appearance.

http://www.minnesotaseasons.com/Insects/goldenrod_soldier_beetle.html

Boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris maculata)

boreal chorus frog

Photo by Bill Reynolds

Boreal chorus frog (Pseudacris maculata) is one of the smallest frogs in Minnesota. It is found throughout the state in shallow wetlands, shallow parts of lakes, temporary pools, and grasslands near wetlands—always near woodlands. With their short legs they are not very acrobatic and do not climb well. They are the first frogs to appear in spring, emerging in late March or early April when snow and ice may still be present. Males call from when they first emerge to late July. Their distinctive call sounds like a person running their thumb across the fine teeth of a pocket comb.

http://www.minnesotaseasons.com/Amphibians/boreal_chorus_frog.html

red milkweed beetle (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus)

red milkweed beetle

Photo by Bill Reynolds

The red milkweed beetle (Tetraopes tetrophthalmus) is a common flat-faced, longhorn beetle. It feeds only on the leaves of milkweeds, possibly only common milkweed. It stores poisonous glycosides from the milkweed in its body, making it unpalatable to potential predators. The bright, black and red coloration is thought to signal predators of its unpalatability.

There are three longhorn milkweed beetles in eastern and central North America. This species is identified by the large, black spot near the center of each wing; the all black legs; the all black antennae; and the host species, in this case common milkweed.

http://www.minnesotaseasons.com/Insects/red_milkweed_beetle.html