Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Four species, that is.
First up is this strange predatory Hemipteran which I’ve shown before. Known as the masked hunter (Reduvius personatus), a nymph like this will decorate itself with dirt or sand for concealment. Although it is a Reduviid (assassin bug), unlike most members of its family, which are known to be slow and plodding, masked hunters are rather quick and darty. Adults are shiny black and unremarkable other than also being quick in their ways. They fly to my porch light at night, and this nymph apparently had crawled to the light, which is a bit strange. The nymphs are normally on the ground where they are super hard to find.
Masked hunter nymph by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr
Masked hunter nymph by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

Next up is a parson spider (Herpyllus ecclesiasticus), which is a running spider that commonly turns up in peoples’ houses. That is where I found this one. They are named after their white markings which are similar to the olde style clergyman cravat.
Parson spider by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

Another interesting spider was found in the bushes in my yard at night while I was out looking for tree crickets. I could not identify it other than it likely being one of the cobweb spiders (Theridiidae). That family includes both boring species (common house spiders), various colorful species like this one, and rather exciting species (widows). But try as I might I could not ID this one, so off it went to BugGuide. Shortly after I had learned from them that it belongs to the genus Theridion. The spider victim may be a cellar spider.
Cobweb spider by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

And lastly, a moth that I’ve shown before. This is a Virgina creeper sphinx moth, Darapsa myron, which turned up in the yard. It was not a flier, so it had probably recently eclosed.
Virgina creeper sphinx by Mark Sturtevant, on Flickr

Cheers! 🍺

Curmudgeon Loc: SE Arizona

Wow, what a great set.

JimmyTB

Nice set and a good education too. Thank you for sharing

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

Great set!!! Mark

raymondh Loc: Walker, MI

jgm

As always, Mark, your images are first rate and always accompanied by interesting insights into the lives of these critters! I rarely bother with most images posted on this site, but when I see your name, I always stop and view. Thanks for posting!

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Thank you, everyone!

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Outstanding. Your closeup work is always great.

tinusbum Loc: east texas

First up is this strange predatory Hemipteran which I’ve shown before. Known as the masked hunter (Reduvius personatus), a nymph like this will decorate itself with dirt or sand for concealment.

cool,i've only seen bark lice do this

topcat Loc: Alameda, CA

Very nice work

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

I think I saw something like the first one on a gravestone but I didn't know what it was. Wonderful images as always.