AboutNathan Riggs Expertise I have expertise in identifying insects, many types of spiders, and other arthropod critters that infest lawns, ornamentals, structures, trees, pets and livestock. Mites are not a strong point of mine, but I can provide some help. I'm not a licensed doctor, so I cannot provide medical diagnosis of conditions possibly related to insects. If you've got an interesting photo for me to see, let me know and I'll give you my email so the picture will get to me. If you have hosted an insect photo on a website, please include the link so I can go look at it and provide a faster ID for you. Don't forget...you can now attach pictures to your questions as well!
Experience 17 Years' Experience as an entomologist: 5 years as a biologist with Merck Animal Health and 7 years as a Pest Management Specialist in San Antonio, Texas with Texas Cooperative Extension.
Publications Veterinary Parasitology, Southwestern Entomologist, San Antonio Express News, San Antonio Gardener Newsletter
Education/Credentials BS - Entomology from Texas A&M University in 1992.
Board Certified Entomologist, 1996-2000 - Medical and Veterinary Entomology Specialty (Entomological Society of America)
Awards and Honors 2000 Texas A&M University Vice Chancellor's Award in Excellence for leadership on the Texas Fire Ant Program Educational Team.
Question My boss discovered three strange flying insects at his Indianapolis, Indiana home last evening. He said they are gray in color, with "eyes" on the back of their heads rather than on their wings. The eyes, he said, have a yellow "halo", and two of the insects were 3-4 inches long, while one was smaller, only 2 inches or so (possibly male?). Being a plantsman and horticulturist for most of his life, he has studied entomology, but cannot identify this insect. Any suggestions you may have would be greatly appreciated - he's worried about a plague! :)
Answer I think he has found a couple of Eyed Click Beetles (Alaus oculatus). They are somewhat attracted to lights and are attracted to decaying fruit.
They are completely harmless to humans and animals.
For more information, do a search for the scientific name above.
