Grapevine Borer Beetle
This seems to be a Grapevine Borer Beetle (Pelidnota punctata) as I found and photographed on this door screen last week. Their common name betrays their preferred plant and behavior, eating the fruit and even the leaves of grapevines, though apparently not to extreme pest levels. I was also not the only one to think about how it looks like a huge ladybug in some ways. You never know what new sorts of neighbors you will find even at your own door… Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreLadybug hibernation
At this time of the year it is not uncommon to see ladybugs seeking space in your own home for the winter season. These pictures are two of the several that I spotted entering cracks and crevices in the siding on this house during a warm afternoon last week as temperatures climbed into the 70s. Hibernation has or will soon occur in many areas, and your place is probably not the best spot for them to be. When they feel how warm your house is they may think the winter is already over and join you! Homes are typically quite dry in the winter, lacking water sources with humidity lessened by...
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