Is there an entymologist in the house?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying a specific bug encountered while stacking firewood. Participants share observations and insights about the insect, its characteristics, and potential behaviors, with a focus on entomology and personal experiences related to the creature.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a fascination with interesting creatures and describes the bug's behavior, suggesting it may be specialized for wood or its associated organisms.
  • Another participant reminisces about their late father, a biologist, who could have identified the bug.
  • Multiple participants identify the bug as a click beetle (Elateridae), noting its ability to jump when turned on its back, which is linked to its name.
  • A participant shares a personal experience of discovering the bug's jumping ability while trying to move it to safety and mentions a change in local biodiversity due to warming trends.
  • One participant expresses a strong aversion to the insect, indicating a negative emotional response.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is general agreement among participants regarding the identification of the bug as a click beetle, but individual reactions to the insect vary, with some expressing fascination and others disgust.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not delve into the specific taxonomy or ecological role of the click beetle, nor do they explore the implications of changing biodiversity in detail.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in entomology, biodiversity, and personal anecdotes related to insect encounters may find this discussion engaging.

turbo
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I am more of an etymologist, although I admit a facination with interesting creatures. I apologize for the out-of-focus image, but can you tell me about this bug? I stacked firewood today and this fellow was a regular companion. I moved him out of harm's way a couple of times and he kept coming back to the woodpile, so I imagine that he might be a bug that is specialized to do something with wood or with the organisms that reside on wood. The "eyes" on the thorax are quite startling - I assume it helps ward off predators.

http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/4509/bugeyes001id3.jpg
 
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WOW!
I wish my Dad was still around, he was a biologist and could have said what it was.
 
Click beetle, colloquially, elater or elateridae otherwise. Turn him on his back and wait --- you'll find out what the name means.
 
Those things utterly disgust me.

- Warren
 
Bystander said:
Click beetle, colloquially, elater or elateridae otherwise. Turn him on his back and wait --- you'll find out what the name means.
I found out by prodding him (trying to move him to safety) that he could perfom some amazing jumps, and I should have mentioned that. Thanks - it fits really well.

Edit: This is the guy (the one on the left).
http://www.stephencresswell.com/s/elaters.html

I never saw one before, but with the warming trend, there is a lot of stuff in Maine that we have never had when I was a kid.
 
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