Author Archives: Ted C. MacRae

About Ted C. MacRae

Ted C. MacRae is a research entomologist by vocation and beetle taxonomist by avocation. Areas of expertise in the latter include worldwide jewel beetles (Buprestidae) and North American longhorned beetles (Cerambycidae). More recent work has focused on North American tiger beetles (Cicindelidae) and their distribution, ecology, and conservation.

What was that insect?

Posted on February 19, 2014 by Ted C. MacRae

Yesterday I posted an identification challenge of a different sort. The main subject in the photo was a jewel beetle (family Buprestidae), but there was also another insect in the photo—a small parasitic wasp sitting on the branch below the beetle. … Continue reading →

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Help! Can you identify this insect?

Posted on February 18, 2014 by Ted C. MacRae

Copyright © Ted C. MacRae 2014

Posted in [No taxon] | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

Earth’s oldest living things!

Posted on February 9, 2014 by Ted C. MacRae

I’ve mentioned before that I am never happier than when I am in the field, especially when it’s an extended insect collecting trip. One problem I face on these trips, however, is the conflict between my desire to stay focused … Continue reading →

Posted in Pinaceae | Tagged , , , , , | 9 Comments

GBCT Beetle #6: Crossidius ater

Posted on January 30, 2014 by Ted C. MacRae

It’s been a long time since my last update on the beetles that I collected during my Great Basin Collecting Trip last August. GBCT Beetle #6 is the longhorned beetle, Crossidius ater (family Cerambycidae). This species is easily distinguished from other species in … Continue reading →

Posted in Coleoptera | 2 Comments

Receiving a shipment of insects for identification…

Posted on January 26, 2014 by Ted C. MacRae

…is like Christmas all over again! The sight of a newly delivered box sitting outside my office brings on a rush of excitement. The sight of an enormous box is even more exciting. I know what’s inside is gonna be good, … Continue reading →

Posted in Buprestidae, Coleoptera | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Pop! goes the beetle

Posted on January 23, 2014 by Ted C. MacRae

Last June while collecting beetles from cottonwood trees at Beaver Dunes State Park, Oklahoma, I came across one of my favorite beetles—Alaus oculatus, or eyed elater (family Elateridae, or click beetles). Large by click beetle standards, the most striking feature … Continue reading →

Posted in Coleoptera, Elateridae | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Beetles by Chuck

Posted on January 18, 2014 by Ted C. MacRae

A few months before his passing last August, Chuck Bellamy asked me if I was would like to have his photographic slide collection. I was, of course, deeply honored by this request, for in addition to becoming one of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Buprestidae, Coleoptera, Schizopodidae | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Review of North American Chalcophora

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Ted C. MacRae

The latest issue of The Coleopterists Bulletin arrived in my mailbox recently, and among the several papers of interest to me is a review of the North American species of the jewel beetle genus Chalcophora¹ (family Buprestidae). This genus contains some … Continue reading →

Posted in Buprestidae, Coleoptera | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments