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.

Great Basin Collecting Trip iReport

Posted on September 17, 2013 by Ted C. MacRae

During the last week of August, I teamed up with fellow longhorned beetle enthusiast Jeff Huether to look for species in the genus Crossidius. This exclusively North American genus contains a number of colorful species in the tribe Trachyderini that are associated … Continue reading →

Posted in Asteraceae, Cerambycidae, Coleoptera, Reptilia, Vertebrata | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Arizona collectors: Have you seen this beetle?

Posted on September 15, 2013 by Ted C. MacRae

If you are a collector of beetles in Arizona, you should be on the lookout for longhorned beetles (family Cerambycidae) resembling the specimen in the above photos. Determined as Placoschema dimorpha Chemsak & Hovore, in Eya 2010 by Jeff Huether, the specimen … Continue reading →

Posted in Cerambycidae, Coleoptera | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

T.G.I.Flyday—fuzzy wuzzy wuz a…

Posted on September 13, 2013 by Ted C. MacRae

I’m back after an uncharacteristically lengthy absence, due not to loss of desire or inspiration but rather a malfunctioning computer. Repeated attempts to restore connectivity were unsuccessful, and heavy travel during the past week only exacerbated the situation. However, all … Continue reading →

Posted in Asilidae, Diptera | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Sunset for another great collecting trip

Posted on September 1, 2013 by Ted C. MacRae

All good things must come to an end, and so it is with my Great Basin collecting trip. From Nevada’s isolated ranges to California’s stunning Owens Valley; from Utah’s starkly beautiful canyons to Colorado’s majestic mountains, the experience not only … Continue reading →

Posted in Buprestidae, Coleoptera | Tagged , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Dr. Charles L. “Chuck” Bellamy—Tribute to a friend

Posted on August 27, 2013 by Ted C. MacRae

Early this week I lost a good friend. Actually, just about everybody who has ever studied jewel beetles in any serious way lost a good friend. Dr. Charles L. Bellamy, arguably the most ardent and prolific buprestophile of our time (possibly … Continue reading →

Posted in [No taxon] | Tagged , , | 20 Comments

Flown the coop

Posted on August 25, 2013 by Ted C. MacRae

Ted has flown the coop and will be roaming the vastness of the Great Basin for the next week or so to collect and photograph beetles and other insects. Ted has asked me to watch over BitB while he is … Continue reading →

Posted in Bombyliidae, Diptera | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

An interesting flightless May beetle

Posted on August 21, 2013 by Ted C. MacRae

I suppose you are an entomologist? Not quite so ambitious as that, sir. I should like to put my eyes on the individual entitled to that name. No man can be truly called an entomologist, sir; the subject is too … Continue reading →

Posted in Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

The one that got away!

Posted on August 16, 2013 by Ted C. MacRae

It was disappointing to reach Black Mesa, the furthest west destination for my June collecting trip through northwestern Oklahoma, only to discover that the whole region was dry as a bone. I spent an hour or so sweeping yellow roadside … Continue reading →

Posted in Cerambycidae, Coleoptera | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 13 Comments