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.

Agrilus fuscipennis on Persimmon

Posted on June 16, 2013 by Ted C. MacRae

Agrilus fuscipennis may not be the largest or the prettiest member of the genus occurring in Missouri (that honor is reserved for Agrilus concinnus, or “hibiscus jewel beetle”—MacRae 2004). Nevertheless,  it comes pretty darned close! Add to that the fact that … Continue reading →

Posted in Buprestidae, Coleoptera | Tagged , , , , , | 10 Comments

Flatfaced longhorn: Leptostylus transversus

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Ted C. MacRae

The longhorned beetle subfamily Lamiinae is one of the few subfamilies in the beetle world to have its own common name—flatfaced longhorns. This photo of one of its members, Leptostylus transversus, doesn’t show the character very well, but as with all … Continue reading →

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

Oklahoma Collecting Trip iReport

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Ted C. MacRae

I’m back home after my week-long collecting trip to western Oklahoma, and at the risk of sounding hyperbolous I can only describe it as one of the most successful collecting trips I’ve ever had. Seriously! These kinds of trips don’t happen all that often … Continue reading →

Posted in Acrididae, Aves, Cactaceae, Cerambycidae, Coleoptera, Orthoptera, Reptilia, Vertebrata | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Ted C. MacRae

I’m always delighted to see snakes, even venomous species, and whenever my collecting takes me west I know my chances of seeing snakes are good. My first stop during the current collecting trip was the Gloss Mountains of northwestern Oklahoma, … Continue reading →

Posted in Reptilia, Vertebrata | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

Meet Enus’ Meal

Posted on June 3, 2013 by Ted C. MacRae

When Enus (Enoclerus ichneumoneus) was beaten from a dead grape vine in southeastern Missouri, he wasn’t alone. Along with him was this longhorned beetle representing Phymatodes amoenus (family Cerambycidae). Even though P. amoenus and E. ichneumoneus are both woodboring beetles, their association together on this … Continue reading →

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Meet Enus

Posted on May 31, 2013 by Ted C. MacRae

It may be quiet here at Beetles in the Bush for the next week or so while Ted is off in the far corners of Oklahoma looking for beetles to photograph and add to his collection. In the meantime, meet … Continue reading →

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

North America’s itsiest bitsiest longhorned beetle

Posted on May 29, 2013 by Ted C. MacRae

Longhorned beetles (family Cerambycidae) are generally regarded as medium to large-sized beetles, but that doesn’t mean the family is without its pip-squeeks! There are a number of species, primarily in the tribes Tillomorphini, Anaglyptini, and Clytini (all in the subfamily Cerambycinae) … Continue reading →

Posted in Cerambycidae, Coleoptera | Tagged , , , , , , , | 26 Comments

Spring Unfolding

Posted on May 24, 2013 by Ted C. MacRae

For many people, spring is their favorite time of year—the long, cold winter having given way to warmth, sunshine, and flowers. I love spring as well but find myself frustrated sometimes by its Jekyll and Hyde nature. This spring was … Continue reading →

Posted in Aceraceae, Fagaceae, Juglandaceae | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments