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.

A day of milestones and thanks!

Posted on November 24, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

Today we celebrate the American holiday of Thanksgiving—a day for stepping back from our trivial concerns, giving thanks for those who enrich our lives, and showing renewed compassion for those less fortunate. Coincidentally, I celebrate today as well two milestones … Continue reading →

Posted in [No taxon] | Tagged , | 37 Comments

Return to La Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur

Posted on November 20, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

Last March I discovered La Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur—a gem of natural beauty in the heart of Buenos Aires, Argentina.  Though its origins are semi-artificial, its biota a mix of native and introduced species, and its pathways continually choked with pedestrians and … Continue reading →

Posted in Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, Melyridae, Nymphalidae | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments

“Puente de la Mujer”

Posted on November 16, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

One of my favorite sites in the heart of Buenos Aires, I’ve never actually seen Puente de la Mujer (“Womans Bridge”) lit up at night until this trip.  A short distance to the north lies Rio de la Plata and La Reserva Ecológica Costanera Sur (“South … Continue reading →

Posted in [No taxon] | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

“Sunflower looper” – Rachiplusia nu

Posted on November 13, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

With a planted area approaching 20 million hectares, soybean has become Argentina’s most important agricultural crop.  Most of the planted area is located within the so-called “Humid Pampas” region of central Argentina (Buenos Aires, Córdoba, Santa Fe and Entre Rios … Continue reading →

Posted in Lepidoptera, Noctuidae | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

ID Challenge #14

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

I’ll be leaving soon for another trip to Argentina.  While the process of traveling to the Land of Gauchos (and back) is exhausting, I adore Argentina and look forward to my visits there with great anticipation.  In celebration of my pending … Continue reading →

Posted in [No taxon] | Tagged , , , | 38 Comments

A Brazilian longhorned beetle – Oxymerus aculeatus

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

I was going through photographs from my visit to Brazil this past January and came across this forgotten photo of a longhorned beetle taken near Campinas in São Paulo.  Although I didn’t recognize the genus immediately, I was rather sure … Continue reading →

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

New comment policy

Posted on November 5, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

In the nearly three years since moving ‘Beetles in the Bush’ to WordPress, I’ve enjoyed an almost spam-free existence.  Rarely did I ever get more than just a few spam comments per day, and whatever spam I did get was … Continue reading →

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

Cicindela albissima—The Coral Pink Sand Dunes Tiger Beetle

Posted on November 3, 2011 by Ted C. MacRae

The week had started off good, with three species of western sand dune endemic tiger beetles (Cicindela formosa gibsoni, C. scutellaris yampae, and C. arenicola) and a variety of sometimes spectacular Crossidius longhorned beeltes having been encountered.  Mid-week, however, had brought a lull in our … Continue reading →

Posted in Cicindelidae, Coleoptera | Tagged , , , , , , , | 16 Comments