"If all mankind were to disappear, the world would regenerate back to the rich state of equilibrium that existed ten thousand years ago. If insects were to vanish, the environment would collapse into chaos."
— E.O. Wilson
Part I: Sandy Stream Tiger Beetles
Though hot and humid, Friday's mission was to check shoreline habitat along the Wisconsin River near Sauk City for Sandy Stream Tiger Beetles. Naturally, I went to the canoe launch, where getting to the beach is always quick and easy. But the river was high from all the recent rain, so there wasn't a lot of exposed habitat to check.
Nevertheless, they were out and about! Mixed in were Hairy-necked and Bronzed Tiger Beetles.
Sandy Stream Tiger Beetle (Ellipsoptera macra) has an elongated, narrow build, adapted for agile hunting on the shoreline. The genus name Ellipsoptera combines the Greek words ellipse, meaning "oval" or "elliptical," and ptera, meaning "winged," referring to the beetle's flight wings and streamlined body. The species name macra derives from the Greek makros, meaning "long" or "large," highlighting the beetle's notably elongated body shape compared to related species. Together, the name Ellipsoptera macra effectively captures the distinctive long and elliptical form that allows this beetle to move swiftly along shoreline habitats.
Most individuals I observe have a coppery dorsal color, as this one shows.
Others take on more of an metallic olive look, like this one ...
The apparent coloration or iridescence might also depend on lighting and angle.
This one has a tiny pebble of sand stuck on its head, probably became attached when emerging from its nocturnal burrow early in the morning.
Sometimes you catch them using their forelimbs to wipe debris from their eyes, head, or antennae.
And there you have it!
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Adephaga
Family: Cicindelidae
Genus: Ellipsoptera
Species: E. macra
Part II: Pheasant Branch Bug Hunt
Saturday's mission was an exploratory bug hunt along the Pheasant Branch Creek Corridor. The habitat was lush and overgrown — and already hot and humid by mid-morning. At the very least, I hoped to turn up a Buffalo Treehopper.
There were numerous dipterans (flies), but in the heat I was looking for easier subjects, like the Red-banded Leafhopper pictured above.
I checked each stand of Cup Plant (Silphium perfoliatum), a known host for Buffalo Treehoppers, and didn't have to look long before spotting a few. Above is an adult, and this next one is a nymph.
Here's a fun macro treat ...
I'm pretty sure this is Pelegrina proterva, a species of jumping spider.
It's one of our more common jumping spiders, but still fun to find. No bigger than a grain of rice, it had that classic jumpy, alert behavior and seemed to be watching me as much as I was watching it.
And Peacock Flies!
On decaying logs and stumps (or wooden bridge rails), both male and female Peacock Flies put on a display — lifting their wings straight up and angling them forward as they move with deliberate steps. The shimmering blue highlights on their wings add to the striking, peacock-like effect.
The scientific name Callopistromyia annulipes loosely translates to "beautiful, ring-legged fly." The genus name comes from the Greek kallos, meaning beauty, and the species name annulipes combines Latin annulus (ring) and pes (foot). While the banding is visible on the legs rather than the feet themselves, the name still fits.
Here's a Tawny Emperor ...
There's something deeply satisfying about bug hunting — part naturalist's curiosity, part treasure hunt. It forces you to slow down, to tune into the tiny dramas unfolding in leaves, stems, and soil. A flash of movement, a subtle shimmer of wings, or a strange shape clinging to a stem can spark the kind of excitement that never really goes away. Whether it's a gaudy tiger beetle or a barely visible treehopper, every find feels earned.
All images © 2025 Mike McDowell