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Jun 22, 2019 7:45 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Sue Petruske
Wisconsin (Zone 5a)
I had this bug in my garden last year. First time I ever saw it. He's back and twice the size as last year.

I asked the question last year what the bug was and it's an EYED ELATER. Definition below:

Alaus oculatus can reach a length of about 25–45 millimetres (1.0–1.8 in).[1] They have an elongated body, black in colour throughout. The pronotum exhibits a large oval patch of darker scales, framed in white, on each side - the common name of the beetle derives from this feature. The elytra are striated and mottled with silvery whitish scales.[1][2][3] The "false eyes" depicted on the pronotum are a defensive adaption designed to confuse or frighten potential predators. Like all click beetles, A. oculatus is also capable of suddenly catapulting itself out of danger by releasing the energy stored by a click mechanism, which consists of a stout spine on the prosternum and a matching groove in the mesosternum.[4]

If it would have catapulted itself at me when I took the picture I would have freaked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Crying That's Gypsy Romance he's sitting on and it is a very big bloom. I'd say he was pretty close to the 1.8" size. YUCK


Thumb of 2019-06-23/petruske/74e6e6
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Jun 22, 2019 8:31 PM CST
Name: Valerie
Ontario, Canada (Zone 4a)
Bee Lover Ponds Peonies Irises Garden Art Dog Lover
Daylilies Cat Lover Region: Canadian Butterflies Birds Enjoys or suffers cold winters
That is one weird looking bug! Those false eyes are quite something Blinking
Touch_of_sky on the LA
Canada Zone 5a
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Jun 22, 2019 9:42 PM CST
Name: Diana
Lincoln, NE (Zone 5b)
Daylilies Region: Nebraska Organic Gardener Dog Lover Bookworm
Seems like he's a mixed bag. Larval stages are predatory, but the adult go for nectar (okay) and plant juice (ack!).
Bravery is not being unafraid. Bravery is being afraid and living life anyways.
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Jun 22, 2019 10:30 PM CST
Name: Susie
Western NY (Zone 4a)
Daylilies Dog Lover Hummingbirder
Keep that one in your neck of the woods please.
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Jun 23, 2019 9:59 PM CST
Name: Terry
Ohio (Zone 6a)
Gardens in Buckets Winter Sowing Vegetable Grower Region: United States of America Plant and/or Seed Trader Tomato Heads
Enjoys or suffers hot summers Garden Procrastinator Region: Ohio Hibiscus Dog Lover Daylilies
Someone in a Facebook group for gardeners in my area recently posted a photo of this guy! I didn't realize that we had those here, and I haven't seen one yet, but it's good to know so that I don't run screaming like my hair is on fire when I encounter one.
My "I'd-pawn-a-grandchild-for-a-single-fan" list: Absolutely Fantastic, Ambar Sun, Clown Pants, Of Olden Days, Wolfman, The Day The Earth Stood Still.
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Jun 24, 2019 4:11 PM CST
Name: Maryl
Oklahoma (Zone 7a)
Cat Lover Daylilies Roses Container Gardener Plant Lover: Loves 'em all! Cactus and Succulents
Region: Oklahoma Enjoys or suffers hot summers
I'm pretty sure it's the "Eyed Click Beetle" in the link below.
http://loycehoodphoto.blogspot...
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