Knowledgebase

What bug? #347013

Asked July 26, 2016, 7:02 PM EDT

Can you tell me what bug this is? I live in Beckley, WV, and this was on the door of my jeep yesterday. When it flew away, it didn't seem like a very strong or fast flier.

I asked the What is this bug group on Facebook, and they didn't know, so they referred me to you.

Raleigh County West Virginia

Expert Response

It may be a woolly aphid. More information here:
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/insects/find/woolly-aphids-on-trees-and-shrubs/


An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 27, 2016, 11:04 AM EDT
I don't think it was a woolly aphid because this bug was much larger than those. It was at least an inch long, probably a bit more.

It was big enough that when it flew in my direction, it startled me, even though it wasn't a very fast flier.

Thanks for your help. It's the only one I've ever seen, and I'm just curious about it.
The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2016, 3:00 PM EDT
Size reference always helps with images of insects. So, how about a robber fly?

http://bugguide.net/index.php?q=search&keys=robber+fly&search=Search

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 27, 2016, 3:58 PM EDT
Thanks! I think that must be it. I just know that robber flies are usually strong fliers, and this guy didn't seem to be so much, but I don't know what else it could be.

Thanks again!
The Question Asker Replied July 27, 2016, 4:07 PM EDT

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