Principal Res. Scientist & Res. Program Leader in Insect Behavior. Illinois Natural History Survey/PRI at Univ. of IL. Amazing insects, rootworms, corn & more!
Illinois, USA
Joined February 2012
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Thanks ESA for featuring my photo!
Arthropod Photo of the Week: September 2, 2026
Crab spider and black swallowtail caterpillar
Xysticus sp. / Papilio polyxenes
Araneae: Thomisidae / Lepidoptera: Papilionidae
Observed in Illinois, USA
By Joseph Spencer (@talkingrootworm), Illinois, USA
#arthropodPOTW
This is male #Polyphemus #moth, #Antheraea polyphemus (Family #Saturniidae). The feathery "plumose" #antennae are adapted to detect female sex #pheromone at low concentrations. If detected, males engage in upwind flight following the concentration gradient to the waiting female.
“Girl with kaleidoscope eyes” #Coelioxys sp. #Cuckoo #leafcutter #bees parasitize the nests of leafcutter bees by invading & laying their eggs inside that will kill the leafcutter larvae & then eat their store of nectar & pollen. This female was chilling on an aster in my garden.
“Who’s in charge now?” If asked, I’d affirm the wheel #bug, #Arilus cristatus, as the top predator in my yard. A recent encounter w/ one of many cross #orbweavers, #Neoscona crucifera, in my yard reminded me that the tables can, and do, turn. #Arachtober #spider #arachnid
Joseph Lee Spencer retweeted
As our conversation comes to a close, Dr. Joseph Spencer reflects on the future of managing corn rootworm pressure. Now it’s your turn to reflect on the best approach for your fields. Take our quiz to see which Bayer trait fits your needs next season. bit.ly/48haswH
A big thank-you to @talkingrootworm and the University of Illinois for inviting us out and sharing such great insight into the world of corn rootworm.
Joseph Lee Spencer retweeted
These boy #bees are catching ZZZs! #Melissodes bimaculata is in the same family as the honeybee, #Apidae. The males roost together overnight on vegetation, while females stay in their individual nest holes in the ground.
These boy #bees are catching ZZZs! #Melissodes bimaculata is in the same family as the honeybee, #Apidae. The males roost together overnight on vegetation, while females stay in their individual nest holes in the ground.
Joseph Lee Spencer retweeted
Join us for a weekly series of conversations with Dr. Joseph L. Spencer @talkingrootworm, Principal Insect Behaviorist with the Illinois Natural History Survey and part of the Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois. Each episode delves into corn rootworm and the pressure patterns they bring, shaping cornfields this season and beyond.
👉 New episodes drop every week till September. Episode 1 drops tomorrow — don’t miss your chance to “Know Before You Grow.”
🔍 Follow along for insights that help you stay ahead in the field.
#RootwormWatch
Joseph Lee Spencer retweeted
Western #corn #rootworm adults & pupa from #Illinois #CropSciences #Entomology research plots. #Beetles have been out for ca. 2 weeks. #WCR larval pressure looks very good at present. Great conditions to evaluate products. #Diabrotica #virgifera #Chrysomelidae #Coleoptera
Joseph Lee Spencer retweeted
Three’s a crowd. Old fields surround #Illinois woods have been alive w/ the amorous blinking of #fireflies for weeks! I’m giving firefly #3 an “A” for enthusiasm, but there is inevitable disappointment in his future! #Lampyridae #macrophotography
Three’s a crowd. Old fields surround #Illinois woods have been alive w/ the amorous blinking of #fireflies for weeks! I’m giving firefly #3 an “A” for enthusiasm, but there is inevitable disappointment in his future! #Lampyridae #macrophotography
Western #corn #rootworm adults & pupa from #Illinois #CropSciences #Entomology research plots. #Beetles have been out for ca. 2 weeks. #WCR larval pressure looks very good at present. Great conditions to evaluate products. #Diabrotica #virgifera #Chrysomelidae #Coleoptera