Camponotus pennsylvanicus, the eastern black carpenter ant. This individual is a major worker, indicated by the disproportionately muscular head.

Urbana, Illinois, USA
Reticulitermes subterranean termite, soldier.

Illinois, USA
Winged Reticulitermes subterranean termites prepare for a mating flight.

Davis, California, USA
Reticulitermes subterranean termite, soldier.

Illinois, USA
A Reticulitermes soldier termite lunges at the camera.

Illinois, USA
Cimex lectularius bed bug taking a blood meal.

Chicago, Illinois, USA
Dermacentor variabilis, the American dog tick.

Archbold Biological Station, Florida, USA
Wasmannia auropunctata workers feeding on a cookie crumb set out as bait by researchers in Buenos Aires.  Shortbread cookies make good baits for myrmicine ants.

Buenos Aires, Argentina
Younger bed bugs are lighter in color than adults. 

Chicago, Illinois, USA
Cimex lectularius bed bug taking a blood meal.

Chicago, Illinois, USA
Cimex lectularius bed bug taking a blood meal.

Chicago, Illinois, USA
Cimex lectularius bed bug taking a blood meal.

Chicago, Illinois, USA
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all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013