Various Insects, SE Michigan USA (1 Viewer)

[Daddylion]

Okay, with my limited entomoligal knowledge, I guess:
1- ????? Not a roach I hope :eek!:
2- Robber fly?
3- I know these are ants, but is it possible to tell the exact species? And what are they doing? There were several of those white capsules (eggs?) and the ants were dragging them away one at a time.
4- ????? Tiny, cricket shaped. A nymph?
5- ?????

Really, the insect population in my yard is even more diverse than the bird population! After not even five minutes I saw several insects I've never seen before! I might even start an insect life list.

 

[Daddylion]

6- Same size and shape as #5, but orange.

And I assume a Green Bottle Fly?
Sorry for the photo quality.
Thanks!

 

[Daddylion]

Anyone have any suggestions? Any at all?

 

[paul mabbott]

Sorry, can't be very helpful but ....
The first one I think is a beetle but can't see enough detail to be more helpful.
The third one is ants moving their larvae: the larvae pupae are housed in the galleries that you can see. Possibly under a stone or some other cover? When you removed the cover the worker ants immediately start to shift the larvae (and pupae) to a place of greater safety.
Is the fourth one an earwig (Dermaptera)?
Sorry, can't help with flies .... I'll look again at the possible beetle later but don't hold your breath!

 

[Jim M.]

I'm not an insect guy, but I believe #1 may be some type of firefly, or a close relative. Certainly not a roach.

Best,
Jim

 

[Daddylion]

Thank you guys... yes Paul the ants were under a rock and after it was lifted they moved their larvae deeper into the tunnels. It makes sense. And boy am I glad #1 is not a roach!

Thanks again

 

[prattw]

No. 1 is indeed a firefly, that is, a beetle of the family Lampyridae. It looks like a species of Photuris.
No. 2 is a Robber fly (family Asilidae)
The ant (no. 3) looks like it might be a species of Lasius, but that's purely guessing.
No. 4 is an advanced nymph of a Ground Cricket (Nemobiinae). The unstriped, light colored head suggests Neonemobius palustris.
Nos. 5 & 6, Longlegged Flies of the family Dolichopodidae. No.5 looks like a species of Dolichopus, No 6 is a bit iffy, given the fuzzy focus.
No. 7 is a blowfly, the family Calliphoridae. The greenbottle is a member.

Sorry, but "common" names are scarce for insects.

Will

 

[Daddylion]

Thanks!!! Wow I had no idea such species lived in my yard. Sorry my camera just isn't made for this kind of photography.