Matt Bertone
@bertonemyia.bsky.social
Entomologist passionate about flies, beetles, spiders, mites... Also macro photography. Director & diagnostician at NC State Plant Disease and Insect Clinic. Opinions are my own. He/him
Raleigh, NC, USA
https://www.flickr.com/photos/76790273@N07/
Raleigh, NC, USA
https://www.flickr.com/photos/76790273@N07/
Pinned
Matt Bertone
@bertonemyia.bsky.social
· Nov 11
I guess I should introduce myself: my name is Matt & I ❤️ insects + other arthropods, nature in general, & macro photography (among other things).
I'm not a big-eyed robber fly, despite my profile pic 😂
I look forward to being here! Feel free to check out my photos: www.flickr.com/photos/76790...
I'm not a big-eyed robber fly, despite my profile pic 😂
I look forward to being here! Feel free to check out my photos: www.flickr.com/photos/76790...
Reposted by Matt Bertone
Its that time of year again: a male Snow Flea, one of 3 seen yesterday in woodland on the Shrops/Herefords border. These 4mm relatives of Scorpionflies live in moss (esp. Polytrichum & relatives) & are winter active as adults. Not fleas of course but they can jump a bit.
November 27, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Its that time of year again: a male Snow Flea, one of 3 seen yesterday in woodland on the Shrops/Herefords border. These 4mm relatives of Scorpionflies live in moss (esp. Polytrichum & relatives) & are winter active as adults. Not fleas of course but they can jump a bit.
I think he looks kinda emo here...
November 27, 2025 at 7:16 PM
I think he looks kinda emo here...
Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 🍂 The year's been rough, but there were many things to be thankful for. Family, friends, BUGS!
Meet Titan the Eastern Hercules beetle. Someone was kind enough to send him for me to keep & take much needed pics. Then I handed him off to the students who are now caring for him ☺️
Meet Titan the Eastern Hercules beetle. Someone was kind enough to send him for me to keep & take much needed pics. Then I handed him off to the students who are now caring for him ☺️
November 27, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 🍂 The year's been rough, but there were many things to be thankful for. Family, friends, BUGS!
Meet Titan the Eastern Hercules beetle. Someone was kind enough to send him for me to keep & take much needed pics. Then I handed him off to the students who are now caring for him ☺️
Meet Titan the Eastern Hercules beetle. Someone was kind enough to send him for me to keep & take much needed pics. Then I handed him off to the students who are now caring for him ☺️
Reposted by Matt Bertone
Being bitten by a radioactive spider is always a bit of a gamble tbh.
19th century wooden “walking” doll with a wheel of eight legs ~ when costumed, the doll’s long dress would cover most of the leg mechanism, allowing the doll to “walk” when moving, while appearing to have only two legs at any one time www.theriaults.com/events/listi...
November 27, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Being bitten by a radioactive spider is always a bit of a gamble tbh.
Reposted by Matt Bertone
Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't has a new shirt with a cute grub that says "Kill Every Lawn", very important gift for any punk bug person in your life www.bonfire.com/kill-every-l...
Lawn Grub - Kill Every Lawn (black ink) | Bonfire
Grab your limited edition Lawn Grub - Kill Every Lawn (black ink) merchandise before the campaign closes. Featuring Sandstone Comfort Colors Unisex Tees, professionally printed in the USA.
www.bonfire.com
November 26, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Crime Pays But Botany Doesn't has a new shirt with a cute grub that says "Kill Every Lawn", very important gift for any punk bug person in your life www.bonfire.com/kill-every-l...
Reposted by Matt Bertone
It's cold in the UK (and other parts of the world ;))
So lets turn our thoughts to next summer & the return of FLY SCHOOL - yes the most amazing Dipterological training experience in the Costa Rican Forest (with canopy access) is BACK
Can't wait @dipteracourse.bsky.social
So lets turn our thoughts to next summer & the return of FLY SCHOOL - yes the most amazing Dipterological training experience in the Costa Rican Forest (with canopy access) is BACK
Can't wait @dipteracourse.bsky.social
November 26, 2025 at 11:03 AM
It's cold in the UK (and other parts of the world ;))
So lets turn our thoughts to next summer & the return of FLY SCHOOL - yes the most amazing Dipterological training experience in the Costa Rican Forest (with canopy access) is BACK
Can't wait @dipteracourse.bsky.social
So lets turn our thoughts to next summer & the return of FLY SCHOOL - yes the most amazing Dipterological training experience in the Costa Rican Forest (with canopy access) is BACK
Can't wait @dipteracourse.bsky.social
Reposted by Matt Bertone
I'd never even heard of 'thrips' before until I found a Giant Thrip (Idolothrips spectrum) in my garden last night.
It was only about 1cm long, so 'Giant' is relative.
#insects #invertebrates
It was only about 1cm long, so 'Giant' is relative.
#insects #invertebrates
November 24, 2025 at 2:25 AM
I'd never even heard of 'thrips' before until I found a Giant Thrip (Idolothrips spectrum) in my garden last night.
It was only about 1cm long, so 'Giant' is relative.
#insects #invertebrates
It was only about 1cm long, so 'Giant' is relative.
#insects #invertebrates
Reposted by Matt Bertone
ittle critters playing dead! 🐛🪲💀
I’ve been sick after a period of intense work but on the other hand I was able to slow down and draw something fun & relaxing… hope you folks enjoy it too!
I’ve been sick after a period of intense work but on the other hand I was able to slow down and draw something fun & relaxing… hope you folks enjoy it too!
November 24, 2025 at 8:02 PM
ittle critters playing dead! 🐛🪲💀
I’ve been sick after a period of intense work but on the other hand I was able to slow down and draw something fun & relaxing… hope you folks enjoy it too!
I’ve been sick after a period of intense work but on the other hand I was able to slow down and draw something fun & relaxing… hope you folks enjoy it too!
Reposted by Matt Bertone
Mini Fluffy Creature ornaments are now available in my shop! 🎅
www.hannahcomstock.com/store
www.hannahcomstock.com/store
November 23, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Mini Fluffy Creature ornaments are now available in my shop! 🎅
www.hannahcomstock.com/store
www.hannahcomstock.com/store
Reposted by Matt Bertone
Mother: Christmas tree.
Me:
Me:
November 23, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Mother: Christmas tree.
Me:
Me:
Reposted by Matt Bertone
Blind cave spiders~
This occurs due to the process of regressive evolution. In an environment without light, vision provides no advantage in finding prey or avoiding predators. The loss of their eyes means that energy and resources once used for eyes are instead allocated to other traits.
This occurs due to the process of regressive evolution. In an environment without light, vision provides no advantage in finding prey or avoiding predators. The loss of their eyes means that energy and resources once used for eyes are instead allocated to other traits.
November 23, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Blind cave spiders~
This occurs due to the process of regressive evolution. In an environment without light, vision provides no advantage in finding prey or avoiding predators. The loss of their eyes means that energy and resources once used for eyes are instead allocated to other traits.
This occurs due to the process of regressive evolution. In an environment without light, vision provides no advantage in finding prey or avoiding predators. The loss of their eyes means that energy and resources once used for eyes are instead allocated to other traits.
Legs, wings, spines abound!
Fungus gnat fornication.
Making more lil' flies.
#Mycetophilidae
Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
Fungus gnat fornication.
Making more lil' flies.
#Mycetophilidae
Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
November 22, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Legs, wings, spines abound!
Fungus gnat fornication.
Making more lil' flies.
#Mycetophilidae
Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
Fungus gnat fornication.
Making more lil' flies.
#Mycetophilidae
Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
Not a tiny bird's nest, this cute little mossy cup is the remains of a green lacewing cocoon!
If you've seen a crawling piece of fluff it's almost certainly one of these little trash monsters, hiding from predators & prey. Adults look like this: flic.kr/p/2jZaTAQ
#Chrysopidae
North Carolina, USA
If you've seen a crawling piece of fluff it's almost certainly one of these little trash monsters, hiding from predators & prey. Adults look like this: flic.kr/p/2jZaTAQ
#Chrysopidae
North Carolina, USA
November 22, 2025 at 5:51 PM
Not a tiny bird's nest, this cute little mossy cup is the remains of a green lacewing cocoon!
If you've seen a crawling piece of fluff it's almost certainly one of these little trash monsters, hiding from predators & prey. Adults look like this: flic.kr/p/2jZaTAQ
#Chrysopidae
North Carolina, USA
If you've seen a crawling piece of fluff it's almost certainly one of these little trash monsters, hiding from predators & prey. Adults look like this: flic.kr/p/2jZaTAQ
#Chrysopidae
North Carolina, USA
Reposted by Matt Bertone
November 21, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Reposted by Matt Bertone
Wow! Jesse Welles performed his song “Join ICE” on the Colbert Show last night. 🏆
November 20, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Wow! Jesse Welles performed his song “Join ICE” on the Colbert Show last night. 🏆
Reposted by Matt Bertone
SOUND ON.
Instead of a photo, here's a short video from Borneo. Normally I don't condone handling of wildlife, but something was obviously stuck beneath our truck. You might say we were a bit surprised about what our guide pulled out...
Instead of a photo, here's a short video from Borneo. Normally I don't condone handling of wildlife, but something was obviously stuck beneath our truck. You might say we were a bit surprised about what our guide pulled out...
November 20, 2025 at 2:20 PM
SOUND ON.
Instead of a photo, here's a short video from Borneo. Normally I don't condone handling of wildlife, but something was obviously stuck beneath our truck. You might say we were a bit surprised about what our guide pulled out...
Instead of a photo, here's a short video from Borneo. Normally I don't condone handling of wildlife, but something was obviously stuck beneath our truck. You might say we were a bit surprised about what our guide pulled out...
Reposted by Matt Bertone
squirrel: *points gun*
me: what do you want me to do?
squirrel: *gestures at sign*
me: alright, i get it *opens book drop*
squirrel: *makes hurry-up motion*
me: NOT A SQUIRREL!
squirrel: *disappears into book drop*
me: *whispers* forgive me, keith
me: what do you want me to do?
squirrel: *gestures at sign*
me: alright, i get it *opens book drop*
squirrel: *makes hurry-up motion*
me: NOT A SQUIRREL!
squirrel: *disappears into book drop*
me: *whispers* forgive me, keith
November 19, 2025 at 1:41 PM
squirrel: *points gun*
me: what do you want me to do?
squirrel: *gestures at sign*
me: alright, i get it *opens book drop*
squirrel: *makes hurry-up motion*
me: NOT A SQUIRREL!
squirrel: *disappears into book drop*
me: *whispers* forgive me, keith
me: what do you want me to do?
squirrel: *gestures at sign*
me: alright, i get it *opens book drop*
squirrel: *makes hurry-up motion*
me: NOT A SQUIRREL!
squirrel: *disappears into book drop*
me: *whispers* forgive me, keith
Reposted by Matt Bertone
#Bugsky 🐙🌿 Earwig Egg Update! Yesterday I took a photo of earwig eggs, and when I lifted the rock today, they were hatching. The new babies are transparent except for their compound eyes and mandibles; those were the orange spots you could see on the eggs yesterday. Check out this cropped photo--
November 18, 2025 at 6:35 PM
#Bugsky 🐙🌿 Earwig Egg Update! Yesterday I took a photo of earwig eggs, and when I lifted the rock today, they were hatching. The new babies are transparent except for their compound eyes and mandibles; those were the orange spots you could see on the eggs yesterday. Check out this cropped photo--
Reposted by Matt Bertone
love the super compact armored antennae on this aquatic beetle, Helichus sp (Dryopidae). The second antennomere is expanded into a heavily sclerotized shield to protect the rest
November 19, 2025 at 3:10 AM
love the super compact armored antennae on this aquatic beetle, Helichus sp (Dryopidae). The second antennomere is expanded into a heavily sclerotized shield to protect the rest
Reposted by Matt Bertone
Thanks for making last week's 34th General Meeting of the Dipterists Society (ESA/Portland) a success! We were glad to see you in person or on zoom & hope you enjoyed it.
We'll post more from the meeting, including links to recordings, soon. We hope to see you next year & at other DS events!
We'll post more from the meeting, including links to recordings, soon. We hope to see you next year & at other DS events!
November 17, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Thanks for making last week's 34th General Meeting of the Dipterists Society (ESA/Portland) a success! We were glad to see you in person or on zoom & hope you enjoyed it.
We'll post more from the meeting, including links to recordings, soon. We hope to see you next year & at other DS events!
We'll post more from the meeting, including links to recordings, soon. We hope to see you next year & at other DS events!
Reposted by Matt Bertone
After years of being curious but lazy, I finally got around to documenting what's inside the black walnuts in my yard. In the process I became obsessed with the strange wasp that hunts down the pupae of the resident flies. 🌿 #wasps #diapriidae #nature #diptera colinpurrington.com/2025/11/life...
Life inside rotting walnut husks » Colin Purrington's blog
There’s an eastern black walnut (Juglans nigra) on my neighbor’s property that rains down fruit every fall, and I finally got curious about what species might be inside. So far I’ve found four flies, ...
colinpurrington.com
November 16, 2025 at 10:26 PM
After years of being curious but lazy, I finally got around to documenting what's inside the black walnuts in my yard. In the process I became obsessed with the strange wasp that hunts down the pupae of the resident flies. 🌿 #wasps #diapriidae #nature #diptera colinpurrington.com/2025/11/life...
Reposted by Matt Bertone
A burrowing wolf spider with her #spiderlings at the entrance of her hole.
Seen in #Choma, #Zambia
#spidersky #bugsky #wolfspider #inverts #inaturalist
Seen in #Choma, #Zambia
#spidersky #bugsky #wolfspider #inverts #inaturalist
November 16, 2025 at 7:16 AM
A burrowing wolf spider with her #spiderlings at the entrance of her hole.
Seen in #Choma, #Zambia
#spidersky #bugsky #wolfspider #inverts #inaturalist
Seen in #Choma, #Zambia
#spidersky #bugsky #wolfspider #inverts #inaturalist
Reposted by Matt Bertone
Happy Partially Muscled Skeleton Day to all who celebrate. Be sure to let all your screams out and then disappear.
November 14, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Happy Partially Muscled Skeleton Day to all who celebrate. Be sure to let all your screams out and then disappear.
Reposted by Matt Bertone
