does anyone know what insect this
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Re: does anyone know what insect this
Looks like a young assassin bug (do a google image search for "assassin bug nymph"). If that's what it is, it's a very beneficial insect to have around (they eat other bugs). They can bite humans, but I've never been bitten by one.
coh- Member
Re: does anyone know what insect this
They can bite humans, but I've never been bitten by one.
And that's a good thing. The bite hurts (burns) forever.
JimLewis- Member
Re: does anyone know what insect this
It seems they can be kept as pets :http://www.reptileexpert.org/assassin-bug-care/
arihato- Member
Re: does anyone know what insect this
I think there are certain varieties that parasitize mammals (including humans). Those are the ones that are most likely to bite, though from what I've read if you handle any of them carelessly they may bite. I've handled a lot of them over the years (they tend to get into the house in the fall, like ladybugs) but have never been bitten. Hopefully that stays the case!
Some of them have incredibly beautiful coloration, especially when young.
Some of them have incredibly beautiful coloration, especially when young.
coh- Member
Re: does anyone know what insect this
Look at the mouth-parts. The ones that have a needle-like spear are the beneficial predator "Assassin Bugs" that hunt insects (and can sometimes pierce humans who bother them), but the ones with a mouth part that looks like a tube are the ones that feed off of the plant (typically the fruit). That is, if these are the same insects we have here in the US (hard to tell from the picture exactly)
There is one called Triatoma sanguisuga which feeds off the blood of mammals - they are attracted to carbon dioxide, and at night will pierce the victim near the mouth, leading to their nickname bloodsucking Kissing Bug. These can transmit a parasite that causes Chagas Disease which attacks the heart. They're found only in the South and into Mexico, so most of the country would probably never see one. But I have caught several here in Austin!
There is one called Triatoma sanguisuga which feeds off the blood of mammals - they are attracted to carbon dioxide, and at night will pierce the victim near the mouth, leading to their nickname bloodsucking Kissing Bug. These can transmit a parasite that causes Chagas Disease which attacks the heart. They're found only in the South and into Mexico, so most of the country would probably never see one. But I have caught several here in Austin!
JMcCoy- Member
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