Categories
True Bugsred mesquite bug
Hi there.
I live in southern Arizona and wonder about this fellow. He’s about an inch and a half long, seems to suck the young peas inside mesquite (velvet variety). Any idea? I run a newspaper, so, I’ll give your website credit with a description if you name him.
Thanks,
Joseph Birkett
Hi Joseph,
This is a Giant Mesquite Bug. About a year ago, we identified it as Thasus neocalifornicus. Bugguide currently has a very similar looking species identified as Thasus acutangulus. We are not certain if these are separate species or if the taxonomy is changing. To add confusion, we have also found internet references with the genus spelled Thassus, probably an error. At any rate, your photo is of an immature specimen. Adults have wings. They feed on juices from mesquite at all stages of development.
I like ThisRelated Posts
-
(06/13/2006)Giant Mesquite Bugs -
(06/19/2007)Giant Mesquite Bug -
(11/08/2008)Giant Mesquite Bug -
(08/05/2009)Giant Mesquite Bugs
Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting.
Post a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.