blood sucking bed invader
Location: under my pillow, Tucson AZ
August 13, 2011 12:39 pm
Dear Bugman,
I hate to bother you again, but I think I have a good photo this time. I learned to put them on packing tape. It would seem this this guy whom I found under my pillow, as I do many days find one or two, so I get in the habit of checking… it would seem that this guy is a blood sucker as his abdomen, or ones like him, grows and seems to squish blood when squashed. Now, I do not like this critter under my pillow. I would rather have theives invade my house and take my TV than a blood sucking bug hide under my pillow waiting for the opportune time to attack. Please set my mind at ease or not, in which case I will have the place fumigated. I hope you answer this as it is driving me to obsession.
Signature: Going Buggy

Not sure if you will get this but I forgot one important factor.. This bug
measures 1/4″.
Itty bitty,
Thanks!

Immature Kissing Bug

Dear Going Buggy,
Thank you for resubmitting a clearer image.  This is an immature Blood Sucking Conenose Bug in the genus Triatoma.  They are also known as Kissing Bugs because they frequently bite sleepers around the lips.  They are also called by a variety of other names in Spanish Speaking countries according to BugGuide, including:  “barbeiro, bicudo, chupão (Brazil); vinchuca, chipo, pito, chinchorro, chirimacho, iquipito, chupon (in various Spanish-speaking Latin American countries); Bush Chinch (Belize).”  Here is a matching photo from BugGuide.  Especially in tropical countries, they spread a pathogen that causes Chagas Disease.

Daniel,
Thank you sooo much for your reply. I did look on the BugGuide but being a novice at bugs did not find it. However, I still feel like spraying the air.
I did not see a picture of a HorseLubber Grasshopper anywhere, so I thought you might appreciate this. Use it or not as you see fit.
Thanks again.
K.

Orange W/Black Legs
Location: Houston, TX
August 3, 2011 11:42 am
Hello,
Love you site! Just am still unsure of what I am looking at, or able to properly identify it.
This picture is of a ’medium’ sized insect, about 3/4” long. I have seen them smaller and even one about 1 1/4 long.
This picture was taken on 3 August, 2011 in my pepper garden on a leaf of a Serrano Pepper plant.
Kindly assist in it’s proper identification.
Also, you can indeed keep the image. I give full rights to you to use it any way you want, if you want.
Best Regards,
Kevin
Signature: Kevin

Milkweed Assassin Bug Nymph

immature milkweed assassin bug

Hello,
Thank you greatly Daniel Marlos!
Now I will explore the pros/cons of having them in the garden. There are not too many that I have seen. I am in the garden at least twice a day. I do not mess with them because they do not seem to want anything to do with me. If one is on a plant where I am about to cut a pepper, it just moves along and goes under a leaf, out of sight to be left alone. So that is what I do.
A couple of days ago, I was cutting a batch of peppers, putting them in my shorts pocket, cargo shorts, so large pockets, and when I got in the house and piled the peppers on the counter, out came a small one of these insects onto the counter. Apparently it hitched a ride on a pepper, in my pocket, for how long I do not know, at least 10-15 minutes, and was no worse for wear. I urged it onto a piece of paper and out the door it went. I am sure the story it tells it’s buds is just as bizarre as mine!
I am more careful not to put anymore insects in my pocket!
Have a Good One Daniel, and thanks again.
Kevin

Hi Kevin,
Your response to our extremely brief identification is so enthusiastic, and the anecdotal information has provided such a personal perspective on your interactions with the Milkweed Assassin Bugs in your yard that we are feeling guilty that we have shortchanged you with our original response.  You should take care not to handle the Milkweed Assassin Bugs, Zelus longipes, because they are perfectly capable of delivering a painful bite.  We just located this Galveston County Master Gardeners “Beneficials in the Garden” web page devoted to the Milkweed Assassin Bug.  It has some very helpful information including this excerpt:  “Although most assassin bugs are slow-moving and non-aggressive, they will use their rostrum in self-defense if handled carelessly. Such bites may be rather painful to humans because the bugs inject the same salivary secretion used to dissolve the tissues of their prey. This results in the death of a small area of cells at the site of the bite. The symptoms are an intense burning sensation, often followed by a small, itchy lump that may persist for several days. However, no true toxin is involved so it is rare for the reaction to last long or to extend beyond the site of the bite. Some bites occur when the bugs are purposely handled out of curiosity, but most happen through accidental contact while gardening or working in the open. The sharp pain associated with assassin bug bites is usually enhanced by the surprise accompanying the experience.  The beneficial qualities of assassin bugs far outweigh their negative potential, and learning to get along with these indispensable predators is in our own best interest.”

Good Morning,
Indeed. Great information. As soon as I read your original email identifying the M.A.B., I located the exact site. Full of information for the varied species in our area. I read for hours and was fascinated with abundance of beneficial insects and lizards in this area.
We actually live on the outskirts of Houston/Harris County, and Galveston County. Near the Johnson Space Center, so the website was right on for what I needed.
Daniel, don’t feel guilty. Your response was just fine. You answered my question with great accuracy and it lead me on the proper path to explore the correct information and for this I thank you!
Also thank you for the follow up email. It is funny that you found the exact site! Fate can be a good thing at times!
While I am far from having the study of anEntomologist, I have always taught my children to respect nature and to study and be aware of their environment. We all share this planet together and indeed, knowledge is a good thing.
No need to be afraid of what we do not know!
Best Regards Daniel,
Kevin

2   I like This

Sharp looking fellow
Location: Auburn, NJ
August 2, 2011 11:47 am
Dear Bugman,
Saw this one in the rose bush, though much smaller than a single leaf. Guess he’s come to join the party with all the other bugs roses seem to attract? Good times!
Took awhile, but think I finally found him when I used spines for a search term on BugGuide.
Sinea spinipes. Or at least a close cousin. Would you agree?
Signature: Creek Keeper

Spiny Assassin Bug Nymph

Dear Creek Keeper,
We concur that this is either a Spiny Assassin Bug nymph or a closely related species in the genus Sinea.  Your email reminded us that we saw an image from another request earlier this week, and we meant to post it, but time just got away from us.  Despite our best intentions, we are unable to respond to even a small fraction of the requests that come our way.

Spiny Assassin Bug Nymph

1   I like This

PA- white bug/scorpion?
Location: Eastern Pennsylvania, Lehigh County
July 25, 2011 2:00 am
This bug apparently bit my friends toddler on her toe. Hospital had no idea what it is. She took the bug yo Erlich(sp) exterminator who told her it’s in the kissing bug family. I think they were just trying to lie to her and make a sale to exterminate on her dime. It looks nothing like a kissing bug. White color, appears to only have 4 legs, a stinger/tail, and red antennae with black line. See pic
Signature: J.G.

Wheel Bug Nymph

Dear J.G.
This is an immature Wheel Bug, one of the Assassin Bugs in the family Reduviidae.  Wheel Bugs will bite if carelessly handled, and the bite is reported to be painful, but it is not dangerous.  The exterminator was actually correct that Kissing Bugs are in the family Reduviidae, but while Kissing Bugs spread pathogens and are frequently found indoors, Wheel Bugs are an outdoor species, so enlisting an exterminator would probably be throwing away money.