Subject: What’s this bug?
Location: Coastal South Carolina, inland about 8 miles
August 17, 2017 6:58 pm
I have seen these around the outside of my home always during the hot summer months, and usually at night. It appears to carry offspring on its back. It has long antennas on the front. Please tell me what this bug is.
Signature: Kristi Baker
Mating Muskmares
Dear Kristi,
What you have mistaken for an offspring is actually a mate. These are Striped Walkingsticks in the genus Anisomorpha, sometimes called Muskmares because they are frequently found mating, and the larger female Muskmare is able to carry her diminutive mate on her back. According to BugGuide: “Members of this genus can deliver a chemical spray to the eyes that can cause corneal damage.”
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Wow, this is the one I’ve been seeing in Texas! I got the spray on my finger, not in my eyes thankfully.
We just replied to your other comment.