six legged worm thing?
February 2, 2010
Im not sure what this thing is it was found in my back yard and its a little over 2 inches long and fairly thick it has fuzz on it and it must burrow because when i put it in the grass again it starting moving down. when its flipped right side up it roles onto its back and begins to wiggle normally. it has a dark colored head not sure if its dark red but it does have pincers and there’s something inside its tail maybe a sack its black and white. I’m not to fond of insects but i;d like to know what this is because Ive never seen one before.
Luis Martinez
Los Angeles California
Hi Luis,
This is the larva of a Green Fruit Beetle, Cotinus mutabilis. They are often found in compost piles and they are known as Crawly-Backs. The beautiful green adults fly in August, and because they feed on fruit, they are sometimes called Figeaters.
