Subject: Quite colorful
Location: South central Louisiana
June 12, 2014 9:18 pm
I found this “deadly” looking creature on the hood of my truck which was parked underneath a large water oak Thursday June 12, 2014. I live in New Iberia, Louisiana which is south central about thirty miles from the coast. It has red and blue on its legs and a yellowish spot on it’s back. Although I am extremely allergic to ant and wasp venom I didn’t kill it nor did I get a better photo and risk anaphylactic shock. Thank you for the great website!
Signature: CarrieSue
Hi CarrieSue,
This is an immature Leaf Footed Bug, probably in the genus Acanthocephala. We have not heard of them biting people, but since they have mouths designed to pierce plants and suck juices, we imagine it is possible to be bitten. See BugGuide for more information.