Subject: What is this bug?
Location: Tyler, Texas
October 4, 2015 9:03 pm
This insect was resting on a crepe myrtle with its offspring on its back.
Signature: RT
Dear RT,
These are mating Muskmares, or more correctly, a Muskmare being mounted by her diminutive “stallion” as the male Muskmare is considerably smaller than his mate. Muskmares are actually Striped Walkingsticks in the genus Anisomorpha and they should be handled with caution because according to BugGuide: “Members of this genus can deliver a chemical spray to the eyes that can cause corneal damage.” We should perhaps further qualify our warning that Muskmares should also be observed with caution as it is our understanding that they can spray a potential predator in the eye with amazing accuracy.
Have to say the picture title brought a range of odd thoughts to mind involving horses, insects, some science fiction plot perhaps?