Nature Photojournal #3

Today's photojournal is about insects. Yes, they are creepy. But they do serve unique and important purposes in the world, even if we don't like them. They provide food for all manner of creatures and help decompose dead carcasses, trees, and other 'waste' that is generated by nature. I am all right with insects being outside, but if they are in my house- they are toast. I usually leave the arachnids alone because they help keep out the other unwanted insects.

Anyhow. Here are two interesting insects that you may not have seen before. Both of these were photographed in Georgia, at my house.

Florida Predatory Stink Bug:  Euthyrhynchus floridanus
As you may have guessed, this little insect smells. When disturbed, they release a foul-smelling substance from pores in their thorax to deter predators from eating them. As their name also implies, they are themselves predatory, eating plant pests such as beetles and caterpillars.

Their range extends from Florida all the way up to Pennsylvania, and they have been reported as far west as Texas. Pretty neat little bug. This one is also called the Halloween Bug, for its black-and-orange/red appearance.

Wheel Bug:  Arilus cristatus
Ok, watch out! This next one is kind of freaky looking. My husband found it and brought it home so we could identify it (he's a biologist). Check out the gear-shaped body part!

Found this great photo on: http://live-with-laughter.blogspot.com/2011/09/three-day-weekends.html

This is the photo we took of it- not quite as menacing!

This is one insect you DON'T want to handle! Much like the giant water bug and the water scorpion, this insect has a tubelike piercing mouth part. When it catches its prey, it injects them with enzymes which paralyze and dissolve the soft tissues so that the innards can be sucked out. Mmm. Bug milkshake.

Of course, these insects are camouflaged (as well a good predator should be) and their buzzing flight is often mistaken for grasshoppers flying away. So don't be too alarmed. I don't think they are going to invade your house any time soon.

Here is a more in-depth description of the Wheel Bug, as well as why it is considered a true bug instead of a beetle: http://www.hiltonpond.org/thisweek030901.html.



Well, I hope you enjoyed today's jaunt and it didn't give too many of you the creeps. Just remember: these insects have a job to do, and they are important!