Wheelbug by Leeco

Photography • Creatures • posted on Oct 13, 2006

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Description

Nikon 7900 image. Sometimes plain old dumb luck is a great thing. First, I found this very bizzare creature a days ago and then I managed to capture several good images of him. Both occurances were pure dumb luck but the luckiest part is that I was fortunate not to have been bitten. You see, I handled this 1 1/2 inch long critter for at least 15 minutes and had no idea as to whether it was dangerous or not. After looking at "WhatsthatBug.com" I was able to identify it as a Wheelbug (a member of the assasian bug family). It turns out this guy can deliver a very nasty bite if provoked. It jabs that dagger at the front end into it's victims then injects an enzime which liquidfies the prey after which it sucks the juices out of the paralized victem. Although the results can be very painful, at least it is not life threatening to people, lol. I guess I didn't provoke it because I came away with some great pics and no injuries, lol. Maybe the cold weather we had that day helped. As was the case with the Pink Katydid I found on the same day (and posted an image of 2 days ago), I doubt I would have believed anyone who tried to describe this creature because it is so bizzare looking but now I have seen one with my own eyes. The large image will obviously show much greater detail. Lee

Comments (10)

vlaaitje

1:56AM | Fri, 13 October 2006

never seen such kind of bug, very interesting, nice framed as well

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Sans2012

2:16AM | Fri, 13 October 2006

Wow, crazy looking little beastie. Excellent capture:)

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zulaan

2:16AM | Fri, 13 October 2006

Great capture !!!

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babuci

2:37AM | Fri, 13 October 2006

Even the insect world has dinosaur kind! Strange looking bug thanks to show us!

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jinet

3:32AM | Fri, 13 October 2006

Superb shot ! Very beautiful photo !

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creanum

4:42AM | Fri, 13 October 2006

Superb shot, great capture.....

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morningglory

6:08AM | Fri, 13 October 2006

You sure have some freaky bugs where you live.....we probably all do, but we are not as observant as you are.

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mamabobbijo

1:37PM | Fri, 13 October 2006

Thought you had started shooting dinosaurs! What a weird little creature! I'm sure he was so tolerant because the word has gotten around that you can make him famous! LOL Thanks for sharing. BJ

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rayburg

5:19PM | Fri, 13 October 2006

Great capture of this insect alien...You have become quite a macro photographer...

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erskogly

5:49AM | Sat, 14 October 2006

Strange looking critter - and if it's 1 1/2 inch long I can vividly imagine that it can administer a pretty painful sting, that proboscis is huge! Very nice macro!