Thursday, October 28, 2010

no uninteresting things

There are no uninteresting things, only uninterested people. 
—G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936) English writer

Sorry if this one grosses you out (think of this as a pre-Halloween post), but when I saw it I had to run and get my macro lens. This has to be one of the strangest things in nature I've ever seen. This bizarre insect is simply known as a wheel bug - named for the round and spiny armor on its back. Fairly large (1.5 inches long) and slow moving, the wheel bug is capable of clumsy, noisy flight -- and is actually considered beneficial to have around, as they feed on nuisance pests.  When it encounters its prey, it uses its beak like a harpoon to attack and inject enzymes which paralyzes its victim. They shouldn't be carelessly handled, as a bite from one of these is said to be painful. Click photo to enlarge if you're interested.

3 comments:

  1. Nice Capture! I don't think I have ever seen one of them!

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  2. Interesting bug shot.

    Love the quote -- I may have to use that one.

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  3. What a fascinating creature! Like Jack, I also do not believe I've ever seen one of these. Great photo and post!

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