Cool Bug Of The Day 2
It's been a long time since we've had an installment in our Cool Bug series. I'm sure you're probably just fine with that. But in order to maintain our diversity quotas, we are forced to do this. If it bothers you, please don't blame us, blame Bush, or the founding fathers, or Starbucks.
To the rest of you, this is also a cry for help: can anyone enlighten us as to the real name of this monster? Last night it lumbered across the pavement toward our feet as we sat quietly reading, scaring the beejeebers out of us. What you are looking at in the above photo is apparently what it thinks to be its most frightening aspect. The reason we think this is because this is what it does when it is poked with little sticks. To all of us here at Zippy, the pose struck us as comical and a little sad. But don't tell the monster. It knows where we live.
Anyway, if you know what it is, feel free to give a shout out...
3 Comments:
You asked for it, but this is probably more than you wanted. See the photo of a Stink Beetle at http://www.creepycrawlyzoo.com/beetles.htm
STINK BEETLES (Tenebrionidae)
(genus Eliodes) are best know for the ridiculous position they assume when running from danger. They respond to trouble by doing a hand -stand. They tilt up at an angle of 45° and point their abdomen at the attacker. They seem to be doing a hand-stand and for this reason are sometimes referred to as “Butt-head” beetles. When disturbed or picked up they emit a reddish black liquid from glands that open at the tip of the abdomen that has a foul smell and nauseating effect if swallowed.
Thank you. I was thinking of whipping up a reddish black stink bug shake, but you've made me think twice about it...
Ah yes, the stink bug of my youth. We used to derive great delight in touching them with a stick to invoke their own unique fight or flight impulse... the dreaded stink immediately infusing the air with its acrid aroma. How funny - what used to bring up discust and ridicule in my childhood era, now brings up only nostalgia and a kind of fondness for the humble bug.
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