This looks somewhat like a flying beetle but I have no idea what it might be. Once again it is hanging around my potatoes.
Dennis
Looks like a species of roach or wasp?
kpmac wrote:
Looks like a species of roach or wasp?
Thank you kpmac. I don't think so but of course your opinion is every bit as good as mine in this case.
Dennis
I'm enjoying these posts! That is a bit tricky since it sure does look like a wasp and it can be quite active and darty. But it's a predatory Hemipteran ("true bug") called the masked hunter. You can see a bit of the piercing beak in the 2nd picture. They often come to porch lights. Interesting to watch and photograph. You can get close to it, but I would not pick one up since insects from this group can bite without a lot of provocation and it would hurt.
If you get good close up pictures of the head from the side view, you can see that they look quite sinister. It's' not their fault, but they are not pretty!
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
I'm enjoying these posts! That is a bit tricky since it sure does look like a wasp and it can be quite active and darty. But it's a predatory Hemipteran ("true bug") called the masked hunter. You can see a bit of the piercing beak in the 2nd picture. They often come to porch lights. Interesting to watch and photograph. You can get close to it, but I would not pick one up since insects from this group can bite without a lot of provocation and it would hurt.
If you get good close up pictures of the head from the side view, you can see that they look quite sinister. It's' not their fault, but they are not pretty!
I'm enjoying these posts! That is a bit tricky sin... (
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You're enjoying these posts????? I am enjoying your answers. I can't tell you how appreciative I am, again for your knowledge and willingness to share. I suspect it is not only me you are educating but many more here as well. Thanks for your safety tip too since I probably would not pick one up with bare hands but there is a chance someone might. I am envisioning the piercing beak puncturing my hands somewhere and not enjoying the experience. If I see one again I will try harder for some side views.
Thank you again,
Dennis
Thank you bcheary. Looks as if you are correct.
Dennis
I believe this is a species of Kissing Bug in the family Reduviidae. Not sure of the species. You could try posting on iNaturalist. I post most of my natural history pics there. It is a great resource, and is citizen-based science.
Tonyf1234 wrote:
I believe this is a species of Kissing Bug in the family Reduviidae. Not sure of the species. You could try posting on iNaturalist. I post most of my natural history pics there. It is a great resource, and is citizen-based science.
Thank you for your comment. It seems we have already agreed it is a member of the Hemiptera-Reduviidae family.
Dennis
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