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oldfatman
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« on: September 11, 2008, 08:46:34 am » |
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I am in the desert/plains near Portales, NM and there are these critters running around. If someone knows what they are please identify it for me.
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randell
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« Reply #1 on: September 11, 2008, 09:13:11 am » |
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I don't know what it's called but it looks mean.
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bdhawk133
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« Reply #2 on: September 11, 2008, 09:59:14 am » |
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That is a "Child of the Earth", aka "Jerusalem Cricket", aka "Nino de la Tierra", and the Navajo called them "skull insects". Non-poisonous but pack a powerful bite. They are endangered in general, but thrive in some areas (California to TX) so don't kill them. They make a crazy "screaming to hissing" noise when threatened or injured. Hope this helps!  |
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homerboy2u
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« Reply #3 on: September 11, 2008, 10:11:44 am » |
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A cricket...that bites? , first time for me. Something learned today. |
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bdhawk133
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« Reply #4 on: September 11, 2008, 10:18:36 am » |
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Not a crickett.........ju st has that name.
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oldfatman
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« Reply #5 on: September 11, 2008, 10:28:40 am » |
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Thank you BDhawk133. I just returned from the ranger station and some time in their insect id book. For the technical folks it is stenopelmatus fuscus and feeds on other insects and vegetation. The ranger agreed that they are very dangerous insects. When one surprises you, you can hurt yourself really bad getting away from it. Other than that pretty harmless and valuable. Thanks for the help folks.
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jeffblaylock
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« Reply #6 on: September 11, 2008, 03:13:18 pm » |
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Late to the party, but this link has some good info. My favorite line: Said to be able to deliver a strong bite, but also to make a good pet. That's the quality I look for most in a pet. A strong bite. |
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Jeff Blaylock www.jeffblaylock.co m"We’ll be back, someday soon. We will return, someday, and when we do the gritty
splendor and the complicated grandeur of Big Bend will still be here. Waiting for us."--Ed Abbey |
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mbent
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« Reply #7 on: September 11, 2008, 03:23:37 pm » |
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That is the weirdest bug I've ever seen! Bizarre!
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Burn Ban
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« Reply #8 on: September 11, 2008, 03:30:14 pm » |
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is that an adult? it looks adolescent due to the translucency.
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oldfatman
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« Reply #9 on: September 11, 2008, 03:32:01 pm » |
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After getting calmed down and understanding about the critter, I took time to carefully look the varmit over. On close inspection it is an interesting bug to peruse. This one was holding very still and I could see the little "toes" on its feet. If you ever get a chance look one over closely.  |
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SA Bill
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« Reply #10 on: September 11, 2008, 05:55:48 pm » |
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Never seen one of those! Looks like something out of an "Alien" movie...
Thanks for sharing,
Bill
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Growing old is mandatory.
Growing up is optional.
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bdhawk133
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« Reply #11 on: September 11, 2008, 07:00:27 pm » |
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Never seen one of those! Looks like something out of an "Alien" movie...
Thanks for sharing,
Bill
You should hear one scream!  |
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SA Bill
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« Reply #12 on: September 11, 2008, 07:25:53 pm » |
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Like the Momma alien when the eggs are being torched? 
Bill
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Growing old is mandatory.
Growing up is optional.
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Roy
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« Reply #13 on: September 11, 2008, 07:27:09 pm » |
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Late to the party, but this link has some good info. My favorite line: Said to be able to deliver a strong bite, but also to make a good pet. That's the quality I look for most in a pet. A strong bite. Think I'll get a couple and train'em as watchbugs. Anyone know where I can get some really small collars and tags? |
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Goldilocks
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« Reply #14 on: September 11, 2008, 10:58:54 pm » |
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Growing up in New Mexico we would see one of these from time to time. They are really bizarre to see. They don't look like an insect, and there is a definite resemblance to a child, hence the name. the face and the little toes are just weird.
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