Monday, October 17, 2011

Stink Bug!

Remember stink bugs when you were a kid?  They're quite common here in California... in the desert (like this guy), mountains, and most places in between.  They are well known for their comical, yet effective, defense tactics.  When alarmed they stand on their heads by bending their front legs down and extending their rear legs.  Depending upon the species, they exude an oily, stinky secretion which collects on the rear of their abdomen.  Some species eject a reddish brown secretion as a spray.  Larger desert species (like this guy) can spray 10 to 20 inches!  Most species can spray multiple times, if necessary.  The spray is not painful unless you get it in your eyes or mouth, where it is painful, burning and temporarily blinding.  It does not wash off.  After reading this, I now have much more respect for stink bugs!!  Happy Macro Monday!

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11 comments:

  1. ShonEjaiOctober 17, 2011 at 11:20 PM

    Thanks for the info. I see these guys all the time when I am hiking. Now I know to leave them alone.

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  2. John @ Beans and I on the LooseOctober 18, 2011 at 7:13 AM

    The darkling beetle. Sinbad has never shown any interest in them when we're in the desert. He's never been sprayed so my guess it is some instinctive thing. Neat shot.

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  3. SamanthaOctober 18, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    We're dealing with a far different kind of stink bug..I think I like mine better, since they have no range!

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  4. genieOctober 18, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    YOu are NOT the only one with them. Not only do we have the stink lady bugs, we now have your stink bugs...and they do stink. This is a great macro shot. I will be glad to share with you where I get the frames. One of them is from Kim Klassen and the others are from Coffeeshop. I really do enjoy using them...but then, I love frames anyway. genie

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  5. Laurie Brandriet KellerOctober 19, 2011 at 1:58 AM

    lol at it standing on it's head with it's pooper in the air. great shot.

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  6. AnonymousOctober 19, 2011 at 5:03 AM

    I guess stink bugs have been around for at least 77 years 'cause I remember them from when I was little and wandering around in a cloth diaper. It made a lasting impression on me.

    Nice macro shot. Also interesting reading.

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  7. Johnny NutcaseOctober 19, 2011 at 9:37 AM

    cool shot! He looks like he's ready to stink it up!

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  8. Lap Dog KnitsOctober 19, 2011 at 6:55 PM

    I've never liked bugs....now I know I really don't like sting bugs.

    Great photo, you always include additional information along with the pictures that makes for additional interest in your blog....great job.

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  9. IdaOctober 19, 2011 at 9:30 PM

    Super capture! That is one big Stink Bug.

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  10. Dave IngramOctober 21, 2011 at 10:15 AM

    Great shot - probably a good that you're photographing it from the front and not the back!

    Dave

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