Help me identify this smelly bug

migs
New Member

Posts: 2

Help me identify this smelly bug Dec 7, 2012 13:54:10 GMT -8

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Post by migs on Dec 7, 2012 13:54:10 GMT -8

Friends:
I am new here and have a curiosity about entomology. Here is my first one that I hope you can help me identify:
Location: La Paz, Bolivia, South America next to mountain with dry brush, little vegetation, clay and volcanic type soil.
Altitude: 13,000 ft above sea level (my house)
Weather: Appears mostly in rainy months and not so common in dry months
Length: 3 inches
Other: When frightened it releases a liquid that smells like melting plastic. Very strong odor. Enters home somehow that I can’t determine. Not easy to find if you went looking for one. Scary if you do find one in your pajamas at night.
Flight: I have never seen them fly
Questions: What is it? Is it dangerous? How do I get rid of it? (What pesticide?)
Thanks in advance,
Migs

(I post the links as there is a top view and a side view and I could'nt attach them.)

www.flickr.com/photos/migsley/8251347651/
www.flickr.com/photos/migsley/8252416740/

nosorog
Full Member

Posts: 136

Help me identify this smelly bug Dec 7, 2012 14:13:57 GMT -8

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Post by nosorog on Dec 7, 2012 14:13:57 GMT -8

It's a walking stick (Phasmida). They release that nasty smelling liquid trying to defend themselves. They are usually not dangerous/aggressive and often are kept as pets, but I have no idea how dangerous is the smelly substance emitted by this specific species.

migs New Member Posts: 2	Help me identify this smelly bug Dec 10, 2012 4:13:10 GMT -8 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by migs on Dec 10, 2012 4:13:10 GMT -8 Thank you nosorog. I'm glad to know these critters are not so dangerous even though they look intimidationg enough.

Borja Gómez
Full Member

Posts: 177

Help me identify this smelly bug Dec 10, 2012 17:37:07 GMT -8

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Post by Borja Gómez on Dec 10, 2012 17:37:07 GMT -8

Hello

I don't know about this phasmid in particular, but as a general advice and just as precaution, if some unknown insect uses some kind of secretion, the best it's not to touch it, and if you do you should wash the hands or the zone affected before putting it in contact with some of your mucoses (eyes, mouth,etc...) until you know is harmless. Most of the insect secretions are harmless, but few can be irritating for skin or somethig worst in very few cases. I suppose this isn't the case, but it's better to prevent than to heal

Regards

Last Edit: Dec 10, 2012 17:42:11 GMT -8 by Borja Gómez

entoman
Full Member

Posts: 194

Help me identify this smelly bug Dec 12, 2012 23:29:20 GMT -8

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Post by entoman on Dec 12, 2012 23:29:20 GMT -8

There is a similar walking stick where I am from which releases a liquid whose odor could also be described as similar to melting plastic. I have been told that if the insect sprays the substance in your eyes that it can cause temporary blindness. Not sure if the secretions are the same between the two insects but I would recommend heeding the cautions about touching your eyes with the secretions still on your fingers (if you happen to hold one at all that is).

ckswank Full Member Posts: 239 Country: USA	Help me identify this smelly bug Dec 14, 2012 18:37:09 GMT -8 Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by ckswank on Dec 14, 2012 18:37:09 GMT -8 I occasionally find these (Southern Two-striped Walkingstick-Anisomorpha buprestoides) here in Texas. They will spray when disturbed & I've also heard it can cause temporary blindness. Charlie
	Sometimes I wonder if the world is being run by smart people who are putting us on, or by imbeciles who really mean it. - - Mark Twain

Post by migs on Dec 7, 2012 13:54:10 GMT -8

Post by nosorog on Dec 7, 2012 14:13:57 GMT -8

Post by migs on Dec 10, 2012 4:13:10 GMT -8

Post by Borja Gómez on Dec 10, 2012 17:37:07 GMT -8

Post by entoman on Dec 12, 2012 23:29:20 GMT -8

Post by ckswank on Dec 14, 2012 18:37:09 GMT -8