More common in the eastern United States, Texas is the western end of its range. Surely San Antonio is the outer limits.
It's a form of assassin bug and blows poison out the "back end". I hope this one found plenty to eat since they are beneficial in the garden.
I think I've seen one of these. A bit scary looking.
ReplyDeleteI'm never sure who is a good guy and who's a bad guy.
I have the Texas Bug Book, but it's certainly not the best one around for finding out just who you're seeing.
Very interesting - so many insects are beneficial, it seems. That wheel bug is certainly unique for me. Here, vinegaroons are >3" long + antannae, they shoot out acetic acid, but they eat centipedes...
ReplyDeleteLinda - Same here, birds are easier since online sources sort by color. Bugs are mostly some version of the same dull colors and there are a lot of scary ones so finding a good search word isn't easy.
ReplyDeleteDD - The vinegaroon is creepy looking, but beneficial too. Haven't seen one here.