Entomology (Study of Bugs)/spider with a stinger

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Expert: Nathan Riggs - 11/4/2009


Question

spider with stinger
we had a spider craw across our floor last night that I have never seen. It had two sections to its body. It has a stinger that is about a half inch long that is very hard to the touch. it has very long legs and is a light brown in color. the back section of the spider has a hump like shape. We live in Independence Missouri USA.

Answer
Thank heavens you sent me a picture!  I was reading your description and wondering what the heck you had!  LOL!

You have captured a species of cricket called a camel cricket.  They like dark, humid places like basements, caves, etc...  This particular individual is a female...the "stinger" is actually her ovipositor (for laying eggs), and not a true stinger at all.  These crickets are harmless to humans and animals.

For more information, do a search for "camel cricket."

N

Nathan Riggs

Expertise

I currently live in San Antonio, TX and have expertise in identifying insects, many types of spiders, and other arthropod critters that infest lawns, ornamentals, structures, trees, pets and livestock. Mites are not a strong point of mine. I'm not a licensed doctor, so I cannot provide medical diagnosis of conditions possibly related to insects or other arthropods. If you've got an interesting photo for me to see, let me know and I'll give you my email so the picture will get to me. If you have hosted an insect photo on a website, please include the link so I can go look at it and provide a faster ID for you. Don't forget...you can now attach pictures to your questions as well!

Experience

19 Years' Experience as an entomologist: 5 years as a biologist with Merck Animal Health and 7 years as an Integrated Pest Management(IPM)Specialist in San Antonio, Texas with Texas Cooperative Extension.

Publications
Veterinary Parasitology, Southwestern Entomologist, San Antonio Express News, San Antonio Gardener Newsletter

Education/Credentials
BS - Entomology from Texas A&M University in 1992.

Board Certified Entomologist, 1996-2000 - Medical and Veterinary Entomology Specialty (Entomological Society of America)

Awards and Honors
2000 Texas A&M University Vice Chancellor's Award in Excellence for leadership on the Texas Fire Ant Program Educational Team.

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