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Entomology (Study of Bugs)/What is it?
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Question
OK- I am taking care of a riparian trail on the Stanislaus River in Riverbank CA- these things showed up around mid-October and my home is full of them. They crawl and fly and hide in clothing, curtains and every place they can.
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Reva:
Thank you for including the image with your question. This is not what I was suspecting when I read your question....
The insect in the image is Zelus renardii, an assassin bug in the family Reduviidae. Relax, the only thing it "assassinates" is other insects. They are generalist predators like mantids, so anything is fair game, from bees to blister beetles....
I'm pretty sure this species overwinters as an adult, so they are probably looking for places to spend the cooler months. No worries, but do be careful since they can inflict a painful bite in self-defense.
Here's more:
http://bugguide.net/node/view/80064
Note you can click the "images" tab near the top of the page for more images, then click the individual image for a larger view.
Eric
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Answers by Expert:
Eric R. Eaton
Expertise
I can answer most questions related to wasps, solitary bees, grasshoppers and katydids, beetles, cicadas, and spiders, and identification of "mystery bugs" in North America. No "what bit me?" or "what do I feed this bug in captivity?" questions please.
Experience
Principal author, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America. Professional entomologist employed previously at University of Massachusetts, Chase Studio, Inc., and Cincinnati Zoo; contract work for West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, Smithsonian Institution, and Portland (Oregon) State University.
Organizations
Entomological Society of America, National Association of Science Writers
Publications
Author, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Missouri Conservationist magazine, Ranger Rick, Timeline (journal of the Ohio Historical Society). I have contributed to several books as well.
Education/Credentials
Oregon State University, undergraduate major in entomology, did not receive degree.
Past/Present Clients
Principal author of the Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Smithsonian Institution (contract), Cincinnati Zoo (employer), Portland State University (contract), Chase Studio, Inc (employer), Arkansas Museum of Discovery (guest speaker). Currently seeking employment in a highly creative work environment with a media corporation or non-profit.
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