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Female Giant Mesquite Bug at Biosphere 2 - After It Landed on Leanne's Leg <<>> IMG_9455 - Version 2

It briefly scared Leanne, who quickly brushed it off.

It's quite harmless and very interesting.

 

The diagonal pattern on the lower back fascinates me. I assume that some molecule has a particular right-hand-rule type characteristic that tells this pattern which way to slope.

 

One and a half inch adults olive-drab with striped back pattern; adult male has enlarged hind femurs banded with orange. Bright red and white nymphs in April to May. Adult feeds on seed pods until end of monsoon season; female lays eggs on or near potential host tree.

 

The mesquite seed pod is still green. Soon it will be tan.

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Uploaded on August 25, 2015
Taken on August 23, 2015