After we got back from the beach the other day Mary was cleaning some shells and driftwood she had gathered for her craft projects on the patio. She decided to wipe down the screen doors while she was at it and spotted this little guy stretched out apparently asleep on the tinted sliding glass door.
I think this is some type of katydid, but when we first saw it he had both his hind and fore legs stretched out straight with a long stinger like extension and the antennae making it appear much longer than his one and a half inch body would otherwise appear.
The stinger looked foreboding, so I cautiously moved it down to the patio for more pictures.
He crawled across the patio and climbed up the sliding door of our neighboring apartment. At first it appeared that he did not have a good grip, and I watched as he moistened his front feet to get a better grip.
Once safely up the doorway, he took a moment to methodically clean each of its’ long antennae.
Apparently he wanted to look his best for this photo-shoot!
Life is good in Ecuador!
Great shots John. Thanks
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Thanks, Lyndell. It is fun trying to get close ups of these critters!
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amazing bugs I dont know if those are uniques in ecuador
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No I do not think this is unique to Ecuador – I have seen some like this in the US. I thought it was interesting to see it cleaning antennae and wetting its’ feet.
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He does look good for the photo shoot.
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Thanks, about as good as he could! A face only a mother would love.
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Great pics! What kind of camera or lens are you using?
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Lori, coming from you that is high praise! I just use my Panasonic Lumix that I had when you were here. I learned how to use the macro feature and it makes the close ups much clearer.
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I have been skulking for an interminably long time, (ask Nancy), anyway– I think what your latest “bug” is is some form of cricket and it’s “stinger” is the ovipositor , so not to worry. Your posts are some of the most interesting I read, along with “Paradise” because of the earthy, rreal world take on everyday life in Ecuador. Though you may not entice many wannabe’s you may open their eyes to the true conditions of your enchanting place. Thank you and keep it up!!
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Thanks – you are probably right about the species of the bug. I just like watching these creature, but I do not know a great deal about them. Thanks for the kind words.
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John, I don’t know anyone else who can make bugs look so COOL! I love reading these, and your pictures are amazing. I agree, looks like he was “spiffing up” for the camera. That one has modelling instincts 🙂
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Thank you! I am glad you liked the pictures. This guy was definitely not camera shy – I had the camera right in his face and he just kept on his business of preening.
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Your bugs shots are incredible, John. And I’m looking forward to seeing Mary’s craft projects. Will she post them? Keep out of range of that stinger. It looks dangerous!
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One of our readers said that it was probably not a “stinger” and not to worry, but I have a pretty strict hands off policy after getting some spider bites and one scorpion sting.
As far as Mary’s crafts go – right now she is working in a gift and we will take pictures and show them after she gives to gift to our friend.
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Lovin the bug shots!
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Glad you like them – more to come soon!
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Hi,
Did you ever identify what insect this is? I have seen two in my home in the past week.
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Reader consensus is that it is a type of cricket and that the projection is not a stinger, but an “ovipositor” – something to do with laying eggs. Interesting looking guy anyway! Thanks for the comment.
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