Large Insects Need Identifying

I've got some readers who need help. They've stumbled upon large insects they cannot identify. Can any of you help? I know there are some great sites out there to help ID insects, but I wouldn't want to deny you the opportunity to show off your entomological skills.

First we have Matthew's little friend. Note its wingedness and beady little eyes. I also see a hint of malevolence in its stance.

Then we have Mr. Tusk here. Victoria came across this 4 - 5 inch, tusked monster while rolling into her garage. It refrained from eating her, which has left her wondering what manner of beast it is. I'm thinking it's devil spawn, but I don't know the taxonomy on that.

Cancel My Flight

Pam sent me this article that details the misadventures of one Aaron Dallas, who had recently traveled to Belize. See the maggot-looking insectoids below? You're staring at the five bot fly larvae that were pulled from this poor fellow's scalp. He described it first as if someone were pressing into his scalp with their knuckles, then with a needle, and then with a nail. It was excruciating.

You can read the article for more lovely details. As for myself, I'm going to cancel my flight to Belize and instead stay cooped up in my house, with the doors and windows sealed. And I'm going back to wearing my tinfoil hat.

Thanks for the link, Pam.

Photo from: PostIndependant.com

Myostatin STAT!

In the wake of Wendy the Whopper Whippet, Aaron sent me a link to a few more over-muscled critters.

I found the cows on the site to be particularly noteworthy. The sad thing here is that these cows are often bred to isolate the gene that hinders the production of myostatin, resulting in the large, lean muscle mass you see here.

Some advocate eliminating these strains of cattle (the belgian blue below, in particular). I don't know about that, but I do intend to ask the next restaurant that serves me a burger if they serve meat from cattle that have myostatin problems. I'm sure the server will know the answer.

Photos from: Who-Sucks.com

Canine Vandalism

I know the standard poodle is beloved by many, and that they tend to be big hits and champions at the dog shows, but seriously, folks. Look at this. Look at this!

This act of canine vandalism looks like the work of a Japanese consumer craze. I'll file this under fads gone horribly, horribly wrong.

Thanks for the photo, Elizabeth.

What Are Those Languages for?

Jackpot alert! Jackpot alert!

I can't read the Russian on the site posting these photos, so I don't know what kind of dogs these are. I tried using Google's translator (link), but couldn't glean any additional information. In fact, the translation was rough--the word 'tongue' features prominently in the Russian version (no surprise, given the puppies), but Google translated the word as 'language'. So you end up with Russians commenting on the photos and asking what the dogs use those languages for. I can see why the Russian to English is still in BETA.

But I digress...

Those over-sized tongues and the hairlessness are reminiscent of a Chinese crested / chihuahua mix. That's the best I can come up with.

But anyways, enjoy the photos, enjoy the pups, enjoy the lolling tongues and oily skin, and enjoy the Russians enjoying their dogs.

Thanks for the photos, Katrien.

Photos from: Ziza.ru

Mundanity

There are few things as mundane, as banal as houseflies. They only capture my attention when they buzz around my food, or when caught by a gifted photographer.

Below are two shots taken by Leigh Hall. The first one is of a fly shmorgesborg. Now, I rarely inquire into what exactly a swarm of flies is eating. I hardly ever like the answer. But in this case you'll be happy to know that they are eating a rotten apple. That's pretty harmless, huh?

Photos (1 & 2) courtesy: Leigh Hall

This last shot is exactly what it looks like. It needs no commentary.

Heebee-geebees

Brrr. Errr. Eeeeh. Egh.


Eccckkk...rrrrrr...bbbbl.


Blrrrrr...phhhhh...mmmmb.


Heebee-geebees under control. Sorry.


Is this one of those argiope spiders? I had no idea they got this big. The world just became a much scarier place for me. I must find a dark--fumigated--corner in which to curl up and hide.

Thanks for the photo, Nicolle.

Photo courtesy: SauzAmya

The Fates Have Aligned

Everyone say hello to Lucy, our first ever Boston Terrier runt. Her owner, Nichole, would like us to note her ' wandering googlie eyes and "redonkulous" ears.' As Nichole put it, Lucy 'checked her cute gene at the door.'

In an twist of irony, the stuffed animal is an "Ugly Doll" who's official name is "Ugly Dog." The fates have aligned against this doggie, but we love her just the same.

Thanks, Nichole, for sharing your runt with us.