Crazy Critter

Hello all, the other day i was in my backyard and i saw this crazy critter. Myth is that when you kill them they sound like a crying baby.... (i didnt kill it so i dont know)

i heard its called a potato bug, im not sure? anyone know?

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Don't know what it's called but it sure looks creepy! I try to steer clear of this kind of critters! Nice shot, though.

Looks like some sort of Mole Cricket; wish I could find one to photograph.

That's the ugliest bug I have seen in a long time. Great capture!

Jeeze... that thing is disgusting.

Ugh...

Great find and great shot! Maybe it is a mole cricket *nymph*, since it doesn't have wings yet?

That's actually a Jerusalem Cricket. I remember reading about it when I was in 5th grade.

If I recall correctly, they can bite too.

That must be the strangest bug I have ever seen. How big is it?

used to see those all the time growing up, havnt seen on in ages, We've always called them Potato bugs, they can get kinda big (atleast from what I remeber from a kid, but then everything seemed a lot bigger at 7...) I've heard rumor that they bite and its supposed to be a nasty one, never let one get close enough to find out, personally...

Heres a good site
http://www.sdnhm.org …ide/inverts/ste​n-fus.html
and it would seem my memory was correct, they can reach up to 2 inchs as adults!

-Johnny

for fun, visit potatobugs.com

Wonderful capture- amazing bug- as already mentioned looks like a mole cricket nymph (not that I've ever seen one )
Brian V.

Hiya Paklolo,
Nice shot but It's sure ugly looking.
Cheers for now
Mark

Great capture! I think this is a Jerusalem Cricket:

I found this on the link Leo posted:

Maybe you should name him and take him for walks.

Yep. Potato bug alright.
Harmless enough, but they've got very powerful mandibles that make me keep clear.

Australia and New Zealand's version is the Weta. I think the Giant Weta of NZ is the largest insect in the world...??

Check out the link for pictures of squished ones...

http://www.whatsthatbu​g.com/unnecessary_carn​age.html

Huh! Interesting link. I have seen those back at home in Aus and assume that's what the NZ animation company "Weta" is named after... unless it stands for something...

Gratzi for the comments, i must agree its very ugly .

hehe i see these things in my backyard all the time, i used to be terrified of them when i was younger. They are quick little guys too, they play dead, they dont die when you smash them, they have powerfull little thong thingies.

I never knew exactly what they were but it looks like its a Jerusalem cricket eeew.

Oh yea athena this thing was about 2 inches, and 1/2 inch wide. it was a litte fatty. Pregnet mother maybe?

Heres another image:

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