Yikes! What is this bug?

8 years ago

I'm sorry for the poor quality photos This is crawling up on the10'

ceiling molding as I type. I can't get my camera to focus that far away. I shown a flashlight on it and it didn't run away so I don't think it's a roach or spider. But it's big, I'ld say maybe 2 1/2- 3 inches long. I can see 3 legs on this side + his 2 antennas. It appears possibly dark greyish black There is a hump near it's head. Needing to know if it flies or is dangerous in any way. Thanks everyone!

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Comments (4)

Southern Virginia
Original Author
8 years ago
Later I heard something rustle on the other side of the room. I hadn't been keeping an eye on the bug all day, so when I saw this one I'm hoping it's the same bug I saw earlier + I don't have more! (I have no idea how it got inside my place!)

I managed to get 2 clearer photos as it tried to crawl up the pipe, Disregard the shadows in the second photo as they make it appear there are more than 3 legs on each side.

hope these will help in identifying it.
PRO
User
8 years ago
One of the leaf-footed bugs.

Given its stated size, could be Acanthocephala declivis, the Giant Leaf-footed bug.
Southern Virginia thanked User
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rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
8 years ago
It came inside by accident. Leaf-footed bugs are plant eaters and not dangerous at all. I'd handle with care, however, as they can stab you with their needlelike mouthpart.

It's a common garden pest, a problem for me on my tomatoes, mostly. Some a major seed feeders.

Yes, they fly; their wings are folded under the dark wing coverings.
Southern Virginia thanked rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
Southern Virginia
Original Author
8 years ago
YES you are both correct! After researching pictures of your guesses, it's definitely a Acanthocephala declivis, also called a Leaf-footed bug. Since he

was slow moving I had decided to hit it directly with Raid; it took about 30 seconds of spray before he croaked. This is why I love Houzz, I can always count on getting the help I need here!