CLOSED: Would like an I.D. for this camouflaged creature, please.

I inadvertently took a picture of this insect. Does anyone know what it is?

Hi, Roybird. It looks like a stink bug.

I thought "stink bug" but then I thought of the beetles we usually call stink bugs here and they look different. Kwanjin, do you know if there is more than one kind of stink bug? Edited to say, I looked it up. There are many kinds of stink bug. But this one looks like Brochymena Sulcata. But, I would like that confirmed.

This message was edited Oct 26, 2009 4:04 PM

There are more. I had one IDed and Suuntu was very helpful.

http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/adv_search.php?searcher%5Bcommon%5D=stink+bug&searcher%5Bbugorder%5D=&searcher%5Bfamily%5D=&searcher%5Bgenus%5D=&searcher%5Bspecies%5D=&Search=Search

It could be a shield bug.

http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/adv_search.php?searcher%5Bcommon%5D=shield+bug&searcher%5Bbugorder%5D=&searcher%5Bfamily%5D=&searcher%5Bgenus%5D=&searcher%5Bspecies%5D=&Search=Search

One you find out, we could sure use the pics in PlantFIles.

Yes, Bug Files. It could be a shield bug, too.

Oh, boy! Do I need a nap! LOL BugFiles would be more appropriate.

I don't think I really got a positive I.D. on this bug. I'm willing to go with "stink bug" because it doesn't make that much difference to me but I wouldn't post a picture in Bug Files unless I was sure. Any more ideas?

I'm so glad to hear you say that. So many photos get posted without accurate IDs, just "maybe" IDs.

Have you searched through BugGuide.net?

I can't remember but will do so.

I am leaning towards a predatory stink bug, due to the elongated head. It also has spined "shoulders". I've looked through Bug Guide and think it is in the genus Brochymena, or perhaps Parabrochymena (species arborea?) http://bugguide.net/node/view/68689

How about this one? Brochymena quadripustulata http://bugguide.net/node/view/73237

I think it's the best so far, but I've seen other photos that don't look as similar.

Here's another photo, same ID http://www.pbase.com/crocodile/image/21564374
I think this may be it! Your photo is not as colorful because you are further away, and it isn't in sharp focus. But the major markings are alike.

Well, I am inclined to go with the Brochymena quadripustulata. I wish it had been a better picture. It was by accident, though! Anyway, I'm going to look on a New Mexico bug site and see if that is one common to the place. I'll check back shortly.

Ceejaytown, thanks for your help. I found that Brochymena quadripustulata does live in my area. Without a better picture it is impossible to go much further. Maybe I'll see more when the weather warms up! I wouldn't post this picture on bug files because it isn't macro and bugs like very detailed portraits! I'm going to close the thread.