[Minneapolis, MN] Red Bug ID

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AzSkyy Minneapolis, MN(Zone 5a) Aug 03, 2011

Hi.

First time here. Not a gardener. Student renter.

I've never seen them before, but in the last few days I've noticed these little red bugs popping up occasionally. Today, their number seems to have increased/they've become more adventurous.

I have a thing about bugs. Things crawling on me creep me out, hard. I'd love to know what they are, and how best to slaughter them so that I can live in peace until the end of the month when they can have the place all to themselves.

From wimpy Google searches, they look most like Red Boxelders. 4-5mm long, 1-2mm wide, without counting 'feelers' or posterior legs. 6 total legs, 2 feelers atop the head. Mature vs. immature versions look mostly the same, except younger are smaller. I know because I caught a pair of them on my forearm. ;-; No distinct hind/front separation, one solid body with a head and sort-of neck. Almost completely red, slightest bit translucent, and filled with what looks like blood when crushed. Very squishy, with little hint of a strong exoskeleton upon impact. Okay, that's all I can give right now.

I'd take a photo but my camera is broken, and I'd look harder on Google if it didn't make my skin crawl.

Thanks for helping,
~H.-

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CEtBCMTVUzU/Seo8bE4heLI/AAAAAAAAAnA/V9WDzY04tqg/s400/Bug6.jpg

This message was edited Aug 3, 2011 7:07 PM

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kwanjin (Zone 7a) Aug 03, 2011

You did good. I believe it is an Eastern Box Elder bug.

http://bugguide.net/node/view/3598

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