CLOSED: Seattle, Washington insect ID needed

Redmond, WA

A couple people have said this might be a flight-stage aphid. I am fairly certain it is a sap-sucking insect, given the mouthpiece (clearly seen by zooming in on the picture), but my main interest is because it attacks me. I am reacting strongly to the "bites", with extensive redness/heat and extreme itching. The reaction sets in about 24 hours after a "bite" and lasts 2-3 days.

Insect length is a little over 3mm, not including antennae or wings. I can't say for certain what plants the insect prefers, because I usually don't know I was bitten until the next day. Pure luck that I captured this beast as it was attacking me. The antennae and mouthpiece don't look like other images of flight-stage aphids I've seen, but there are so many species. Thank you for ID help!

Thumbnail by gongura Thumbnail by gongura Thumbnail by gongura
Minot, ND

This looks like a plant bug in the family Miridae. Many plant-feeding insects can/will 'bite' (actually more of a stab), but none pose any health threat to humans. Your immune system may be reacting to proteins in the bug's saliva.

Redmond, WA

Thank you! I found Campyloneura virgula on BugGuide.net, specimen shown from similar area -- the wing pattern, antennae structure, and mouth part fit perfectly. I'll see if I can learn anything more about their plant preferences and life cycles, but mostly I will now know where to direct my frustrations as I apply the anti-itch cream.......

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
BACK TO TOP