There is this insect/arachnid I remember from my childhood in Las Vegas. It had a body about the size of a raisin, only it was quite flat. They were red with black spots (larger than ladybugs, but flatter), and the kids in the neighborhood called them "bloodsuckers" for some reason. (I have no idea if they bit or not.) I don't remember them flying, but I could be wrong about that. What insects were they? Scientific name or common name is fine, anything I can use to find out more info.
posted by ErWenn on Nov 7, 2009 - 13 answers

A few weeks ago as I was cleaning pots, I saw what appeared to be a bit of cabbage zipping around in the bottom of a big ole crock pot...which turned out to be an unfamiliar-looking spider. Here's a picture of it (and a huge, grosser version). What kind of spider is it? [more inside]
posted by tpl1212 on Sep 3, 2006 - 8 answers

Please help me identify these insect (or arachnid) eggs. They appear in patches on the exterior of my house, and also in some indoor cabinets. [more inside]
posted by markmillard on Jun 9, 2006 - 5 answers