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

What is this insect? [more inside]
posted by rahnefan on Aug 11, 2009 - 2 answers

Insect Identity Crisis: So I took a picture of what I originally thought was a mosquito on a leaf, but upon closer inspection, realized it was something else all together. [more inside]
posted by Atreides on Jun 27, 2009 - 21 answers

Why does this bumble bee feel the need to protect my sidewalk from other flying insects? [more inside]
posted by cdmwebs on Apr 28, 2009 - 10 answers

What is this insect that looks sort of like a leaf? [more inside]
posted by Dreamcast on Apr 12, 2009 - 6 answers

Looking for the name of an artist who did a beautiful / disturbing series of photographs of cockroaches (and/or other insects??) being tortured. My memory is vague, but I think one was crucified, one immolated, etc. I also feel like it was a female artist.
posted by miffed on Mar 2, 2009 - 2 answers

Where can I - legally - collect plant and insect specimens, in the southwest? [more inside]
posted by unmake on Jan 23, 2009 - 7 answers

What kind of bug is this? (insect, not programming) http://i41.tinypic.com/308bghs.jpg [more inside]
posted by guptaxpn on Jan 14, 2009 - 7 answers

What is the proper etiquette concerning a cockroach you see in someone else's house? [more inside]
posted by exphysicist345 on Sep 13, 2008 - 23 answers