Giants and oddballs, and even other worldly creatures, populate the insect world. The leaf-footed but legendarily large giant mesquite bug is just one example.
They could easily dominate attention in the Sonoran and Mojave deserts when the conversation turns toward bugs. The giant mesquite bug (Thasus neocalifornicus) is not a beetle as one might expect. They are a “true bug” with piercing-sucking mouthparts.
These bugs start life as nymphs. Then they molt through five stages. Their coloration becomes bolder, and patterns often cluster together to look like one large organism. That is a defense mechanism against predators.
In adulthood, they can be about two inches long. That can be impressive in the desert landscapes of the southwest. Mesquite sap is a primary source of food.
Moneilema gigas is a cactus-eating, flightless heavyweight of the desert. The generic name given these fascinating creatures is “cactus longhorn beetle.” They are native to the Sonoran Desert but have been found in the southern Mojave Desert.
Though it lacks wings because its wing cases are fused, it is sturdy and adapted to life feeding on cacti. The feed mostly on cholla, prickly pear, and even saguaro seedlings.
They are not colorful. In fact, they are big and black. But its bulky appearance, and its role as a cactus muncher make it noteworthy among desert dwellers.
Counted among the deserts “fascinating” insects is the Arizona giant sand-treader cricket. At first glance they look like an oversized cricket as they are often nearly an inch in length. But they are wingless and have adapted to life lived in dune habitat.
One of the things that make these insects interesting is that they dig deep. To reach moisture in the sand, they often burrow to depths of nearly two feet.
Assassin bugs, the name alone is filled with foreboding. These are quirky predators with a sting.
When we talk about strange insects of the desert it’s hard to ignore assassin bugs. These insects are deadly predators, not plant-feeders. They use their razor-sharp proboscis to inject enzymes into prey. This liquefies their insides and then the assassin bug sucks them out!
Common in the deserts of Arizona and eastern California are spiny Sinea bugs. These are distinctive gear-backed bugs that are often called the Masked Hunter. They will wander into homes, offices and garages to escape heat or the chill of winter. Also known as kissing bugs, these blood sucking insects (a type of assassin bug) can transmit Chagas disease)
The Iron Cross Blister Beetle is a colorful desert oddity. The red head, black and yellow body, and a defensive secretion (cantharidin) that causes blistering upon contact is one thing that sets it apart from other desert dwellers. It’s not usually dangerous to humans in small encounters, but pets are at greater risk.
Arizona and the Colorado River Valley are also home to many more bizarre insects. Giant hairy scorpions (not insects, but still scary), desert centipedes up to eight inches long, tarantulas with four-inch leg spans, and lots more can be found in our yards, garages, and kitchens.
Insects are fun to learn about, but they are not to be taken lightly. Every large or odd critter is also a potential threat to property, health, or just peace of mind. Some might chew structural wood, others harbor disease, and many will invade homes when conditions are right.
That’s where a good pest management team does more than “spray and pay.” They will monitor, identify, intercept, and ensure that these troublesome insects can’t get a foothold. Baron Services in Bullhead City, Arizona are specialists in keeping your property free of pests.
Now that we’ve talked about the weird and wonderful insects of the desert, let’s wrap this up by telling you about what Baron Services does to keep your dwelling (or business) insect safe.
First is pest control. This includes targeted treatments to defend against ants, roaches, spiders, and general unwelcome insect intruders. Then there is termite control as termite infestations can be silent, structural disasters. Baron Services handles inspections, prevention, and treatments.
As we live on the fringes of the Mojave Desert scorpion control is imperative. We offer an array of service options to help mitigate scorpion encounters.
There is a stigma associated with bed bugs. But even posh hotels have had to deal with infestations. But with Baron Services inspection and eradication services you can enjoy a worry-free night’s sleep.
With the spread of West Nile virus mosquito control is imperative for residents in the Colorado River Valley. And with our mild temperatures they can be a problem in any season. And that is another reason to consider a regular visit from Baron Services.
From the giant mesquite bug bouncing among tree limbs to the bizarre assassin bug lurking in crevices, the Arizona desert is full of insect marvels as well as pest potential. It’s one thing to admire their freakish forms in a nature journal. It’s another thing when they move into your office or home.
That’s where Baron Services steps in by protecting your property and your peace of mind while letting the fascinating insects stay out in the open where they belong. So, don’t wait until there is a problem. Give Baron Services a call today.
Written by Jim Hinckley of Jim Hinckley’s America