Strange insect captured in Paraguay (Fulgora laternaria)

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I saw this on the news and decided to look it up on ATS, but I couldn't find anything about it. I put some links at the end, but they are in Spanish, I've translated some the most important information in the articles.

I know it's not a new species, but they way they put it on the news it seemed like some people weren't aware of its existence. I thought I'd share some info and pictures with you, because it's a really cool looking insect.

A strange insect has been captured in Paraguay. It's 12 cm long, its head looks similar to a crocodile's but its body is that of a butterfly.

It appeared in the house of Maria Leiva, who captured it in a glass jar, now the insect it's being studied and it has been identified as a Fulgora laternaria. Experts in biodiversity said that its looks are the result of the reproductive environment and camouflage techniques for survival. Myth says if people are bitten by one, they must have sex within 24 hours in order to prevent death.


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Sources (in Spanish)

24con

Peru.com

Fulgoria Laternaria

Interesting!

In the first picture it looks like it has a head/face/mouth of a T-Rex.

Interesting find for sure ... So many different species still being found all the time ...

I shall call him Velocifly.

I would run screaming like a little girl if that thing came at me.
God it's ugly.

It looks lizard like, I love how nature does this!
. . . and it has eyes on the other end!

Amazing camouflage!

reply to post by grey580


Me too!

That thing is an alligator bug with wings!

It looks like the head of a Florida Gator. Does it eat other bugs? Or is that all for show?

Originally posted by grey580
I would run screaming like a little girl if that thing came at me.
God it's ugly.

I think it is rather beautiful.
I would be lying however if I felt those little claws grapsping my leg and I didn't panic in trying to get it off. Creepy but seriously cool.

CJ

This is such an amazing day for sure! A new species of insect found? Jebus! I'm so happy I can sing to the stars! On a serious note I'm happy. It would be awesome to see the bug in person. Maybe ever hold it!

Ive seen that exact bug in an issue of Ranger Rick magazine (when I was 6) that was dealing with insects that had predator deterrents...

This one has a false head and a large eyespot under its wings. I think it's head looked like a peanut shell when I was younger...

I remember it like it happened yesterday--Ranger Rick was my one solace from an angry stepdad.

Odd that I know of this bug, but the people living in it's native habitat were unaware. Go fig...

I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say WTF IS THAT!

I love the fact we're constantly discovering new species, be them ugly or beautiful, I find it fascinating!

Peace out

Originally posted by AnteBellum
It looks lizard like, I love how nature does this!
. . . and it has eyes on the other end!

Amazing camouflage!

Eyes in the back of an insect, is one of the best signatures of a maker....

Originally posted by Casandra
It appeared in the house of Maria Leiva, who captured it in a glass jar

If I saw that thing in my house, the last thing I would think would be "Oooh, let's see if I can find a jar to put it in"...

Very interesting, though.

Originally posted by getreadyalready
reply to post by grey580

 

Me too!

That thing is an alligator bug with wings!

It looks like the head of a Florida Gator. Does it eat other bugs? Or is that all for show?

It feeds off plant sap.

A bug like that would literally give me a heart attack.

absolutely incredible! I never saw a bug with a head like an aligator. I bet they can bite the fire out of you!

Originally posted by Tharsis
Ive seen that exact bug in an issue of Ranger Rick magazine (when I was 6) that was dealing with insects that had predator deterrents...

This one has a false head and a large eyespot under its wings. I think it's head looked like a peanut shell when I was younger...

I remember it like it happened yesterday--Ranger Rick was my one solace from an angry stepdad.

Odd that I know of this bug, but the people living in it's native habitat were unaware. Go fig...

Yes, I wrote on my OP that it's not a new species but some people aren't aware of its existence. I was surprised when I heard that given that this insect is native of Central and South America but it's still considered strange.

Also...

Originally posted by CanadianDream420
I shall call him Velocifly.

reply to post by CanadianDream420


Very good

I hope that thing is fully grown. I wouldn't want to run into bigger versions of it.

Velocifly meet my flyswatter.

reply to post by Casandra


Maybe you meaned 12mm long because 12 cm is more than an insect lol.



Thruthseek3r