Anyone identify this bug?

Minjin

Platinum Member
Jan 18, 2003
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ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
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NUKEITNUKEITNUKEITNUKEITNUKEITNUKEITNUKEITNUKEITNUKEITFROMORBIT
 

lxskllr

No Lifer
Nov 30, 2004
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You live in PA? That's pretty close to me. I've never seen anything that looks like that before. Could it be related to an earwig?

Edit:
nvm. The pincers are on the wrong end for an earwig.
 

Minjin

Platinum Member
Jan 18, 2003
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Originally posted by: lxskllr
Originally posted by: AreaCode707
http://bugguide.net/node/view/123038/bgimage
The scientific name for this fairly common critter is Corydalus cornutus (Dobson Fly). Those huge jaws on the males are used in mating, but the female has more useful jaws for biting and she will bite for defense.
This looks like a winner.
Indeed. The site also says that adults only live for a few days. That would explain why my buddy seemed a little low...
 

AreaCode707

Lifer
Sep 21, 2001
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Originally posted by: lxskllr
Originally posted by: AreaCode707
http://bugguide.net/node/view/123038/bgimage

The scientific name for this fairly common critter is Corydalus cornutus (Dobson Fly). Those huge jaws on the males are used in mating, but the female has more useful jaws for biting and she will bite for defense.

This looks like a winner.

Me and Google, we're tight. ;)

For OP, the search term was Pennsylvania bug pinchers. :)
 

CZroe

Lifer
Jun 24, 2001
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In 1997, my brother found some at a Peachtree City, GA hotel and they ate right through the pizza box he put them in. We quickly identified them as Dobson flies.
 

Locut0s

Lifer
Nov 28, 2001
22,205
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Careful of its anal spray!:

"
Nonwithstanding the males' inability to inflict harm, when threatened both sexes will raise their heads and spread their jaws menacingly. They are not poisonous, but possess an irritating, foul-smelling anal spray as a last-ditch defense."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dobsonfly
 
Oct 27, 2007
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Originally posted by: Locut0s
Careful of its anal spray!:

"
Nonwithstanding the males' inability to inflict harm, when threatened both sexes will raise their heads and spread their jaws menacingly. They are not poisonous, but possess an irritating, foul-smelling anal spray as a last-ditch defense."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dobsonfly

I think my Dad is equipped with a similar defense mechanism.