Illinois has some great things going for it. World-class museums. Beautiful farmland. Excellent shopping. But then there are bugs. Big bugs, gross bugs, creepy bugs. Bugs. If bugs make you squeamish, you’ll want to skip this article. Because it includes lots of pictures of bugs found in Illinois. You have been warned.
1. Venusta Orchard Spider
Don't worry--this little guy tends to hang out in forest areas, shrubs, etc. It's a very colorful spider, with a multi-colored abdomen.
2. Leaf-footed bug
Their feet are absolutely insane. Also, they fly...terrifying...and make a purring noise as they sound.
3. Pseudoscorpion
Scorpions? In Illinois?! Don't worry--they're mini scorpions and lack a tail or stinger. There is venom in their claws..but nowhere near enough to harm humans.
4. Robberfly
These guys spend their day hanging from branches and grab insects in flight. Then they pierce the prey's body and suck out the insides.
5. Black and Yellow Garden Spider
Their markings are truly amazing. This is one of few times in nature where the female's colors are actually more vibrant than the male's. Also, the females are about 4 times as large as the males.
6. Brown Recluse
These spiders don't look like much, but they can cause a lot of damage. Typically, the brown recluse does not go after humans. If it does, however, a bite can cause necrosis in tissue. Sometimes this can spread to organs. Seek medical attention right away if you get bitten by one of these things.
7. Assassin Bug
These bugs stab--and stab--and stab--their victims to death. They go after other insects, but sometimes humans are on the receiving end. And it hurts--A LOT. Even if you get bitten by a baby assassin bug.
8. American Pelecinid Wasp
This thing just looks absolutely insane. The "tail" you see is the abdomen. But it isn't intended to kill. It actually is used to plant eggs on the backs of grubs. Not that that should make you feel any better.
9. Buffalo Treehopper
They're pretty interesting looking, but they cause plants to die, categorizing them as a "pest." The shape of their head is reminiscent of a buffalo, hence the name.
What’s the sickest bug you’ve come across in Illinois? Let us know in the comments.
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