These 10 Bugs Found In Kentucky Will Send Shivers Down Your Spine
By Jenn Shockley|Published August 25, 2015
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Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
Kentucky has over 300 insect species that have been documented, but let us just focus on some of the most disturbing. Truth is, some creepy crawlies stay out of our range of vision, or hide deep beneath our fertile soil. There are familiar bugs, and those that make you hope they remain unseen. No matter how disturbing you find these insects, remember, each one serves some purpose in the grand scheme of things.
Here are 10 spine tingling bugs found in Kentucky:
No, these are not ornamental. These temperamental insects build their nests near humans, as that's where they get their supplies. They lay eggs in their paper cones and guard them with ferocity. Not friendly bugs at all.
This spider is anything but reclusive. They don’t look that frightening, compared to a Tarantula… but their bite can cause both humans and animals quite a bit of suffering if not handled correctly.
These guys love caves, shady rocks, forests, moist environments, and basements. Though they look extremely creepy, they're harmless other than being a pest.
These HUGE wasps can truly give someone a fright if they're unfamiliar with the species. We came across them in Adair County, and personally, I was a bit frightened till we learned what they were. They resemble a giant wasp with a dagger like stinger, but fortunately they use it on Cicadas… unless you get too close to their young. They are also curious and will fly right down and look at you. It's rather intimidating.
This is a forest dwelling, gigantic scarab species that flies well despite its weight. The males look intimidating with their large horns, used for prey. The females are hornless.
These huge beetles have large pincers they use to catch their prey. They are often discovered by pets who end up with pincers attached to their nose if they get too close.
The bright colored body should be a warning, but this stinging insect just looks like a hairy ant. They are actually a species of wasp and their sting is said to be painful enough to take down cattle, though I’ve never seen that happen. Still, this is not a bug to underestimate.
Though they look like their desert loving cousins, these scorpions lack the poison of their brethren. Their sting is no less painful though, so campers are advised to shake out their sleeping bags. They prefer to hide among leaves, plants, and wood.
These vicious but colorful worms are an annoyance to every tobacco and tomato farmer in Kentucky. They eat the tender leaves of the cash crop, lowering its value. Plus… they sting.
These are just a few of Kentucky’s creepy looking insects. Some of these guys look scarier than they are, but a few of them can be quite nasty. None of them make very good pet material. If you have a favored or feared bug in the Bluegrass State, please share in the comments below!
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