Subconsciously fueling our desire to look up at the beautiful sights in our skies are the creepy, crawly and terrifying creatures that we all call bugs. While we understand and acknowledge that every piece of nature has its purpose, we refuse to accept the idea that any of these horrid bugs have to reside anywhere near us. Prepared to start crawling out of your skin? Let’s check out these 12 bugs you can find throughout New York that are guaranteed to send shivers down your spine:
1. Ground Crab Spider
Want to take any guesses as to where this awful spider got its name from? Due to their resemblance of crabs, of course! Their slightly longer back legs give off the illusion that when they're sitting they look just like a crab. One of the many interesting things about these guys is that they can not only walk backwards but also sideways, which not all spiders can do. Neat!
2. Six-Spotted Tiger Beetle
Generally found in wooded areas and forest fields, these vibrant beetles are most active during the day. Which seasons should you look out for these colorful bugs the most? Spring and Summer.
3. Silverfish
If you know a thing or two about Silverfish then you'll understand it's no coincidence that this creepy bug weaseled its way onto the page of someone's book. With a craving for the glue that binds pages in books, these bugs are normally found in warm, dark areas of your home. Want to feel even worse? They can go months without eating and still manage to stay alive.
4. House Centipede
The more the merrier? We don't think so. Coming in with 15 pairs of legs, there's actually quite a few reasons why maybe you should like these guys. Moving at the speed of light, these centipedes help fend off bothersome pests like cockroaches and moths. While they'll normally stay in the damp areas underneath your home, you shouldn't be surprised if you find one crawling out of your bathroom drain. Eek!
5. Leaf-Footed Bug
With broad shoulders that resemble a warrior's armor, these bold bugs are straight up intimidating. Still not scared yet? You will be. Often times used as a defense mechanism, the Leaf-Footed Bug can make frightening loud noises when it's flying. (Get me out of here...)
6. Jumping Bristletail
Appearing before you right out of your very worst nightmare, this bug looks like the love child of a Silverfish and some sort of lobster. Sadly, it gets much worse. Almost always found under trees, leaves and rocks, these little terrors can jump .
7. Oil Beetle
This list just keeps getting more terrifying. Found in areas such as grass and even tree trunks, these beetles can release a chemical that irritates your skin and will leave you with blisters. Ouch!
8. Saddleback Caterpillar
Another bug on our list that can cause an unpleasant encounter, the short hairs you see pictured above on this creature sting to the touch. What happens if you somehow find yourself in contact with these fuzzy details? You'll be the lucky winner of an uncomfortable rash. Yikes!
9. Robberfly
Considerably quick and noisy, you'll without a doubt hear these bugs coming long before you actually see them. As far as the world of bugs goes, this particular pest has a pretty large appetite, eating almost any bug that flies.
10. Spinybacked Orb Weaver
If you manage to lay your eyes on one of these cartoon-looking creatures, it's more than likely a female. With this particular eerie bug, only the females have the alarming spikes and are larger in size. Cue Maneater.
11. Western Conifer Seed Bug
First off, I'd like to say that if you're a New York resident who is familiar with these disturbing bugs, my deepest apologies go out to you. Infamously known for being a terrible East Coast nuisance, these awful bugs originally came from the West. Creating a bothersome buzzing noise when flying, there is an entire list full of reasons why everyone in New York wishes these guys stayed over in their original territory.
12. Wheel Bug
Yet another bug we wish for you to never have a run-in with, these guys are a part of the Assassin Bug family. Known to ferociously stab its victims with that terrifying fang you see pictured above, they also happen to have an excruciating bite. Run!
Have you ever seen any of these shocking bugs crawling around New York? Find us on our Facebook page, New York Only and tell us which bugs you’ve seen before!
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