Any entomologists available?

Cubfan64

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Feb 13, 2006
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I was outside early this evening trimming some branches and as a couple fell past my arm I felt a small but sharp sting on my arm. Glancing at my arm I saw a greenish insect about twice the size of a mosquito and when I tried to brush it off, I noticed it was stuck to my arm. I pulled it off and felt the stinging sensation still on my arm along with a small red spot. Put it under my microscope and realized I hadn't seen anything like it before and it looked like it had a sharp "beak" that must have gotten me.

Got a couple photos of it and then sent it off to bug heaven!!

Any idea what this is? I'm in New Hampshire and the bug was about 2-3 times the size of a mosquito.
 

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Cubfan64

Cubfan64

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Feb 13, 2006
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Someone else mentioned to me that it resembled something in the mantis family. It's certainly possible and I'll try looking into that.
 

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Cubfan64

Cubfan64

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The seed bug resembles it as well, however I couldn't find any images online that matched one of those either.

I did however come across a website devoted to helping identify bugs, so I'm going to post a photo with description there and see what the "experts" there have to say.

I'm starting to wonder if it's an immature form of some bug. All I know is the sting really hurt for a short period of time and 24 hours later it's still swollen like a mosquito bite and has a red center like I got a shot.
 

pganjon

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Hello, I am pretty sure its an Assassin Bug :read2: They are usually gray, but I have seen different colors from smaller ones. I don't know much about them though, only that they are here in Pa and Md too. Paul :coffee2:
 

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Cubfan64

Cubfan64

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Feb 13, 2006
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pganjon said:
Hello, I am pretty sure its an Assassin Bug :read2: They are usually gray, but I have seen different colors from smaller ones. I don't know much about them though, only that they are here in Pa and Md too. Paul :coffee2:

Looks like you hit the nail on the head!! Check this out....

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

The piercing "beak" is the dead giveaway! Thanks so much for the help - after reading how painful their bites/stings can be, I don't feel like such a wuss :)
 

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