Not to be an alarmist, but I'm just passing the word here, and an image of a particular Mexican bug we should all be on the lookout for. Go to Mexico Bob's blog, read "Chagas Revisited" for all the facts. Bob wrote about the vinchuca back in May, but yesterday he brought it up again after finding one in his garden. It's a major health threat in Mexico. A lot worse than narcotrafficantes. Or swine flu. It's not for nothing that it's called the Assassin Bug. Bob says, "It is about the size of a U.S. dime and it flies very well. There are also several species of this bug and they all look fairly similar but with slightly different coloration. The one pictured is the most common."
This has been a public service announcement.
6 comments:
Thanks Bliss, thanks for telling me this as I sit here in the dark, on the deck, with a lap top in my lap.... thanks. I feel all itchy and scratchy now. How big is this bug, about the size of a tick?
Jomamma - I'm not sure how big it is, but I think bigger than a tick. Bob has actually found one, so we should ask him. Also I don't know if it flies, but I sure hope not! I'm getting itchy just thinking about it.
Yes, we have them here in Arizona. We also have have a bug that looks just like this Cone Nosed bug, but does not carry Chingas (sp).
well, I haven't seen it yet and hope I don't, but, I won't forget what it looks like. good post, Bliss. Thanks.
Oh no! My brother is still in Mexico City, for the forseeable future! Now I have something else to worry about! I'll send him a link to your blog. WAAH! (What happens when they bite you?)
Hope you're ok!
Oooo... OK. Just been over to Bob's to read up on it... yeauck! Glad the UK doesn't get these.
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