Critter Of Many Names!

  Today was obviously Bug Day and I had no idea.  Son was outside doing a bit of cleanup after some construction work and I was inside baking him some cookies. I figured one good turn deserves another and I have yet to see a young man turn down a plate of cookies!  Just as I was about to pop another tray into the oven, I sensed he was at the backdoor.  Ok, so what was up with that.  Sure enough, I checked and he was standing there.  "Umm, I am too dirty to come inside but I wanted to show you something." he stated.  I knew this had to be good!  Son does not get excited over critters but he knows I do.  I put down the cookie sheet (unbaked) and grabbed the camera.  Something was up!

  Sure enough, he had found a four inch long Spit Tobacco! Or, in fact, two of the critters. (It is mating season for these insects.)  This is not the true name and is only one of many given to this critter.  Spit Tobaccos, Devil's Horse, Prairie Alligator, Witch's Horse, Devil's Darning Needle and Musk Mare are all names given to the Two Striped Walking Stick.  As you can tell by the common names, most folks do not think too kindly of this critter and rightly so.  When agitated, this walking stick has a weird defense.  It has glands that create some pretty foul gunk and it can actually spit it at a predator.  The "spray" is actually toxic and if the critter can aim and hit the eyes of its predator, the stuff can actually temporarily blind it not to mention how painful it is.  I have heard tell that the walking sticks have remarkable aim so be careful if you find one!

  Pop was the one who taught me about "Spit Tobaccos".  As a kid, I was curious about all critters (still am) and wanted to hold everything.  Pop was pretty good about letting me explore but when I was in danger, he would let me know.  "Best steer clear of that one.  It will spit tobacco juice in your eyes and it will really hurt."  For the longest time, I truly thought that the critter chewed tobacco and would spit at me.  Well, I was partly right.  They do spit..just not tobacco juice.  Funny thing, any sort of tobacco product disgusts me to this day.  Ain't no critter gonna spit at me!