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freezebreeze · May 26, 2009, 01:13 PM

What is a tiny insect with a hook? About 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch long, brownish read with a large hook. When this insect tagged me, it felt like someone hammered a nail into my arm and I'm still carrying the scar from it. I thought it was a type of earwig, but cannot find anything on the computer like it. Anyone have any info on such an insect?

Catsmine · May 26, 2009, 02:29 PM

Where are you, freezebreeze? In the southeastern US my first guess would be one of the small wasp species collectively called "sweat bee." The only other possibility I can think of would be a centipede (some do bite). Did you see any wings?

salamander5 · May 26, 2009, 02:37 PM

Bed bug?

Catsmine · May 26, 2009, 02:47 PM

Really cute puppy face, slamander.

Bed bugs normally don't "hit like a hammer"

freezebreeze · May 26, 2009, 07:40 PM

Originally Posted by Catsmine

Where are you, freezebreeze? In the southeastern US my first guess would be one of the small wasp species collectively called "sweat bee." The only other possibilty I can think of would be a centipede (some do bite). Did you see any wings?

Actually, I am in the high desert of California, Lancaster, CA. No wings as it is an odd looking creature, it is similar to a question mark with the dot at the end; the curved part of the question mark being the hook and the bottom part of the question mark in retractable sections, very small retractible sections. Upon looking at it I really thought it was part of the earwig family as it has the same coloring.

Catsmine · May 26, 2009, 08:11 PM

A little research tells me that you might have been hit by a juvenile scorpion. Several species' scorplings do not develop the claws until maturity. Scorpion venom is strong enough to cause scarring, and "hits like a hammer" is a real good description of the sting our eastern scorpions boast.

freezebreeze · May 26, 2009, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by Catsmine

A little research tells me that you might have been hit by a juvenile scorpion. Several species' scorplings do not develop the claws until maturity. Scorpion venom is strong enough to cause scarring, and "hits like a hammer" is a real good description of the sting our eastern scorpions boast.

After looking at pictures of scorpions, what I found on my carpet looked like the end tip of the scorpion tail, hence the hook. I'll be on the lookout for them and call the exterminator. Thank you for the information.

freezebreeze · May 26, 2009, 08:50 PM

Originally Posted by freezebreeze

After looking at pictures of scorpions, what I found on my carpet looked like the end tip of the scorpion tail, hence the hook. I'll be on the lookout for them and call the exterminator. Thank you for the information.

However, on further thought, the bottom of the hook had extender segments. I know this probably sound very strange, but imagine a small retractable radio antennae with a hook. Could it be possible for the retractable segment to inch along by itself pushing the hook ahead? I'm speculating...

Catsmine · May 27, 2009, 02:21 AM

Originally Posted by freezebreeze

Could it be possible for the retractable segment to inch along by itself pushing the hook ahead? I'm speculating.....

Nothing is impossible in the insect world, but that sounds waaaay far out on the limb.

freezebreeze · May 27, 2009, 05:55 AM

Originally Posted by Catsmine

Nothing is impossible in the insect world, but that sounds waaaay far out on the limb.

Yeah, it sounds waaaaay far out to me too, but I thought I'd put it out there.

Catsmine · May 27, 2009, 02:27 PM

Get a magnifying glass and check the end of that "hook" for a stinger. To the best of my knowledge just about all scorpion stingers are shaped the same

freezebreeze · May 28, 2009, 07:13 AM

Originally Posted by Catsmine

Get a magnifying glass and check the end of that "hook" for a stinger. To the best of my knowledge just about all scorpion stingers are shaped the same

Next time I catch up with one of these in my apartment, I will do that; as a matter of fact, I'm going to get a picture of it. Thank you for your assistance.

Catsmine · May 28, 2009, 03:37 PM

A pic would be soooo helpful!

With a definite I.D. we can discuss methods of prevention/control