Can anybody identify this???

Tracy7020 · #1 (**permalink**) 23-08-2010, 06:00 AM

Tonight whilst my son was in his bedroom an insect came through his window and buzzed around before landing on his leg and within a matter of seconds, he was jumping off the bed with a bite or sting on his leg that was bleeding. I have attatched some images, although they are not very well zoomed in and clear.

The insect has a long body with one set of wings and has what looks like a stinger on the end of its body. Cannot comment on the legs as i don't recall seeing any and its hard to tell now as it is dead and a bit splattered

. It could possibly have some yellow colouring in the body. I hope the attatched images can help with its identification.

The bite or sting on my sons leg was bleeding on the first pic and then cleaned up on the second, but it has started to scab over now.

Thank you

Jason Green · #2 (**permalink**) 23-08-2010, 07:03 AM

Morning Tracy, and welcome to WAB!

What part of the UK was this in?

Take care,

Jason

Dogghound · #3 (**permalink**) 23-08-2010, 07:25 AM

It looks like a tipulid, so this wasnt the insect that bit/stung him as they dont possess a sting or biting mouthparts.

JRsbugs · #4 (**permalink**) 23-08-2010, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dogghound

It looks like a tipulid, so this wasnt the insect that bit/stung him as they dont possess a sting or biting mouthparts.

I agree with Tipulidae, a Cranefly.

If it helps, I had a horse fly float in the door yesterday (Tabanidae), they are quite large and can give a nasty bite if it's a female as they require blood for their eggs. Mine got stuck in a cobweb, they seem to do that easily so look around the windows or light fixings. I released it and took more pics, it has to breed so I can see it again next year.

Janet

Tracy7020 · #5 (**permalink**) 23-08-2010, 07:09 PM

Thanks guys for your replies, this has got me really baffled

as he said he felt its wings fluttering on his leg and then as it flew away he was left with this mark on his leg, I don't know what else could have done that to him as he was awake and layin on his bed at the time playing on a games console

Jason we live in Cheshire.

All comments are appreciated thank you

Tracy7020 · #6 (**permalink**) 23-08-2010, 07:14 PM

I just looked up some images of the Tipulidae on google and yes it does look very similar to what I have removed out of my sons room, the only query I have is the legs, I wish I had paid more attention to it now.

Does the Tipulidae also buzz when flying around?

Thanks xx

JRsbugs · #7 (**permalink**) 23-08-2010, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tracy7020

I just looked up some images of the Tipulidae on google and yes it does look very similar to what I have removed out of my sons room, the only query I have is the legs, I wish I had paid more attention to it now.

Does the Tipulidae also buzz when flying around?

Thanks xx

No they don't buzz, and as mentioned nor do they bite nor sting.

Have you checked out my suggestion of Tabanidae? They do make a buzz, you can hear them as they try to get your blood.

There is of course mosquitos, but they are unlikely to draw that much blood. I haven't been bitten by a Tabanid but came close so I don't know how much blood they would draw.

Jason Green · #8 (**permalink**) 23-08-2010, 08:09 PM

...they can make quite a noise as their wings beat rapidly against walls and ceilings, but not the sort on a par with a bee

Tracy7020 · #9 (**permalink**) 24-08-2010, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRsbugs

Have you checked out my suggestion of Tabanidae? They do make a buzz, you can hear them as they try to get your blood.

Thanks JRsbugs, I hadn't checked out your suggestion

sorry, as I thought they were both the same bug lol ... me and my knowledge hey

I have just googled it tho and I don't quite think it is one of those as the body of what was in my son's room was much thinner and longer in length. It has been suggested that it was a mosquito of some kind to me on facebook, but there is no itching, swelling or inflammation of the sore today.

Very strange indeed. I think its just going to be one of those unsolved riddles due to my poor photography work and lack of observation skills before killing it

Sorry guys, but thanks for all your help in trying to sort it for me, I really appreciate it

Tracy x

Acutipuerilis · #10 (**permalink**) 24-08-2010, 06:31 AM

The photo does dhow a cranefly, I'm sure (Tipulidae), but I wouldn't rule it out completely. Very occasionally, something without a stinger will stab with it's ovipositor, and the sharp tip to this on'e abdomen does suggest female. I've never heard of this happening with a cranefly before, but it is possible... and would explain wy there's no reaction, since there was no venom or saliva involved.