painfull bite

asimovsky · #1 (**permalink**) 24-06-2011, 02:01 PM

Hello everyone. Whilst visiting relatives in Devon on Wednesday 22, I went to Exeter for a day. Whilst in Exeter, I felt a sharp pain on the back of my right hand. I saw an insect that was about the size of an ant but had large white speckles on it. I attempted to blow away from my hand but this failed, I then swatted it using my other hand, this worked and it flew away, but it has left a small, but very sore injury.
Can anyone please ID the insect for me? Fanxalot

triops · #2 (**permalink**) 24-06-2011, 03:09 PM

Sorry, I can't tell you what it is from your description. Hopefully someone will be along to help.
However, and this only applies to insects that are biting you, if you swat it and keep the corpse, either in a pot, or, in an emergency in a tissue or even stuck to a piece of tape, it will probably be identifiable. Often, with bites, it is important to keep the culprit! So many things are blamed on biting insects when the "bites" are the result of plant allergies or reactions, and insects get a bad press! People have often asked me "what bit me?" when they have a bad reaction and are disappointed when I tell them it is an impossible question to answer without a specimen.

Gerel · #3 (**permalink**) 24-06-2011, 06:54 PM

First thoughts are that it may have been a flower bug - Anthocoris sp. They feed on small invertebrates but can give humans a very painful bite.

asimovsky · #4 (**permalink**) 28-06-2011, 04:56 PM

Dear Gerel, that's the little blighter that bit me (I did a search for the name you gave and saw the pics of it!). It hope it hurt that thing as much as it did me!, thank you for your help.

Deb London · #5 (**permalink**) 03-07-2011, 03:02 PM

Something very similar was attached to my arm this morning. I only noticed it because it seemed to be biting me. It was too small to check its features and I removed it quickly to try to reduce any adverse affects of the bite. What struck me was the size of it. I have no idea how it managed to make me feel it, let alone give me any pain.

Wild-Woman · #6 (**permalink**) 03-07-2011, 03:09 PM

Blandford Fly comes to mind. Google one to see if it fits your discription.

Deb London · #7 (**permalink**) 03-07-2011, 03:27 PM

Oh nooo WW...that doesn't sound good....

Quote:

Symptoms

The NHS says Blandford fly bites are usually most common during May and June. They often occur on the legs and are very painful. They can produce a severe, localised reaction around the area of the bite. It says symptoms include:

oedema (swelling)
blistering
a high temperature ( fever) of 38C (100.4F) or over
joint pain

Secondary infection is less common. If you notice red lines appearing on the skin or enlarged lymph nodes (swelling) in your armpit or groin, seek medical advice.

Can I just have the flower bug please?