This Week's Public Enemy

Paederus Beetle

This little guy is my new favorite insect to hate. Apparently, it doesn't bite, but its "blood" is toxic, so when someone -- such as myself -- unwittingly crushes it as it crawls along the back of one's neck, it sprays a nice dose of acid onto the spot in question. The after effects are not terribly pleasant, so I'll spare you the details. Suffice it to say that, should you ever encounter one of these little gems, do be kind to it. Gently blowing it off yourself is far better than dealing with the consequences of a momentarily satisfying whack.