What is this mysterious bug with a hook in its tail?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying a mysterious insect-like creature that has a hook in its tail. Participants describe its physical characteristics and speculate on its classification, considering various possibilities such as larvae and other insect types. The conversation includes personal anecdotes and suggestions for further investigation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the critter as approximately 7mm long with a flattened profile and a prehensile hook in its tail, suggesting it might be a larva.
  • Another participant humorously remarks that if it pricked them, it would be considered "dead."
  • Some participants propose that the creature resembles a silverfish or an earwig, but there is uncertainty about the identification due to the hook in the tail.
  • One participant suggests that the hook might be used for hanging on, similar to how caterpillars use anal prolegs.
  • Another participant mentions "armadillobedbug" as a possible identification.
  • A link to hoverfly larvae is shared, indicating a wide variety of species that could complicate identification.
  • Several participants express that the suggested identifications do not match the appearance of the critter in the provided image.
  • A suggestion is made to consult an external website for bug identification.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the identity of the critter, with multiple competing views and suggestions remaining unresolved throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on visual descriptions and personal experiences, but there are limitations due to the lack of a clear image and the potential for misidentification based on varying characteristics.

DaveC426913
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This critter (see attachment - not diagram) came to my attention by pricking me in the hand with a hook in its tail.

About 7mm long. Flattened profile. Prehensile hook in tail. Two tusk-like appendages straight out front. Very active, very supple.


Must be a larva of some sort.

Ideas?



Reminds me very much of a shrimp or of the "ear bug" from Wrath of Khan.
bug-in-ear.jpg
 

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DaveC426913 said:
came to my attention by pricking me in the hand with a hook in its tail.
If it got my attention that way it would be called "dead".
 
sort of looks like a silverfish, but if the hook is in the tail, maybe earwig?
 
zoobyshoe said:
If it got my attention that way it would be called "dead".

It used it to hang on when its legs were occupied, like a caterpillar uses its ... (Googling) ... anal prolegs.
 
armadillobedbug.
 
silverfish, earwig, armadillobedbug, Hoverfly larva

Nope, nope, nope, nope. None of these look anything like my pix.