Posted by Tanya Weisinger on August 6, 2008

Q: I keep seeing this strange insect outside when I take my dog out in the early morning before daylight. It's always around the back patio, maybe attracted to the outdoor lighting. I've never seen it before, and now I see it all the time. I once saw it on my front porch, unless it was another one exactly like it. My dog discovered the insect as well. It must have put out something because she walked away from it snorting and now avoids it if she sees it. I don't know if the pictures are clear enough, but it appears to have a baby on its back. Unless it's a really small mate. Also, there is quite a bit of a shadow from the porch light. The coloring appears to be dark grey/beige with black markings/stripes. I wish the pictures were better, but I only see it at night.

Anyhow, do you know what it is? I live in Houston.

Thanks!

Tanya Weisinger

State: Texas

Habitat: suburban/yard

A: You did a nice job describing your animal Tanya and even though the photos are not the clearest, I'm quite sure what you have. The animal is often called a Musk-mare in the genus Anisomprpha - related to the walkingsticks and is found mostly in the southern U.S. It's quite common for the male (much smaller than the female) to remain on the female's back for a long time during mating. This animal is able to squirt an irritating chemical in defense and this is most certainly what your dog found out, the hard way.

Check out this site for a photo and corroboration at: bugsincyberspace.com

Thanks for asking.

John Wiessinger ( August 6, 2008)