Bisti Badlands - Red and Black Blister Bug
by Debra Martz
Title
Bisti Badlands - Red and Black Blister Bug
Artist
Debra Martz
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Bisti Badlands - Red and Black Blister Bug by Debra Martz
While working our way across the barren and parched land toward the Ziggurat hill, we watched closely where we were placing our feet. We were heeding the warning we had read, "Rattlesnakes, scorpions and venomous spiders live in this area. Do NOT place your hands and feet where you cannot see them!" And that is why I noticed this red and black blister bug crossing paths with us. I didn't know what type of bug it was until I came home and searched online for it. I discovered that if a predator (me?) gets very close it will “bleed” from its joints cantharidin, a very smelly substance AND highly toxic to skin causing blisters! Thank goodness that I got my photograph and moved on!! I believe I even narrowed it down to the scientific species but there were 3 very similar so correct me if I'm wrong on Megetra vittata
Here's some more on the area: I ran across the Bisti Badlands/De-Na-Zin Wilderness a few years ago while searching for new places to see in New Mexico. Finally the time came that we would make the trip there. The closest lodging and RV parks are in Farmington and we arrived just before the visitors center closed. Oddly enough they only had one printed letter size paper with some latitude/longitude directions with a few very small pictures. The lady I spoke with knew the badlands existed but having lived there 14 years had never gone to see this unearthly type of beauty.....because, she said, "there are no restrooms." What? Oh well.... I picked up the Farmington Vacation Guide and found a little more info in it. And I quote, "If you want high-priced, slickly manufactured entertainment, go to Disneyland; if you want a cinematic prism through which to have a multi-dimentional experience, consider the Badlands of the Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness. That fact there are no marked trails in Bisti leads to a freeform style of wandering, where the paths you choose are entirely up to you and your instincts. These are badlands, meaning you will be exposed to the elements and there are no water sources, so it is important to prepare accordingly."
©Debra Martz, All Rights Reserved
In My Gallery/Collection:
"Butterflies Bees Insects"
Uploaded
October 13th, 2017
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Viewed 1,122 Times - Last Visitor from Hampstead, MD on 03/27/2024 at 10:59 AM
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Comments (47)
Monte Arnold
that is a nasty, but very funky lookin' critter! I appreciate how he's coloured up to let us know it's a horrible idea to bother him... it's a shame that doesn't work with people and 'Tide-Pods' :D :D