stinging long-legged flies?!
While playing catch-up I came across the "buzz of the week" for March 23, posted over at the Entomological Society of America website. The associated text refers to a video "made by Justin Schmidt" about the most painful insect stings. Two things tell me that this video was not made by Justin: 1) that first image is not a stinging insect, and I think he of all people would know that(!), and 2) all stinging insects (with one exception that I can think of, which is not included in that "video") are in Hymenoptera, so shouldn't this be labeled as Most Painful Hymenopteran (or Aculeate) Stings?
A sweat bee? Really? I think that particular insect should probably rated a 0 on the Schmidt Pain Index (or maybe that's a '-1'?) See also our report on previous ESA-related taxonomic issues.
If you have a strong constitution and a good sense of humor you will also enjoy the ongoing discussion of YouTube users' negative/painful interactions with insects and other arthropods (see comments below the video).
A sweat bee? Really? I think that particular insect should probably rated a 0 on the Schmidt Pain Index (or maybe that's a '-1'?) See also our report on previous ESA-related taxonomic issues.
If you have a strong constitution and a good sense of humor you will also enjoy the ongoing discussion of YouTube users' negative/painful interactions with insects and other arthropods (see comments below the video).
Andy,
You're right, I contacted Justin Schmidt yesterday and he wrote "It was not I who made the U-Tube. Doing that is much beyond my talent!" He also "noted the small errors, but overall thought it was a nice job."
I apparently misinterpreted the description of the YouTube video and when I saw Dr. Schmidt's name, I assumed he had made it. I must have been in too much of a hurry to find a good item for Buzz of the Week. I hope the entomological community at large can forgive me.
BTW, if you or anyone reading this has a suggestion for future items, please send it to me.
Sincerely,
Richard
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Richard Levine
Communications Program Manager
Entomological Society of America
Posted by Richard Levine on June 02, 2009 at 04:56 PM EDT #