This bug's been "trapped" between our kitchen window and screen for a few days. I came across an article about kissing bugs and the chagas disease, with officials at A&M wanting folks to send in bugs to be tested for chagas. I immediately thought the picture looked kind of like this guy, but I also know there are some similar bugs out there.

I'm sorry for the quality, the sun was primarily behind him and then I had to crop the picture. I don't know how it's going to look to you guys, but when I enlarge the picture I can clearly see some red/brown little rectangles around the edge of his back end. Most of the online pictures I found of kissing bugs don't have the while coloring in the middle, but I found one that did.

What do you guys think?

Sure looks like it. I did my masters in that group. Rachel Curtis and Sarah Hamer were at the head of it then but I don't know anymore. I never worked in the lab but was part of their group. Great people.

Is this something we should be concerned about? Should we send it in to be tested?

It's just kind of ironic that they're telling people both a) don't touch it, you could be infected from its feces or bite, and b) on the other hand, please collect them and send them in for testing. Although they're certainly expecting people to take precautions, I'm still seeing those as somewhat contradictory.

Maybe after a few drinks, move your head forward slowly. If she reciprocates, you're good to go

GeorgiAg said:

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Maybe after a few drinks, move your head forward slowly. If she reciprocates, you're good to go

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For just a second I was like, "Uh...what?"

ConroeAg said:

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Is this something we should be concerned about? Should we send it in to be tested?

It's just kind of ironic that they're telling people both a) don't touch it, you could be infected from its feces or bite, and b) on the other hand, please collect them and send them in for testing. Although they're certainly expecting people to take precautions, I'm still seeing those as somewhat contradictory.

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I would send it. You are supposed to put it in the freezer to kill it then send. Just use gloves or plastic to collect it.

I see those things all the damn time. Usually dead already. There are several species. They're cool looking bugs but carrying that parasite makes them kill on sight for me...

Possible, hard to tell with the back lighting.

I'm an ENTO nerd but don't let those guys walk. Even without chagas those a holes bite and it hurts.