For anyone like me who’s ever lived in Florida, you don’t need me to identify this.
For anyone who hasn’t, this is a good reason to stay out of the entire state.
It’s a Palmetto bug—and the name sounds a lot cuter than it is.
Basically, they’re cockroaches on steroids. Unlike cockroaches in other states, they’re everywhere. And worst of all, they can fly.
I’m a wuss. Growing up in Miami, I was terrorized.
My father had many talents, none more masterful than being a super-hero: Palmetto Man. When pressed into service to save me, he took one swat—and never missed.
All I had to do was scream.
My daughter inherited the scream gene—applied only to spiders, the sound of her scream can travel across state lines.
Compared to other states, I appreciate living in California since our insect population seems less irritating.
Although of course we do have them. Once I was bitten by a brown recluse spider. And lately I’m seeing another creature more than I would prefer.
One of them showed up in the hallway a few nights ago.
I thought I handled myself with admirable restraint when I screamed asked V in a subtle yet urgent way if he would handle it.
Handle it doesn’t mean with your bare hands–which he was about to do until I screamed again protested that he needed a layer of protection.
“How could you touch a worm?”
He was compliant; but corrected me: ” It’s not a worm; it’s a centipede.”
Fine. I can be compliant, too—as long as it’s a dead centipede.
Until I saw a live one the next night.
V was asleep this time.
Peppy was awake but unresponsive to my request that she get involved.
I had to handle it myself; which I did with admirable restraint.
But before I stomped it beyond recognition, I got as close as I was willing to get:
Worm or centipede?
Truthfully, I don’t care as much— as long as it’s not a palmetto bug.
P.S. Having watched friends carefully scoop up every worm, spider, or snake—my apologies to those who believe every life on earth is worth saving. Personally I don’t think bugs need our help. They were here long before humans arrived and they’re going to outlive us, anyway.
Richard says
Ah yes, The Palmetto Bug, the scourge of Florida. Those not-so-little critters that fear little, let alone the likes of us. Back in 1975 I was driving home from Tampa in our large Land Rover 109, towing a big old 1949 Citroen 15-6 sedan behind me. As usual it was hot and muggy. I had the wide front air vent, located directly below the windshield, fully opened to the outside to let in a rush of cooling air. The old 109 was a simple vehicle. It did not even have a screen to filter out things like flies. All of a sudden I felt like I had been shot in the chest. Wasn’t sure what it was. I looked down. There was a large welt on my chest and a tiny bit of blood. I then looked further on the floor. There it was, a very large Palmetto Bug that had just hit me in the chest as I drove along the Interstate at 75 mph … and he was still alive walking around the front floor of the Land Rover! What followed is not recommended behavior. Kids, do not do this at home … or in your car … especially while driving. I kept driving, took off my shoe and attempted to dispatch the intruder with one whack after the other. One, two, three, four and more. I hit him each time. He kept on walking around … defiantly. Eventually he moved out of my range. I resumed paying more attention to my driving but kept the interior light on and made note of his whereabouts. He was no longer moving. I assumed he had joined his ancestors. I stopped for gas, opened the other door and reached for his little carcass. He scooted right past me and made his escape! Either this was Super Godzilla Palmetto Bug or it simply confirms what I’ve always known: that One Swat Irving was a better man than I.
Mary says
Seeing no legs on your creature, I think it’s o worm, not a centipede. See centiped pics (many varieties) here: http://www.google.com/images?q=centipede&num=20&hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&hs=mqY&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=i&source=lnms&tbs=isch:1&ei=sPMkTODnAuK0nAex-9zpBA&sa=X&oi=mode_link&ct=mode&ved=0CBEQ_AU
Her in the Pacific Northwest, we see earthworms such as your all the time, especially after a heavy rain, when, fearing drowning, they surface and crawl about our streets. They make good fishing bait for kids fishing in lakes.
If I had more time, I’d share my baby spiders doing gymnastics and trapeze acts in my shower stall for a couple weeks last year (and my final solution). At least I hope it was final!
Mary says
See also National Geographic’s website on earthworms (below). They are extremely useful creatures, though misplaced when in your house. They cultivate our soil and don’t send a bill!
http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/earthworm.html
There are thousands of species of worms. Not my favorite animal, but not as scary as many others.
Darryle Pollack says
Love it—Hilarious story. Explains why cockroaches will be the last survivors of our planet. Also explains why I will probably have nightmares tonight.
Darryle Pollack says
We get worms all the time after a rain. I feel like I’m running an obstacle course trying to avoid them walking up the path to our front door. I figured I wouldn’t be seeing them for a long time since it doesn’t rain here in the summer—plus inside the house there is no earth to cultivate and no fish to catch. I have to say the pictures creep me out a bit but I will dutifully show them to V. After seeing the photos of real centipedes I agree– ours was an earthworm.
After all these insect images, I’m glad u decided not to share the spider/shower pictures—though I’m glad you commented. THank u.
Darryle Pollack says
Warning: if you are at all squeamish, DO NOT click on Mary’s link above. Unfortunately it’s too late for me. Yuck.
Rick in Miami says
I haven’t seen a Palmetto bug in a while, but then again my wife relishes in chasing them and dispatching them to the great trash bin in the sky. I also allow lizards to cavort in my house, and they chase anything my wife doesn’t catch.
Yes, I know, lizards in the house? Remember, we’re only guests here. Lizards rule!
Darryle Pollack says
Well your wife is my new hero—not just for killing palmetto bugs but for allowing lizards in the house!! We have them in CA but not all over the place—another thing I don’t miss about Florida.