ID thru description is tough. I tell my guys to always catch me a speciman, if possible.
There's a gajillion different insect/arthropod species, most experts will tell you only about 50 to 60% have been identified, and a genus/species attached to them.
The critter in the manhole was probably a small centidpede species. Translucent white could mean a species adapted to a cave or similar dark environment, or more likely a common species that just molted. That would help explain the fragility, the exoskeleton hadn't hardened off yet (think of a softshelled crab). The "stingers"at the back end are actualy sensory organs called sersi. Centipoedes don't sting, contrary to most folks belief, but the bigger species have a strong set of jaws and can bite the crap out of you!
Best guess on the other is something in the order of true bugs. Some of the assasin bug/stink bug groups have some weird looking appendages hanging of the back of the abdoman.
Last edited on Fri Apr 7th, 2006 12:05 PM by Charley
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