Born to Blush Unseen

This is a vinegar bug. If you happen to see one strolling across your kitchen floor do not kill it. Nudge it gently onto a dust pan or other suitable surface then transport it carefully to the great outdoors. It will rear up and raise its pincers in a most threatening manner and its needle like tail will point upward. My Catahoula is well aware of wasps and snaps at them very cautiously, but last night she snuffled a little too aggressively at a vinegar bug and received a shot of acetic acid right up her nose. The vinegar smell filled the air and the dog ran in circles frantically wiping her nose on everything. I transported the bug, still in fine fighting posture, outdoors. I would never kill a vinegar bug, not because the locals revere them because they eat pests, but because of their mass. They are exceedingly large, and I would feel guilty if I put an end to such an impressive life form. They are splendid beasts who seek no glory in the insect heirarchy. They go about their work and life in the quiet places, oblivious to us all, except when threatened. I do not know what good or harm they do. I wish them well.