Bug IDs?

<p>I'm pretty sure these are true bugs, but after Googling around I'm not sure which. I don't usually photograph bugs, blossoms or beasts and the attached photos were actually intended to be experiments with slow sync flash - I just liked the bas relief look of motion blur against the evening sky. Only later did I notice the critters on these purple cirsium thistles taken mid-June this year.</p>

<p>And I'm kicking myself for not keeping my grandparents' library of Texas books on flora, fauna and critters. Never occurred to me I might have use for them. Although I live in a semi-urban neighborhood, there are a couple of nearby vacant commercial lots that have been abandoned for so many years they're reverting to native Texas prairie, which makes for some interesting nature photo ops within walking distance.</p>

<p>I'm not sure whether the click-to-view-larger code will work, but opening these in a new tab may show a larger version. Thanks.</p>

<p>These fellows appear to be leaffooted bugs of some sort, based on the shape, color and light colored stripe across the backs...<br>

*<img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/17861396-lg.jpg" alt="DSC_0302_DSC_0302_20140614_LR" width="700" height="1046" border="0" /></p>

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<p>...and this fellow may be a mirid, <em>deraecoris ruber</em>?<br>

*<img src="http://d6d2h4gfvy8t8.cloudfront.net/17861397-lg.jpg" alt="DSC_0303_DSC_0303_20140614_LR" width="700" height="1046" border="0" /></p>

<p>The first one is in fact called a Leaf footed bug (Leptoglossus phyllopus). They are a pest and very abundant right now in North Texas...<br>

The second, I can't see clearly but by its markings it looks like a Milkweed bug</p>

<p>Thanks, Line, I believe you're right about the Milkweed bug - it does look closer to that. </p>

<p>The second on looks like <a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/106915">Rasahus hamatus</a> aka one of the "corsair assassin bug" species. Rrrrun for yer life matey! ;)</p>

<p>Funny you mentioned that, Paul. Only recently I'd been reading about assassin bugs. I'd read some theory about using a certain type of assassin bug to counter bed bugs, but the conclusion was that it's impractical because the solution is worse than the original problem</p>

<p>And you're right, that does indeed appear to be a closer match to the bug I photographed.</p>

<p>I'll need to pay closer attention next time I'm out. I barely pay attention to the critters when I'm out taking photos. Mostly I'm interested in the peculiar shapes I see in juxtapositions of the urban/suburban surroundings against vacant fields that are reverting to native prairie.</p>

<p>Thanks again!</p>

<p>You're very welcome and funny you should mention bed bugs Lex - ever since a buddy and myself got royally bedbugged in a zero-star motel up north along CA highway 395, I've adopted the habit of checking <a href="http://www.bedbugregistry.com">www.bedbugregistry.com</a> before booking any hotel nights. And I just went there again to get myself lodged in bug/assassin-free comfort for a road trip this weekend!</p>