Have you ever heard about The Machaca and its bizarre legend?
In the southern region of Colombia, people are still afraid of this insect, or at least they avoid being bitten by it. But, what is the reason for this fear? This insect, with butterfly-like wings and a head resembling a lizard, has a legend behind it.
“To abate the perils of death that the machaca’s lethal poison brought, the victim must make love within 12 hours.”
“If the machaca bites you…,” warn the inhabitants of the jungle areas where it lives, leaving the phrase hanging with a mischievous tone. It is common to see many people stepping away from the insect wherever it is spotted, just in case having sex is not a sufficient antidote.
Although there is no official report of anyone dying from the insect’s bite, people are still afraid.
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Machaca, the only insect with a love legend?
The machaca, or peanut-headed bug, is a brown insect that can measure up to 9 centimeters in length, with a head that resembles a lizard’s. Its wingspan can reach up to 15 centimeters. When attacked, it displays false yellow eyes hidden in its wings and emits an unpleasant odor, but that is not why it is feared in South America.
The legend says that the bite of this bizarre insect contains a deadly poison whose only antidote is to have sex within 24 hours of being bitten. But is it real? Let us explain.
The scientific name of the machaca fly is Fulgora laternaria (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae). It measures between 6 and 8 cm, feeds on the sap of certain jungle trees, and although people very conveniently believe otherwise, it is completely harmless. According to the newspaper El Tiempo, the machaca “doesn’t even have a way to bite.”
However, according to the insect museum at the University of Costa Rica, in the Amazon region, some indigenous people consider the machaca lethal, partly due to the way it feeds. The insect has a modified mouthpart in the form of a stylet or straw, which extends from the lower part of its head to the second pair of legs.
This style, which some mistakenly consider a stinger used for malicious biting, penetrates plants to suck sap. Despite all the explanations, people continue to fear this small animal and do not want to be bitten by it.
11.3.jpg?ssl=1 "This insect's deadly bite has only one cure… sex 2")
So if you ever come across this peculiar insect, just remember there is nothing to be afraid of. Also, now you have a great excuse if you want to have a little action! Just say you just got bitten by the Machaca.
