Also known as a prairie alligator, witches horse, musk mare, devil’s darning needle, devil’s riding horse, and scorpion, these unassuming insects have gathered a bunch of alarming names which are likely a result of their toxic spray, according to this article at the University of Florida’s Etymology Department. They reference articles from as far back as the 1830’s which describe people and dogs having blood red eyes, blurred vision, and light sensitivity for days. This, of course, is a fact I wish I had known BEFORE lying on the boardwalk to get a closer view!