An unusual case: repeated nocturnal biting of a bedridden human by a nymph of Tettigonia viridissima (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae).

Authors

Patrick Klüber, Niklas Hetz

Published in

Journal of medical entomology. Volume 63. Issue 4. Jul 01, 2026.

Abstract

Cases of adventitious biting on humans by non-hematophagous insects are rarely reported but hold significant medical relevance. This case report documents the first instance of repeated nocturnal biting in a bedridden, tetraparetic 59-year-old patient by a fifth-instar nymph of the great green bush-cricket, Tettigonia viridissima L. (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae). The patient sustained four superficial skin lesions on the left ear and forehead, accompanied by distinct blood smears. A live T. viridissima nymph was captured at the end of a dark red blood streak nearby. Biting activity was likely an opportunistic response to insect dehydration and resource scarcity, further facilitated by the patient's profuse sweating and inability to repel the insect. Additionally, a concise literature review is provided to systematically classify such unusual opportunistic feeding behaviors in non-hematophagous taxa.

PMID:
42479740
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 22 Jul 2026.

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