"American Communist"-A Mostly Peaceful Painting

      This six-legged insect is originally from the sands of Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran. It was only discovered by Americans several months after the United States launched “Operation Iraqi Freedom” (2003.)  Unfortunately, in 2005 this little creature was accidently brought back to the U.S. and first discovered at Florida’s MacDill Air Force Base. It is believed, but not yet confirmed, several other bases in the U.S. may have also been responsible for bringing this insect back home.  As of right now Florida, Georgia, and Alabama all have confirmed captures and incidents with the insect. This insect was given its name by troops stationed in Iraqi. Many camps ran into or had occurrences on a nightly basis. The first year alone 102 soldiers were blinded and sent home after their encounters.

      It was originally adapted to the harsh environments of the desert (Dry and Hot.) Once in the U.S., It quickly adapted to the Southern eco-systems. Thriving in States like Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Since arriving here, it has in fact grown larger in size, faster in speed, and resistance to insecticides. It has a fat single shelled body with a tail that resembles that of a scorpion. Six barbed and hairy legs. The main body is colorful in nature. Before the Harvester insect has successfully “Harvested.” The shell or body will appear smaller and contain an opening down the center of its shell. It looks like the insect has been cut open or injured, it has not. It displays two tusk like claws that extended outward from the front. This is believed to mainly be used for catching prey and defending itself. Underneath the tusks are red like sponges that are used for collecting smells and tracking down its next meal (other insects.)  The insect is first born blind until it has successfully, “Harvested” an eye of its own from another living animal. The Harvester is very light and fast. It can move across an area as if it’s flying.  Its colorful patterns are a clear sign telling everything to, “Leave me alone.”

     The American Harvester is mostly a nocturnal animal. It crawls onto its victim and is able to locate the eye socket fairly quickly. It first will conduct a series of small injections around the area completely numbing the eye socket. Then it places itself-facing away from the eye. It uses its hug tusk to grab onto the skin tightly. Securing itself nicely. The end of the Harvester’s tail is very sharp and shaped like a pair of scissors. Using its tail it is able to work its way under the eyeball and simply cut it away. The numbing agent is also a blood clotting agent. Thus, slowing any harsh bleeding during the removal. The Harvester is very skilled in its removal leaving blood vessels and parts of the tendons still attached to the eyeball. The insect then slowly backs toward the eye simply scooping it up. Once the eyeball is safely secured in the top open compartment of the insect, the body then gets to work and fast. The insect is remarkable. It is then able to use the blood vessels and tendons left and attach/grow them into its own body. Blood flow is quickly restored. The Harvester will then retreat to a damp dark place (usually its nesting area.) There it will allow its body and the eye to adapt. If all goes well the eye will be up and working in just 24-30 hrs. It will have been fully “Wired” into the Harvester and the insect has full use and capabilities of its new eye. In most cases the victim never feels a thing and awakes to complete shock. The worst case is to have more then one Harvester in your living space. Several Military bases have recorded soldiers losing both eyes in one night. As of today, the American Harvester has been recorded to have grown so large in some cases that Cows, horses, and livestock are now being effected.  *note this story and insect are fictitious. Created by McSweany in 2022-2023.