This strange critter fell out of the mouth of a bluegill after my grandson caught him with a popping bug.

The "tail" looked almost like a round worm from a dog. The "head" was red and appeared to be partly missing.

Any idea on identity? I guess bluegill must like them, or maybe it's some sort of parasite.

The bluegill was the first one he ever caught on a fly rod, and it was quite a thrill for him.

It looks more plant-like rather than insect-like to me, based on the wall thickness of the red section.

I agree with dlowrance. It looks like some sort of seed throwing down a tap root. Did it move?

Looks like a tube jig, red body white tail that is falling apart... Ever use that type bait in your pond?

See if it melts with a match?

Btw that's a healthy female bluegill. Obviuosly no serious parasite issues.

Good thought Cecil! That doesn't look like any bug or part of a bug that I know of.

If that thing is moving with that type of claw on one end I would not have it in my hand and I would drian and burn my pond bottom!! That is one alien looking bug if it's a bug!

RC

It's not know by many but the Mars rover did come back!

I think you may be right. We looked for the "bug, but couldn't find it. But my other grandson looked around in the tackle box and found two rubber jigs that looked similar to the mystery bug. I'll cut one apart later and see for sure.

Looks like CJBS2003 and Cecil were right. Here are the two my other grandson found. The one I cut apart looks like the mystery "bug" except for a slight difference in color.


Next time I'll look a little closer before I post an embarrassing dumb question.

Not a dumb question, and that thing may still come to life

Whew!!! Thank goodness!!