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Two giant mesquite bugs, Thasus neocalifornicus Zachary Emberts To study the damage inflicted during wrestling matches between male giant mesquite bugs (Thasus neocalifornicus), the researchers outfitted some of them with body armor consisting of patches of faux leather glued onto their backs. Each bug also was given a number to keep track of the outcomes. Here, contestants "140" and "115" are about to duke it out.