Wheel Bug Nymph
Arilus cristatus
40.8684, -75.608
Field Notes
Description:
Family: Reduviidae . Assassin bugs. Size: 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) One of the largest terrestrial true bugs in North America. This nymph with bright red/orange abdomen and very shiny black legs and head and long proboscis (tubular long piercing mouthpart). Cannalbalistic even at the nymph stage. Very active crawling around the leaves. Feeds on soft-bodied insects. Beneficial bug.
Habitat:
Meadow at Beltzville State Park, Eastern, PA. Open woodlands into meadow by Trinity Gorge Trail.
Notes:
Do not handle!!! Long injector contains saliva and can cause allergic reaction in humans and can take up to six months to heal (adult wheel bug bite.)
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedMarch 13, 2013
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