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Wheel Bug

Arilus cristatus

Photo by Tracy6
Published on Project Noah
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39.3762, -77.1547

Field Notes

Description:

This is a species of Assassin Bug called the Wheel Bug. On its back is a tiny wheel that looks like a saw blade. They are medium to large in length. Even though they have a scary appearance, wheel bugs are considered beneficial insects because they prey on other insects that we consider pests.

Habitat:

Wooded backyard in Eastern United States. It (and some of its buddies) appeared after we built a deck onto our house.

Notes:

We see several of these each year. It was first identified for us by the University of Maryland Extension Office.

Species ID Suggestions

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Photographed
PublishedJune 12, 2013

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