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Wheel Bug
Arilus cristatus
40.8684, -75.608
Field Notes
Description:
Family: Reduviidae (Assassin bugs) Adult. Length: 1.50 inches (38mm) not including long red antennae. Hook-like "feet". Gray/black with cog wheel. Long proboscis injects enzymes to paralyze prey (Soft-bodied insects such as caterpillars, stink bugs and Japanese and other beetles). The enzymes also dissolves the insides of the insects. It does have wings at the adult stage, but flies only short distances, but preferring to move slowly thru long tall grasses and weeds. Canna
Habitat:
Meadow with long grasses and weeds.
Notes:
DO NOT HANDLE!! PAINFUL BITE!! (not from experience)
Reference Links:
Wheel bug
Species ID Suggestions
Spotted for Missions
Photographed
PublishedAugust 6, 2013
Comments (3)