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Wheel bug

Arilus cristatus

Photo by Acts 17_28
Published on Project Noah
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35.9885, -95.9851

Field Notes

Description:

2 inches long

Habitat:

Oklahoma late September sunny day

Notes:

We had an outbreak of these wheel bugs. 30-40 of them could be seen crawling around in front of a strip mall. They move slowly and cumbersome almost with a swagger.

Species ID Suggestions

Wheel Bug

Arilus cristatus

Reference Link
Kyle A
4

Comments (8)
Kyle A
Here's a link to the article I mentioned for convenience. http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/trees/wheel_bug.htm
Kyle A
You're welcome. Glad I could help. I've never come across one myself unfortunately. I hope to though, RI is in their range. There is a link in 2nd BugGuide link that I sent with an interesting article about them. The article says that the bite is worse than a hornet sting and can take weeks, or even months to fully heal. Ouch!
Acts 17_28
There were about 20-30 of them in front of this store a few weeks ago. I don't know if they were mating or what but they won't move even if you poke at them with a broom.
Acts 17_28
Thank you! These assassin bugs have a swagger to them, I've learned that swagger in the bug kingdom is definitely not an just ego problem.
Kyle A
Welcome to Project Noah BTW. Although I'm sure a Ranger will do that soon. If you add the scientific name to your spottings they can be added to the database. The FAQ at the bottom of the page will explain what a Ranger is and many other things about PN. Enjoy!
Kyle A
It's a 'scent sac'. It's a defensive mechanism that expels a foul smelling scent through it's anus. Also, be careful if you handle one of as they can deliver a very painful bite. A couple more links for your edification http://bugguide.net/node/view/701135/bgimage http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel_bug
Acts 17_28
What is the bright orange sack that inflates on it's abdomen for?
Kyle A
Nice spotting. I find assassin bugs fascinating. Thanks for sharing.

Tags

Photographed
PublishedSeptember 30, 2013

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