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Wheel Bug

Arilus cristatus

Photo by AdamMalecki
Published on Project Noah
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28.9651, -81.2392

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
Yasser
Great photo! Derek AKA Latimeria got me totally hooked on wheel bugs :) They're so fascinating. Hope to see more bug photos from you Adam and welcome to Project Noah.
AdamMalecki
We've had warm weather here in central Florida for well over a month now. The insects are booming.
Latimeria
Very interesting. Up here in Ohio, I can't expect to see an adult until around June or July.
AdamMalecki
I spotted it this morning (4/14/11) on one of my Bromeliads.
Latimeria
It looks very much like a wheel bug nymph to me. Possibly fifth instar. When did you spot it? You have that it was spotted on April 14, but usually the nymphs haven't developed that far along by then. Of course, you spotted it in Florida, so that might be the reason.
Gordon Dietzman
This looks like it could be a wheel bug nymph, or at least an assassin bug or its nymph. If so, it can probably inflict a painful bite. See http://bugguide.net/node/view/166 for more information and see if you can pin it down a bit closer than what I have.
Photographed
PublishedApril 14, 2011

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