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Wheel Bug

Arilus cristatus

Photo by p.young713
Published on Project Noah
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27.9494, -82.4651

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (8)
p.young713
I was just reading about this Wheel bug and it said that the bite does not heal for months. I also looked at photos of its young and I recall seeing the young Wheel bugs in the garden and I thought they were spiders. Very Interesting bug, I learn a lot on this website.
Gordon Dietzman
My sister was bitten by one while she was sitting on her deck; almost certainly a defensive bite, not offensive. Very painful and the wound persisted for quite some time. Wheel bugs are best left along. Saying that, however, I'd love to photograph one some day.
p.young713
Thank you!! That is very interesting!! I'm glad I did not pick it up now! I'm always getting bit by bees etc..Ouch!!
AmberLundeen
I don't think so - here a link to the wikipedia page - you can read some interesting info there http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheel_bug
AmberLundeen
Florida WheelBug - Arilus cristatus http://bugguide.net/node/view/14228

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Eastern Assassin Bugs
Mission
Hunters & Animal Food Habits
Photographed
PublishedAugust 26, 2011

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