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Wheel Bug

Arilus cristatus

Photo by ChrisMck
Published on Project Noah
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35.6197, -80.7322

Field Notes

Description:

The wheel bug (Arilus cristatus), in the family Reduviidae, is one of the largest terrestrial true bugs in North America, being up to 1.5 inches, or 38 mm, in length; it is the only member of its genus. A characteristic structure is the wheel-shaped pronotal armor.

Notes:

Thanks to KristalWatrous for the ID on this, I was almost too leery of it and got rid of it before I read the description. Now it's in the garden.

Species ID Suggestions

Wheel bug

Arilus cristatus

Reference Link
KristalWatrous
3

Comments (5)
KarenL
Or you have both species in your yard!
KarenL
I agree Wheel bug. This is a Western conifer seed bug http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/7653237
ChrisMck
I've got to go with Kristal on this one, I'm a total amateur but when I looked up both species, it's definitely the Wheel Bug, aka the assassin. And it is really freaky looking! I'm glad I left him in the garden :P
KristalWatrous
Mitch, did you take a look at the second photo? The side view shows the distinct spiny "wheel" on this insect's thorax, which is lacking in L. occidentalis.
KristalWatrous
It is an assassin bug, therefore beneficial to have in your yard or garden. Scary looking though, isn't it?

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Photographed
PublishedOctober 26, 2011

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