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Wheel Bug

Arilus cristatus

Published on Project Noah
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40.8733, -75.5975

Field Notes

Description:

Large 2 1/2 - 3 inch wheel bug makes his way among the flowers. Coloring is black/gray/purple in this lighting. They prefer caterpillars and ladybugs instead of a cheeseburger. They are distinct with their cog or wheel. Most are shy, but I encountered two aggressive ones because I stuck the camera in its face. Watch out for its long beak called a rostrum.

Habitat:

Meadow in the Poconos

Notes:

Do not attempt to hold. It's beak called a rostrum is extremely painful and the wound may take 6 months to heal.

Species ID Suggestions

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Photographed
PublishedNovember 18, 2011

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