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Wheel Bug
Arilus cristatus
37.0809, -94.5056
Field Notes
Description:
I found this assassin bug in heavy leaf cover in my backyard in Joplin Missouri. It appears to have an unusual gear shape on it's back and has a long mandible for biting.
Notes:
From what I understand from reading about this bug, they are scary in appearance but they are concidered to be a good bug, they will sit and wait to pray on other bugs that are harmful to crops. So this is actually a good bug to find. I've also heard they rarely bite humans (only if they are harassed or scared by us) but when they do bite it can be very painfull but realitively harmless. If I am incorrect about any of this information please let me know, I'm so facinated by these insects and would like to learn more about them.
Reference Links:
Search - BugGuide.Net
Species ID Suggestions
2
Comments (2)