Assassin
By Julie Burger
25 June 2008
These are pictures of a "Wheel Bug". This particular Wheel Bug is a Nymph (immature). Once they become adults, they lose that bright orange color (adults are brownish-black). And they develop a wheel on the top of their backs. Entymologists are not yet certain as to the function of this bug's wheel.
He was climbing around on one of the plants in a large garden pot. I was using my macro lens and I like to get as close as possible so I can get the best possible detail. These critters love to run away from me, so, I have to keep repositioning myself, the flower pot, and the plant sitting in the pot so that I can get great pictures to show you all.
If I had known then, what I know now, I don't think that I would have been so bold. This is what I learned:
1. He is the largest bug in the Assassin Bug Family (this is true, I didn't make this up).
2. The wheel bug (Arilus cristatus) is a "monster" of the insect world. With its bizarre appearance and deadly beak, it is a dreaded foe of other insects. The wheel bug spears its unfortunate victims with its sharp beak and sucks up the victim's body fluids (YUK!). I had no idea that insects could have beaks!
3. Even though he is considered a "beneficial" insect and an ally to people, that humongous thing sticking out of the front of his face is called his BEAK. He can, and will inflict a painful and damaging bite that could take months to heal and can leave a scar.
4. He can also emit an odor as a defense mechanism similar to that of a Stink Bug, but not quite as pungent. The orange bulbous thing is the sac that contains his stink juice. I didn't smell anything unusual yesterday, so maybe he liked me.
5. These bugs are vicious in the wild. They can be cannibalistic with Nymphs feeding on Nymphs and the female will feed on the male after mating is concluded.
If you see this stinky, vicious, cannibalistic monster bug, it would probably be a good idea to keep your distance.
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