Common Name: Wheel bug
Scientific Name: Arilus cristatus (Linnaeus)
Order: Hemiptera
The wheel bug is a type of
Assassin Beetle. This Brownish-black bug is about 1 inch (25.4mm) long
and looks like it is wearing a small suit of armor on its back. It has
multiple eyes and long antennae which are constantly searching for pray.
The distinctive semi-circular crest behind the head resembles half a
cogwheel. It makes a chirping sound by rubbing the tip of the rostrum
back and forth over transverse ridges on a longitudinal groove on the
prosternum. When flying it produces a buzzing sound. It has two
red-orange scent sacs in its anus that it will spew if its been startled
or scared. The scent can be smelled by human noses, however it is not as
strong a smell as the one the stink bug produces.
It is considered a beneficial
insect right along with the lady bug and
praying mantis. It prays on other
pesty insects such as aphids, honey bees and caterpillars by holding
them with its front legs, and jabbing the victim with its sharp beak.
The pray is injected with paralyzing enzymes that dissolves the insides
before it sucks out the body fluids.
The wheel bug lays 40-200
barrel-shaped eggs on twigs and other surfaces once a year. After the
eggs are laid the female eventually dies. The eggs are cemented together
in a mass that looks like a honeycomb. The eggs hatch in May - June. The
hatchlings are called nymphs. Young nymphs have red and black patterns;
older nymphs resemble adults but lack fully-developed wings. One
generation is produced annually. Shortly after they hatch they begin
looking for pray. They will molt several times as they grow. By late
summer they are adults ready to mate and lay eggs. Wheel bugs have been
known to eat other wheel bugs including the female eating the male after
mating.
| Caution should be taken around this bug as
it does bite. Its bite hurts worse than a bee sting and can take
months to heal. Bites are usually localized without any serious
effects. Orchard workers are sometimes bitten when the bugs are
shaken from trees during collection and land down shirt collars or
exposed skin areas. |
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These bugs should be avoided; if you feel you must handle them,
they should be handled with caution. Don't be too scared of wheel bugs,
they move and fly slowly, and they are not going to jump out and attack
you. They will only bite if they are threatened or cornered. Avoid them
and they will avoid you. Remember, they eat other bugs and are
considered to be very beneficial to humans.
