Wheel Bug - Arilus cristatus

I was inspecting the milkweed pods when this bug surprised me. It was about 4 cm long! These bugs bite, and their bite is said to be more painful than a bee/wasp sting.

Habitat: Poised on milkweed; meadow

comments (6)

Ernst

Lion

Monster bug and yes they bite and hurt. Posted 3 years ago
1. Christine Young
  
  Lion
  
  Oh no -- have you been bitten? Posted 3 years ago
2. 1. Ernst
    
    Lion
    
    Yes one got me some time back. Yes it hurts more then a wasp sting and seems to last quiet a while . I was near home and washed it with vinegar which helps a bit. Posted 3 years ago
  2. 1. Christine Young
      
      Lion
      
      Ouch! Interesting about the vinegar-- good tip! Posted 3 years ago
    2. 1. Ernst
        
        Lion
        
        If you get stung by one of these insects, you can relieve the pain with common household supplies. Ammonia for a bee sting; vinegar for a wasp sting. Rules of Thumb supplies this tip via Dr Bill ... Posted 3 years ago
      2. Christine Young
        
        Lion
        
        I had no idea! Thanks for the info. When hiking, if I get stung or bitten, I look for jewelweed (Impatiens sp.). I smush some up in my hand and smear it on the sting/bites. It works great, but obviously isn't convenient or helpful unless the plant is growing in the area. Posted 3 years ago, modified 3 years ago

The Wheel bug

The wheel bug, 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. A characteristic structure is the wheel-shaped pronotal armor.

Info 20 0

Similar species: True Bugs

Species identified by Christine Young