Arilus cristatus, also known as the North American wheel bug or simply wheel bug, is a species of large assassin bug in the family Reduviidae and the only species of wheel bug found in the United States. It is one of the largest terrestrial Hemiptera in North America, reaching up to 38 mm (1.5 in) in length in its adult stage. This species exhibits sexually dimorphic characteristics, in that males are somewhat smaller than the females. A characteristic structure is the wheel-shaped pronotal ridge along its thorax. They are predators, using their proboscis to inject and dissolve prey tissue.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of North American Wheel Bug being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Family
- Reduviidae
- Genus
- Arilus
- Species
- Arilus cristatus
Found one? Take a photo and B.inomen will suggest what it is, free.
Check your photo