Body
Wheel Bug
Arilus cristatus
Status
Common
Size
Length: to 1½ inches
Distribution
Statewide
Known as North America’s largest assassin bug, wheel bugs are easily identified by the coglike “wheel” on their backs. Adult wheel bugs are usually gray or brownish, but the immature nymphs are red with black legs, and can look antlike or spiderlike.
Wheel bugs fly noisily and clumsily. They prowl around flowers, gardens, trees, and grassy areas, hunting other insects. They sometimes land on people but can be brushed off easily if they do not fly away on their own. Crushing or slapping at them generally causes them to bite.
Media

Title
Image

Credit
Noppadol Paothong
Right to Use
Photo by Noppadol Paothong, courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation
Image

Credit
Noppadol Paothong
Right to Use
Photo by Noppadol Paothong, courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation
Image

Image

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This Issue's Staff
Magazine Manager - Stephanie Thurber
Editor - Angie Daly Morfeld
Associate Editor - Larry Archer
Photography Editor – Ben Nickelson
Staff Writer - Kristie Hilgedick
Staff Writer - Joe Jerek
Staff Writer – Dianne Van Dien
Designer - Marci Porter
Photographer - Noppadol Paothong
Photographer - David Stonner
Circulation – Marcia Hale
Editor - Angie Daly Morfeld
Associate Editor - Larry Archer
Photography Editor – Ben Nickelson
Staff Writer - Kristie Hilgedick
Staff Writer - Joe Jerek
Staff Writer – Dianne Van Dien
Designer - Marci Porter
Photographer - Noppadol Paothong
Photographer - David Stonner
Circulation – Marcia Hale