Wild Guide: Wheel Bug

By MDC | October 1, 2024
From Missouri Conservationist: October 2024
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
image of a Wheel Bug Eating Asian Lady Beetle
Title

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