Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus) Note the rounded dorsal “wheel” armor on the Wheel Bug, shown here hanging upside down devouring a bee. A Wheel Bug inserts its long beak-like proboscis into its prey to inject an enzyme which paralyzes the victim and dissolves the insides so that the Wheel Bug can then suck the juices out, thus draining it victim. It also has scent sacs which can emit a foul odor if disturbed. And, if that’s not enough defense mechanisms for one creature, this insect can produce an extremely painful bite if handled, a bite more painful than a bee sting. Because it eats insects in the garden, the Wheel Bug is considered a beneficial insect. These 1.5 inch long insects are members of the Assassin Bug family.
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