Wheel Bug

Arilus, or wheel bugs due to the semicircular crest on the pronotum, is a genus of true bugs in the family Reduviidae, subfamily Harpactorinae and tribe Harpactorini. Most species are found in the Americas. Arilus is a generalist predator of insects. Scientific Name: Arilus cristatus Range: Eastern & southern United States Size: 28–36 mm — largest North American assassin bug Status: Native ID Notes: Gray-brown with distinctive cog-wheel-shaped crest on the thorax. Long beak. Bulging eyes. Behavior / Notes: Highly beneficial predator of caterpillars and other pests. Bite is intensely painful — do not handle.