Wheel Bug (nymph)

Description:

All black with red antennae. They are predators upon soft-bodied insects such as caterpillars, Japanese beetles, etc., which they pierce with their beak to inject salivary fluids that dissolve soft tissue. Because most of their prey are pests, wheel bugs are considered beneficial insects, although they can inflict a painful bite if handled carelessly.

Habitat:

Ornamental grasses in the garden. The garden is a wildlife habitat with many native plants.