Wheel Bug

Description:

The most notable characteristic of the Wheel bug is its spiked dome on its back. Wheel bug babies are not born with this characteristic, in fact, they look very different than adults. Another notable characteristic is the giant fang that is used for killing prey. These insects should be handled with caution because its bite is quite painful. The males guard the females once they have mated, as indicated in the photos. The female is larger than the male.

Habitat:

The Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus) are found all over the United States. They inhabit areas where their prey (insects and caterpillars) are located such as on flowers or trees.

Notes:

I spotted this pair of Wheel bugs at Chickahominy riverfront park around 5:30pm. Pamela Juarez