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Project Noah Nature School
Arilus cristatus
I saw this wheel bug as I have gotten into the habit of checking the railings before I place my hand on them. It is a good thing, as these small assassin bugs bite. The bite is said to be worse than a bee sting, possibly scar, with healing times varying. The most visibly notable aspect of the wheel bug is its prominent dorsal armor (2nd picture).
Local nature park. In general, the wheel bug is common & widely distributed. They are, however, rarely seen due to good camouflage and a generally shy nature.
University of FL http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in243
Spotted on Oct 27, 2011
Submitted on Oct 28, 2011
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