December 20, 2009 | 
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This is, by far, the most unusual (and the coolest) bug I have seen so far. While I was sitting in the corner of my backyard, watching birds, I saw movement out of the corner of my eye, and witnessed this Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus) climbing the nearby fence. It was hard to miss – easily 1.5″ long. This visitor to my backyard could have walked right off a science-fiction movie set!
This is the first picture I captured, as the Wheel Bug climbed up on the leaf of a purple heart plant. Since these bugs mate in the fall, laying eggs that will hatch in the spring, I’m guessing that this (male or female?) adult might have been looking for love.
He made steady progress, making his way up the fence, while only slightly impeded by the need to find a foothold on the wood slats.
This is the kind of close-up that I can study for a long, long time. Every part of this creature is fascinating, and I don’t even know the half of it. Look at that…that…piercing probiscus(?) This is not a bug I would be tempted to pick up for closer inspection!
My new favorite bug reached the top of the fence, which afforded me and my camera a few extra views. This guy has probably been keeping other insect populations in my yard in check all summer long…I’m sad to see him go.
The “end.”
Posted in Arthropods
Great photos, Amber! Their season is winding down, so it better mate soon lest it lose its chance.
And I’m terribly disappointed you didn’t pick it up for a closer look. Sure, they can deliver a very painful bite, but why let a little thing like that stand in the way? Gosh, some people…
I had to laugh at Jason’s comment. Geez Amber, what are you, some kinda sissy or what?
Incredible photos of this bug that I have never seen! Congrats to Jason for his winning (yet again) of your monthly contest. I will try harder next month.
I hope your Christmas was exceptional and your New Year is the best ever!
This is one of the few cases where the terribly fearsome look of an insect is well deserved.
I got bit by a smaller species of assassin bug once – before I knew what I was doing. I was beginning a collection for introductory entomology, and it flew into the pizza parlor where I worked. Instinctively I grabbed it – afterall, I needed 80 families! Wow, did I get a painful lesson that day.
Jason – you know, the thought of picking this creature up NEVER crossed my mind! I wouldn’t want to interfere…he was clearly on his way…somewhere
Larry – yep, I was feeling pretty sissified after seeing that long, scary mouth-stabber-thing. Especially since I could see it from several feet away! Thanks for participating in the contests.
Ted – I have no doubt that a bite from one of the assassin bugs would hurt. Question: How do they taste on pizza?
Nice shots of the Wheel Bug. The wheel certainly makes this bug distinctive, but I’ve never been able to find out it’s purpose (if any).
Thanks, Marvin. Maybe the wheel serves as camouflage? Pizza cutter?
Pizza cutter – bwah ha ha!
The pizza cutter theory got a chuckle out of me too. It works for me.