One fairly large true bug found throughout Florida (and
Charlotte County) is called the wheel bug. The wheel bug is a true bug
(Hemiptera) growing well over one-inch long. This insect is called a
wheel bug because of the stunning crest on the thorax that reminds one of a
cogged wheel. An interesting large insect in its own right, the wheel bug
is also know to deliver a bite more painful than a bee sting if handled.
To its favor, the wheel bug is also a superior beneficial insect feeding on
many landscape pests. Have you seen one?
To see an adult wheel bug is to see a strange creature which
is dark brown to gray in color with long legs, long antennae and a long,
wicked-looking robust curved beak attached to its narrow head sporting beady
eyes. The crest is also very noticeable almost looking like a small
chicken comb attached to its back. The females are larger than the males
and lay eggs side-by-side in large clusters above ground level. The eggs
actually look just like tiny brown bottles with while stoppers. The eggs
hatch into miniature versions of the adults (minus the crest) called nymphs.
The nymphs are red and black in color and are voracious feeders of aphids and
defoliating caterpillars. They are also known to be cannibalistic and may
feed on each other in a pinch. Adult females have also been known to eat
males after breeding. Being a member of the stinkbug family, they also
have the ability to release a pungent odor if bothered.
It is not likely that you will want to bother this
beneficial assassin bug. As mentioned earlier, the bite inflicted by the
stabbing beak injects a toxic salvia that causes a stinging sensation worse
than most stinging insects. The bite may remain numb for several days
becoming red and hot to the touch. The spot may turn white and hard and
slough off leaving a small hole. Complete healing may take up to two
weeks. Seek emergency medical assistance if any allergic reactions
occur.
The moral of this story is to remember not to handle a wheel
bug. These insects have beneficial qualities as a biological control for
some insect pests, but they do not want you to handle them!
Enjoy them from a safe distance! For more information on all types
of beneficial insects, please call our Master Gardener volunteers on the Plant
Lifeline on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 1 to 4 pm at 764-4340 for
gardening help and insight into their role as an Extension volunteer.
Don't forget to visit our other County Plant Clinics in the area. Please
check this link for a complete list of site locations, dates and times - http://charlotte.ifas.ufl.edu/horticulture/Plant%20Clinics%20Schedule.pdf.
Resource:
Mead,
F. W. (2014) Wheel Bug, Arilus cristatus (Linnaeus) Insecta: Hemiptera:
Reduviidae). The University of Florida Extension Service, IFAS.
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