Monday, May 10, 2010

Macro Monday

Found this bug on a fence post out in the woods.
It's called a Wheel bug, this one is in the nymph stage.
They are predatory insects, eating "pest" bugs, like aphids.
Apparently, they are not aggressive, however if bothered they will stab you with their long hypodermic-like beak. The "bite" is known to pack quite a punch.
Since they are related to stink bugs, they too can be odorous.

8 comments:

  1. I've no idea what it is. It looks a little scary though! Great shot of it.

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  2. Dont`know, but your capture is very beautiful !!

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  3. Hmm - curious!! He looks a lot like a Devil's Coach Horse, but his head is too small!

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  4. Know idea what it´s called ?!
    But it sure lookes creapy :)
    Great shots !

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  5. It's a Arilus cristatus or Wheel Bug (nymph stage) a true bugs in the Hemiptera order, Reduviidae family, which includes insects like stink bugs, water striders and bed bugs. Gotta love the internet.

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  6. Very cool. That first one on the fence post is awesome. Very ominous looking.

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  7. I really like how you composed that first shot.

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  8. Thanks for sharing these excellent photos of the wheel bug. It's the first one we have ever seen. Have a wonderful upcoming weekend.
    World of Animals

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