CLOSED: Red and black insect Can anyone identify?

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mtbmom Bethlehem, GA May 24, 2010

I found these guys with their nest on our young pin oak tree. Some are solid black, while the busier ones are black with a red abdomen. I have never seen this before~ does anyone know anything about them?

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Post #7823473
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suunto Sinks Grove, WV May 24, 2010

These appear to be nymphs of the wheel bug (Arilus cristatus; Hemiptera/Heteroptera: Reduviidae) - see http://tinyurl.com/r3jvp7 for images and detailed information.

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mtbmom Bethlehem, GA May 24, 2010

Most definitely the wheel bug-- thank you! Good to know it is poisonous. Interestingly, the nymphs raise their upper bodies in an aggressive posture when approached. I will certainly make sure to avoid the mature bugs!

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suunto Sinks Grove, WV May 25, 2010

They're not really poisonous/venomous in the true sense of the word (they don't have venom); what they do have are proteolytic enzymes in their saliva that help break down the tissues of their prey. It is these enzymes that appear responsible for the extreme pain resulting from the bite of these insects. They still should be treated with caution; I've picked them up on numerous occasions, and have yet to be bitten by one.

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