CLOSED: CLOSED: Is this some sort of beetle, maybe?

speediebean Somewhere in, MD(Zone 7b) Aug 31, 2012

Hi everyone. My friend Linda in PA (near Pittsburgh) shared a photo of this thing with me, asking if I know what it is. I think it's some sort of beetle, but really have no idea. Could one of you help me ID it please?

Post #9260104

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greenthumb99 Lucketts, VA(Zone 7a) Aug 31, 2012

To quote flatpicket from a posting yesterday:

"This is the Wheelbug (Arilus cristatus), one of the assassin bugs in the family Reduviidae.

http://bugguide.net/node/view/559777/bgimage "

Post #9260157

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pennysn2bugs Brooks, OR Aug 31, 2012

Yes! A WHEELBUG! Order: Hemiptera (true bug). This guy can inflict a severely painful stab with its beak if mishandled, as is with most all Reduviidae, of which there are at least 160 N. American species. I have been bit by an assassin bug, and it hurt more than any hornet sting I've ever received. It was only 1/2 inch long nymph, I still have it preserved in a vial containing clear gel "hand-santitizer". It was the bug that got me hooked, although it took me 6 months to properly ID it. I can now spot one at a glance just from a waiver of an antenna. They are a common predator species in fields and gardens. But the WHEELBUG is one of the largest of them all. I captured one while in N. Carolina, we don't have them out here in the Pacific NW. I feel sorry for anyone that gets bit by a wheelbug, and depending on the person's chemistry or allergic reaction, the wound could be even more severe!

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speediebean Somewhere in, MD(Zone 7b) Aug 31, 2012

Aaaaah, thank you!!! I will share this info with Linda post-haste. And I'll be sure to warn her not to touch it or let it get on her, thank you Pennysn2bugs. =) Mystery solved!

Post #9260814

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