Hello all, I saw this little guy on our screened in porch and was wondering what the heck it was? He is a defensive little guy, and will do that strange "crab walk" kind of thing and always seems like he's ready to attack. It's been hanging out on the screen for about two days now. Thanks in advance for any help.
he's a good guy... an assassin bug [family: Reduviidae]... preys on other bugs... yes, they can bite..!!
http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/chatham/ag/SustAg/GSFgraphics/assbugCPBclose2.jpg
good photo.
Don't let that thing bite anyone! I sat on one last year and it was rather unpleasant.
This could be a nymph of a wheel bug, Arilus cristatus, the largest assassin bug in most of North America. Foe much more information on this fascinating creature, see http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek030901.html
Thanks so much for the info guys! I shall let him go about his business. :)
