5.05.2005

Could Just Be...

...that the newly emerged critters featured in the last post are going to grow up to beome adult wheelbugs (Arilus cristatus) like the ones in this picture, taken in late July of 2004.




These bugs ( a correct term in this case) have piercing mouth-parts that can inflict a painful wound that sometimes takes a long time to heal. But, despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, they aren't particularly aggressive and you are only likely to be bitten if you seek them out and handle them.

Many thanks to Mr. Bloggerific Himself and thingfish23 for the links they provided in the comments section of the previous post.

9 comments:

SquirrleyMojo said...

Sexy!

Just wondering, do they bite the heads off their mates??

SquirrleyMojo said...

Not that the idea's been on my mind . . .

Mr. Bloggerific Himself said...

If that's the case, that's more of a transformation than my my ex-wife made while we were married!

Anonymous said...

Given the mothparts, I'd put them more in the "blood-suckers" category.

!!

Anonymous said...

-er, "mouthparts".

SquirrleyMojo said...

yeah--"moth" parts was a bit confusing . . .

Mr. Bloggerific Himself said...

I find it cool too, but I am soooo easily freaked I'd be on a daily freak-out in all the nature.

I enjoy Swampy's view just fine from here.

Jenn said...

Sooo... is this a predator?

Very cool looking critter, the adult.

Anonymous said...

They eat other insects, as do most other insects in the "assassin bug" family (there are some exceptions).

Caveat: they can deliver a hell of a bite if they are mishandled.