Categories

Can you tell me what this is
Can you tell me what this is Overall diameter of insect in pose as shown was very close to if not slightly larger than the diameter of a quarter. It walked almost crab-like, and was very visibly responsive to my movements…i.e. as I moved the camera closer, it backed away and turned to face the incoming camera in a very smooth defensive motion. It looks kind of furry in the pictures, however up-close it had more of a crustacean-like exoskeleton, very hard looking and clean. Feet looked very pointed at first in person, but noticed in the pictures that it has ‘feet’ at the bottom of the legs. Any ideas???
Vince Cannizzaro
Bay Stalker

Hi Vince,
We are relatively certain this is an immature Wheel Bug. Adults have wings and a coglike “wheel” on the thorax. Judging by the size, it will probably metamorphose into a winged adult at the next molt. Wheel Bugs are Assassin Bugs. They are predators that will also bite painfully if provoked.

Related Posts

1. Freshly Metamorphosed Wheel Bug (July 7, 2008)
2. Immature Wheel Bug (February 9, 2009)
3. Immature Wheel Bug (June 2, 2009)
4. Wheel Bug Hatchlings ()
5. Wheel Bug Nymph (July 14, 2009)