Hi bugman,
My fiancé and I moved into our new home in December. We’re in a very rural, wooded Central Pennsylvania . All of a sudden, within the past five days…these spiders have emerged and they are EVERYWHERE. They seem to be aggressive, but I haven’t gotten too close. They are all over my plants, flowers, deck , and outbuildings. Do you know what they are?
Thanks!!!
Jennifer
Well Jennifer,
They aren’t spiders, but Assassin Bugs. They are immature and will grow wings. They are beneficial in the garden since they ravenously eat many garden pests, however, if mishandled, they will give you a painful bite. Treat them with respect and they will not bother you and your garden will be pest free.
What's That Bug? does not endorse extermination
This is a wheel bug (Arilus cristatus) nymph.