Wheel Bug Nymph
Scientific Name: Arilus cristatus
Order & Family: Hemiptera: Reduviidae
Size: Nymphs start around 5mm and grow to 25mm before becoming adults which reach 1.5 inches.
Natural Habitat
Found in gardens, orchards, and wooded areas across North America.
Diet & Feeding
Strictly carnivorous; they prey on soft-bodied insects like caterpillars, beetles, and sawflies.
Behavior Patterns
Nymphs are distinguished by their bright orange abdomens; they use a piercing-sucking proboscis to inject paralyzing enzymes into prey.
Risks & Benefits
Highly beneficial for natural pest control; however, they can deliver a very painful, long-lasting bite if handled.
Identified on: 4/24/2026