Wheel bug

Scientific name: Arilus cristatus (Linnaeus)
(Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Facts: The wheel bug is a predator and a representative of the assassin bug family. They are large and conspicuous which causes concern when they occur around the home. The name refers to the elevated ridge on the pronotum which resembles a cogged wheel.

Wheel bug, Arilus cristatus (Linnaeus)
(Hemiptera: Reduviidae),
preying on a squash bug.

Photo credit: B. M. Drees, Extension Entomology, Texas A&M University