Bee Killer Assassin Bug vs Wheel Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bee Killer Assassin Bug Wheel Bug
Scientific Name Apiomerus crassipes Arilus cristatus
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Reduviidae Reduviidae
Size 12-18 mm 28-36 mm
Habitat Heathland Orchards
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Bee Killer Assassin Bug

An assassin bug that coats its legs with plant resin to capture bees visiting flowers.

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Did You Know?

It applies sticky resin from plants to its forelegs like a trapping glue.

Wheel Bug

The largest assassin bug in North America, named for the distinctive cogwheel-shaped crest on its thorax. It delivers an extremely painful bite if handled.

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Did You Know?

Its bite injects cytolytic venom that dissolves tissue, producing pain reported to be worse than a wasp sting lasting for days.