Punctured Tiger Beetle vs Wheel Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Punctured Tiger Beetle Wheel Bug
Scientific Name Cicindela punctulata Arilus cristatus
Order Coleoptera Hemiptera
Family Cicindelidae Reduviidae
Size 10-13 mm 28-36 mm
Habitat Grasslands Orchards
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Throughout the United States east of the Rocky Mountains North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Punctured Tiger Beetle

A small dark bronze to greenish tiger beetle with fine punctures on its elytra. It is one of the most adaptable tiger beetles, thriving in urban and disturbed habitats.

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Did You Know?

It is commonly found hunting on sun-warmed pavement in parking lots and along city sidewalks.

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.