Wheel Bug vs Ant Damsel Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Wheel Bug | Ant Damsel Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Arilus cristatus | Himacerus mirmicoides |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Reduviidae | Nabidae |
| Size | 28-36 mm | 7-8 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Predators |
| Regions | North America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
Its bite injects cytolytic venom that dissolves tissue, producing pain reported to be worse than a wasp sting lasting for days.
Ant Damsel Bug
A slender brown predatory bug whose nymphs remarkably mimic ants for protection from predators. Adults lose the ant-like appearance and become typical damsel bugs. It is a beneficial predator in European gardens and fields.
Did You Know?
The young nymphs are such convincing ant mimics that they even walk with a jerky, ant-like gait, fooling both predators and entomologists at first glance.