Wheel Bug vs Black Corsair
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Wheel Bug | Black Corsair |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Arilus cristatus | Melanolestes picipes |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Reduviidae | Reduviidae |
| Size | 28-36 mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Woodlands |
| Diet | Omnivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | North America | North America |
| 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.
Black Corsair
A shiny black, robust assassin bug found across North America. It is nocturnal and commonly attracted to lights near buildings. It can deliver one of the most painful bites of any North American insect if handled carelessly.
Did You Know?
The bite is described as more painful than a wasp sting, causing immediate sharp pain followed by numbness that can last for days, though it is not medically dangerous.