Wheel Bug vs Eastern Bat Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Wheel Bug | Eastern Bat Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Arilus cristatus | Cimex adjunctus |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Reduviidae | Cimicidae |
| Size | 28-36 mm | 4-5 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Gardens |
| Diet | Omnivores | Blood Feeders |
| Regions | North America | Eastern 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.
Eastern Bat Bug
A blood-feeding ectoparasite primarily of bats in eastern North America. It can bite humans when bat colonies are removed from buildings.
Did You Know?
It is nearly indistinguishable from the common bed bug and requires microscopic examination to tell apart.