Wheel Bug vs Pacific Spiketail
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Wheel Bug | Pacific Spiketail |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Arilus cristatus | Cordulegaster dorsalis |
| Order | Hemiptera | Odonata |
| Family | Reduviidae | Cordulegastridae |
| Size | 28-36 mm | 65-75 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Forests |
| 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.
Pacific Spiketail
The only spiketail dragonfly on the Pacific coast of North America. It has a dark brown body with yellow dorsal spots and patrols shaded forest seepages.
Did You Know?
It is the only spiketail species found west of the Rocky Mountains in North America.