The Dinosaur Bug (Arilus cristatus)

© 03 Oct '12     photo by smck

© 03 Oct '12     photo by smck

More commonly known as the Wheel Bug from the shape of the notched pronotal armor. It is one of the largest of the terrestrial (as opposed to water) 'True Bugs' being upward of an inch and a half (3.8 cm) long.  They are common in North America, although most people never see one as they are very retiring or secretive in nature.  They can be thought of as a beneficial bug because they eat other bugs such as Japanese Beetles, etc by piercing them with its beak and sucking out the juice.  Which means they can pierce or bite humans which luckily doesn't occur very often for it is reported to be a very painful but non-threatening bite.  When disturbed it can also emit a noxious smell - but not as badly as the Stink Bug.

This old guy(they only live one year)was crawling up the outside porch wall.


True Bugs are a sub-set of insects and their sub-set features are interesting to read about.  So look it up and know the difference between a bug and a beetle.