All bugs are insects; not all insects are bugs. True bugs are classified in the Order Hemiptera. A practical example may help to illustrate the distinction.
Dragonflies and damselflies — my first loves in the Class Insecta — are classified in the Order Odonata. They are insects but not true bugs. Make sense?
15 SEP 2016 | Huntley Meadows Park | Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus)
Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus) is a true bug in the Family Reduviidae (Assassin Bugs) that preys on pest insects. Notice the red proboscis below the head of the Wheel Bug — a non-retractable structure that is used to pierce and suck the life juices from prey.
15 SEP 2016 | Huntley Meadows Park | Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus)
This is one crazy-looking bug — the “wheel” on its back reminds me of Stegosaurus!
15 SEP 2016 | Huntley Meadows Park | Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus)
15 SEP 2016 | Huntley Meadows Park | Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus)
15 SEP 2016 | Huntley Meadows Park | Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus)
15 SEP 2016 | Huntley Meadows Park | Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus)
Related Resource: All bugs are insects, but not all insects are bugs, a blog post by The DragonflyWoman.
Copyright © 2016 Walter Sanford. All rights reserved.
Tags: Arilus cristatus, Assassin Bugs, Huntley Meadows Park, proboscis, true bug, vernal pool, Wheel Bug, wildlife photography
walter sanford's photoblog 
September 30, 2016 at 5:35 am |
Great photos. I have long wanted to see one of these. They have never been seen up our way.
September 30, 2016 at 12:00 pm |
You’re too kind, Victor! Several photos in the gallery are similar, but like you, I waited a long time to see a Wheel Bug so I decided to publish all of the good photos from a set of 29 shots that I took.
September 30, 2016 at 9:32 am |
Great shots, Walter. I have visions of the wheel starting to turn like a circular saw–I should stop watching horror movies.
September 30, 2016 at 11:55 am |
Thanks, Mike. I think you’ve been watching too many movies from the “Saw” franchise!
September 30, 2016 at 3:15 pm |
Just call me “Buzz.”
September 30, 2016 at 10:36 am |
That is one very scary and impressive looking bug! Is it big? I know a few people that would have endless nightmares if they ever saw one of those!
September 30, 2016 at 11:53 am |
I estimate this bug was approximately one-and-a-half to two inches in length. As soon as I realized it has wings I was worried it might take flight and land on me!
September 30, 2016 at 2:09 pm |
So a hefty size then…. I am mostly ok with things landing on me, just not on my face where I can’t see it!
September 30, 2016 at 12:36 pm |
What a wonderful bug! Great photos! The colours are fantastic!
September 30, 2016 at 5:20 pm |
Thanks, Pete. Wheel Bug is a strangely beautiful bug that I hope to see again!
December 30, 2016 at 4:04 am |
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