Forest Pests: Insects, Diseases & Other Damage Agents

Wheel Bugs Hazards of the Outdoors Written by Terry Price, Georgia Forestry Commission Adapted for the web by the Bugwood Network

The wheel bug Arilus christatus, is a member of the assassin bug family. It feeds on many species of soft-bodied insects like aphids, often ambushing them with the accuracy of an assassin. They only bite humans when they are handled or feel threatened. Wheel bugs are easily recognized by the wheel-shaped crest on their backs (Figure 45).

Figure 45 - Adult Wheel Bug Photo by Gerald J. Lenhard

Bites from the wheel bug are painful and are usually localized without any serious effects. Often small cutaneous growths occur at the bite site and may last for several months. Seed orchard workers are sometimes bitten when the bugs are shaken from trees during cone collecting. Most bites occur when the bugs land down the shirt collars or on exposed skin areas.

Prevention and Treatment of Bites

Wear long-sleeved shirts and hats when working in pine seed orchards. Bites should be cleansed with soap and water.