Wheel Bug with prey by Leeco
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
Here is a rather odd looking insect. It is a Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus). This image only shows a portion of the red colored 'beak' because half of it is impaled into this unfortunate bee. This beak injects a toxin that dissolves tissue which it then sucks up through the beak.
Wheel Bug nymphs hatch in early spring and are mostly a varied combination of bright red and black areas. They have no 'wheel' during the early instars (molting stages).
The info I have read, suggests that a Wheel Bug bite is quite painful. I have never had any bug bite me while I was handling them (but I make it a point to not upset bugs that have crawled onto a hand I have placed in their path, lol)
Even without any tissue dissolving toxins, the beak itself would inflect a pretty significant wound.
My thanks to those who have taken the time to comment on previous posts. The feedback is appreciated.
Lee
Comments (9)
Wow, fantastic capture!
Fascinating insect and interesting information. Thanks for sharing this. :-)
The stuff of bee nightmares! A very interesting photo.
What a superb macro !! - Bravo !
I don't think I would be brave enough to handle it if it's toxin dissolves tissue!!! Great shot though.
Excellent shot!
Must be bug eating bug week lol! Cool shot!
Strange bug and what a gruesome way to die, great shot.
Superb capture my friend. Thank you for sharing information of this bug as well.God bless.