Page 125 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

WHEEL BUG WHEEL BUG

Photo Courtesy of Gerald J. Lenhard Photo Courtesy of Manigault Slide
www.forestryimages.org Collection, Clemson University

1.Antenna- long & slender 6.Thorax- cog-like wheel crest
2.Eyes- compound 7.Petiole- none WHEEL BUG
3.Head- small elongated with beak 8.Abdomen- broad and long
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- brownish black 1 6
5.Wings- fold over abdomen 10.Other- toxic saliva 5

Life Cycle 3
In the late fall eggs are laid in clusters of several dozen to over a hundred,
attached to trees, shrubs, and structures. They are situated well away from 4 8
the ground, often several feet up. They do not hatch until the early spring,
overwintering in this fashion. They hatch into nymphs, which take about three
months over the spring to develop into adults. The adults are seen during the
summer and fall months, so there is only one generation per year. Photo Courtesy of Pennsylvania Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources
WHEEL BUG Actual size 1”

The Wheel Bug is a type of Assassin Bug that actually preys upon other insects. It will
bite with a sting that is worse than that of a bee. It differs from other Assassin Bugs in that it
has cog-shaped crest on the thorax. They are attracted to lights, have aggressive behavior,
and can be cannibalistic. Wheel Bugs make chirping noises similar to crickets. They can also
give off a strong scent. The adults are usually found on flowering plants and trees.
Wheel Bugs will prey upon butterflies, moths, caterpillars, aphids, ladybugs, and bees.
They have toxic saliva that they inject, and when humans are bitten, the resulting painful
wound may take from two weeks to six months to heal.

1.Antenna- short, segmented 6.Thorax- small
2.Eyes- compound 7.Petiole- none BLISTER BEETLE
3.Head- broad 8.Abdomen
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- orangish red & brownish black 1 3 6 5
5.Wings- covered by elytra 10.Other- feeds on flowers & leaves

Life Cycle
Eggs are laid in soil, under rocks, or on plants. The larvae that hatch
go through several instars. They are found around bees, which often 4
carry them to a plant for feeding. Later instars actually prey upon
bees. The larval stage may last a year or more before pupating. They
emerge as adults, and may live for up to three months. Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
BLISTER BEETLE Actual size 3/4”

There are many kinds of Blister Beetles in Florida. They have long legs and soft bodies. They
produce a chemical that causes blistering on contact with skin—usually when the beetle is
crushed or rubbed while trying to get rid of it. The blisters are uncomfortable, but not painful
unless they are numerous. Blister Beetles can be fatal to horses if ingested, and can also
cause crop damage when found in large numbers.

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