Classification

Kingdom: Animalia 
    Phylum: Arthropoda
       Class: Insecta
            Order: Hemiptera
                Family: Reduviidae
                    Genus: Arilus
                        Species: Arilus cristatus

 

Arilus cristatus is also known by the more common name, "Wheel Bug". Wheel bug refers to the prominent cog like crest on its thorax. The crest contains 8 to 12 teeth like edges protruding from it. Both the male and the female have this crest like structure and is the only insect in the United States that has this unique feature.

 

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