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About Eric R. Eaton
Expertise
I can answer most questions related to wasps, solitary bees, grasshoppers and katydids, beetles, cicadas, and spiders, and identification of "mystery bugs" in North America. No "what bit me?" or "what do I feed this bug in captivity?" questions please.
Experience
Principal author, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America. Professional entomologist employed previously at University of Massachusetts, Chase Studio, Inc., and Cincinnati Zoo; contract work for West Virginia Department of Natural Resources, Smithsonian Institution, and Portland (Oregon) State University.
Organizations
Entomological Society of America, National Association of Science Writers
Publications
Author, Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Missouri Conservationist magazine, Ranger Rick, Timeline (journal of the Ohio Historical Society). I have contributed to several books as well.
Education/Credentials
Oregon State University, undergraduate major in entomology, did not receive degree.
Past/Present Clients
Principal author of the Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, Smithsonian Institution (contract), Cincinnati Zoo (employer), Portland State University (contract), Chase Studio, Inc (employer), Arkansas Museum of Discovery (guest speaker). Currently seeking employment in a highly creative work environment with a media corporation or non-profit.
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You are here: Experts > Science > Insects/Spiders > Entomology (Study of Bugs) > Insect Indentification
Expert: Eric R. Eaton - 11/6/2009
Question
I have found an insect in my house (Indianapolis area near wooded creek) that I have have never seen before. In the evening it fell from a hutch over my desk and landed on a stack of papers. I don't know who was more surprised -- the insect or me. It is approximately 1 1/2 - 2 inches long, has 6 legs, a flat tear-shaped concave abdomen with a black spot on his back, a raised Stegosaurus-type ridge/back plate over his thorax area, a very small head with a long proboscis-type mouth, long red antenna and long spindly legs with "little feet" -- an ankle joint-like bend. The bug seems to be able to change color --from a light grey with an obvious black dot, to a more molted brown/grey/green color. It seems to have wings, but I don't know if it can fly. It moves slowly and with great deliberation, almost like a pray mantis. Do you have any idea what it is?
Answer
Kate:
Few insects are so distinctive that a written description leaves no doubt as to what a person is talking about, but this is one of them....
Your insect is an adult "wheel bug," Arilus cristatus, in the "assassin bug" family Reduviidae. Fortunately, the only thing they "assassinate" is other insects. For tons of images and more information, see:
http://bugguide.net/node/view/454
Note that you can click the "images" tab near the top of the page for more images, then click individual images for a larger view, comment threads, etc.
While not dangerous to people, they can inflict an excruciating bite if carelessly handled. I'd coax it into a container and release it outside.
Thanks for sharing your curiosity at this truly unique bug:-)
Eric
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