This wicked looking insect is a Wheel Bug. It has a spiny wheel on its back. It also has a large red beak that it uses to pierce its prey.
The first time I saw one was last year. My hubby found one outside his workplace and brought it home for me to photograph. He was really excited about finding a new insect for me. He opened the container to show it to me and ... it promptly flew away! His expression was priceless. I told him it was the thought that counted. :0)
I read about them after seeing it and I found out they can deliver a very painful bite that can take months to heal. I'm glad we didn't get bitten! In two different articles, it states they need to be handled carefully. I shoot spiders and insects. I DON'T touch them! :0)
I did see a couple more of them last summer and got pics. When I was taking pics of this one today, I was jumpy. The articles say they are shy, but they fly!
A spider jumped into one of my shots. I think it changed its mind quickly about attacking this guy and did a quick retreat. It spider definitely startled me!
I've been thinking about all our 365 friends on the East coast of the U.S. today. I'm praying all will be safe from the hurricane!
I've never heard of this bug before but you really got a wonderful macro of it. I used to sing 'The wheels on the bus" with my little folks in music classes a lot.
What fantastic detail on this guy - now I have a new bug to look for! He sure is a different one - and to thing I used to refer to them all as "bugs" - learned so much from you!
Fascinating bug! And a great shot of it! Like you, I don't touch the spiders and bugs I shoot, even though I get some of them jumping on to my lens when I get too close. XD
