assasin bugs in new york?

[Longbord1]

i saw a huge assasin bug the other day in my town which seemed a little wierd ive always seen assasin bugs as small little bugs but this was a big hinkin one and it almost scared the crap outta me. are these common in new york ?

mike

 

[PINK1081]

They are common here in PA. I just collected 5 the other day on my bee hives. They were just standing at the entrance picking off bees. They were about 1 1/2 inches long. Really are odd looking bugs.
Jim

 

[Jesse607]

Are you referring to the Wheel bug Arilus cristatus ? They are neat. I have kept a bred them before, and I currently have several wc adult females. Fascinating creatures!

 

[Elizabeth]

Well, this is fun stuff to look up! Here's a link:

http://www.entomology.wisc.edu/mbcn/kyf305.html


but then it still leaves me confused. What have you got there in PA that is 1 1/2 inches long and just picking off the bees? Also, what color is it?

 

[PINK1081]

Here are some pictures.

 

[Longbord1]

yup thats what it looked like. is it possible to buy them? anyone know how to find them?

 

[PINK1081]

Most of the summer they seem to be on plants with lots of aphids (milk weed seems to attract some), because that is what they are feeding on. Now because they are big enough and can take a bee they are hanging out around the hives. Also patches of eggs ( covering about 1 inch round with dark almost black eggs ) on the bottomside of branches. I saw them hatch on a maple tree last spring and didn't pay much attention :wall: .

Jim