6 legged spider like insect black/red - Arilus cristatus

appearance

these things started appearing around my house, and i never even seen one before, i kill every one i find, they just came out of nowhere, their bite is supposed to be worse than a bees, wasp and hornets, it takes about a half a year to recover and burns to the touch of the bite zone.

… darthvader12179, 20 July, 2008 - 11:37pm

There's no reason to kill them

They are not going to bite you unless you are abusing them. They are great predators, keeping your yard free of the real pests. You're lucky if you have some of these in your yard.

… john and jane balaban, 20 July, 2008 - 11:40pm

Evil bug

I found one just like the picture, couldnt find anything on it till I found this. Exact same bug, mines only about 2cm long but looks the same.

… Beans, 25 June, 2005 - 3:36pm

wheelbug?

Looks like a wheelbug to us

… john and jane balaban, 24 June, 2005 - 11:14pm

six-legged

Hi, I think this could be an Assassin Bug species. Don't know which one. Up to the pros. Dave P.

… Dave Pelletier, 24 June, 2005 - 8:49pm

Reduviidae

I agree Dave, this looks like a typical member of the Reduviidae family, possibly a third instar. The abdominal phlange is a dead give away. cheers, sean-paul

… Sean-Paul Smith, 25 June, 2005 - 9:22am

Thanks for your help. I have

Thanks for your help. I have found these bugs on my kids arms and legs, so I'm just trying to make sure they won't get bitten.

… mattaustinkelly, 24 June, 2005 - 9:18pm

True Bug

I would definitely watch the Kids because I hear that they will bite if handled. Dave P.

… Dave Pelletier, 25 June, 2005 - 12:34pm