Wheel Bugs fight off pest in the garden throughout Virginia

When thinking about creepy crawlers, one might think of the 1998 movie called "A Bug's Life" that creates a positive image of little creatures that roam around nature. 

As fall season arrives, the Wheel Bugs are making their appearance noticed not only in the Shenandoah Valley but throughout the entire state of Virginia. 

Eric Day works for the Department of Entomology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. 

Day notes that Wheel Bugs are not seen every single time when someone goes outside but they are still seen out and about. 

"Right now, they are all in the adult stage," Day said. "They are all at the biggest stage [in their life cycle], but they will be laying eggs and dying off over the next few weeks."

Wheel Bugs, according to the Department of Entomology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, are one of the largest members of the family of insects known as assassin bugs. 

According to the department, the eggs of the Wheel Bugs will hatch in May and June, leading nymphs to soon begin hunting for prey. Caterpillars are among their favorite meals. The Wheel Bugs molt several times and grow in size through the season. By late summer they are adults ready to mate and lay eggs.

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Typically they are  brown and black in color and about an inch long with that distinctive semi-circular crest behind the head which resembles half a cogwheel (thus the name wheel bug.) The head is very narrow and slightly constricted behind the eyes, forming a slender "neck."

Their abdomens are bright red and curl upward when they are young. 

Staying safe around Wheel Bugs

Wheel Bugs are not considered actual assassins when it comes to endangering mankind. 

However, it is not recommended to come in close contact with the bug. 

"Different people have different reactions to a bite," Day said. "It usually is described as painful but it's also creates a puncture wound. We tell people to keep an eye on it if there are any unusual symptoms."

The Wheel Bug is known for being an asset in the garden. Within the assassin bug family, most members are predacious on other insects. 

Day added that these bugs are most commonly found in gardens, fence rows and orchards. 

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For more information, visit the Virginia Tech Department of Entomology Facebook page.

— Matthew Sokol (he/him) is a journalist with The News Leader. Story ideas? I want to hear them. Please email me at msokol@gannett.com. Follow me on Twitter @MatthewSokol95