Its common name comes from the wheel-shaped projection behind the head. At first sight wheel bugs appear to be a dangerous insect because of their size and weird appearance. However, they are beneficial insects that feed on soft-bodied insects, such as caterpillars. Eggs of the wheel bug are attached to twigs of shrubs and trees in the fall. In the early spring, the homeowner may see these small red insects with long legs on various trees or landscape plantings.
Wheel bugs undergo incomplete metamorphosis developing slowly into the winged adult.
The wheel bug's piercing-sucking mouthparts may inflict a painful bite. There may be some temporary reddening or allergic reaction around the site of the bite. The use of some products may not be legal in your state or country. Please check with your local county agent or regulatory official before using any pesticide mentioned in this publication.