June 06, 2004
Assassin Bug
I wasn't sure what this bug was when I first snapped his photo . . . he looks a little like a wheel bug without a wheel.
I sent a photo to Dotty Woodson at the Tarrant County Cooperative Extension Office and she was kind enough to send it along to one of the entomologists. Michael Merchant replied and identified it as an assassin bug -- since it's immature, it's hard to identify exactly which type. Assassin bugs are generally considered to be beneficial since they eat other bugs, although some can sting if you try to handle them.
If you're not familiar with your local Extension office, you should look them up. They're a wonderful resource for gardening information.