Wheel Bug

Mating Wheel Bugs, Arilus cristatus

The Wheel Bug, one of the largest true bugs and the largest member of the assassin bugs, is both intriguing and beneficial. While mentioned earlier, it is the fall season that this reclusive bug is most likely to be spotted. The wheel bug has one generation a year and dies during the winter months; however, those found in the warmer southern climate may survive the winter. The arrival of autumn is when the goal of the female is to mate and lay eggs. After laying between 40-200 tiny brown eggs in a small shrub or tree twig, the female dies. The eggs will overwinter then hatch the following spring thus starting a new cycle and generation of wheel bugs.

I found these two wheel bugs earlier today, but had nothing but my phone on me. The picture is not great, but it's rare enough for me to see one wheel bug let alone two, and mating!