Showing the "wheel". I'm not sure anyone understands the function of this odd crest. To me, it looks like it might discourage a bird from trying to swallow it. This is the male--the two sexes are similar, but the male is smaller, a mere 22 mm, versus for this one's mate, 30 mm in the female. The abdomen of the female is plumper as well. I have these captive in a cool environment--I am hoping the female will lay eggs, which are placed in a big geometric pattern on bark, etc., see BugGuide photo.PCCA20081119-7001A
Another from back in October. 2008 was a great year for wheel bugs, and I hope that 2009 will be as well, since these are definitely in my top ten favourite true bugs!
