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What's That Bug Popping Up In Pittsburgh Neighborhoods?

Wheel Bug's Bite Could Cause Problems For People

What's That Bug Popping Up In Pittsburgh Neighborhoods?
Wheel Bug's Bite Could Cause Problems For People

At first glance, you might think it's a stink bug. But a closer look reveals an insect with many eyes, long spider-like legs and a needle-sharp mouth.

One Channel 4 Action News viewer was so confused by the creature, that she sent the station photos.


Jamie Cassiday wasn't sure what to think when she saw the large bug in her front yard.

"It was a giant stink bug that had a spike on the back, that's what it looked like to me," Cassiday said.

Those spikes, that look like a cog, give the armored wheel bug its name and despite it's alien appearance, the insect is native to eastern North America.

According to Wikipedia, the bug is normally reclusive, but the fall is when females are out laying their eggs.

Like the stink bugs infesting the region, the wheel bug can be gray or brown in color and have a clumsy, noisy flight.

With folks on the alert for stink bugs, more people may notice the normally shy wheel bug.

While stink bugs can release quite a smell, the wheel bug does pose a small danger if handled by humans.

Bug experts told Channel 4 Action News' Keith Jones that the wheel bug's sharp beak can be used for defense and if a human is stabbed, the bite can take months to heal and possibly leave a scar.

"We knocked it off with a twig, after that, I don't know what happened to it," said Cassidy of her encounter with the wheel bug.

"I think of an evil ant, very mean, and ready to bite me," said Tracey Devlin, of Monroeville.

However, despite the small danger, wheel bugs aren't interested in attacking humans and will only do so if threatened.

In fact, they are considered beneficial because they like to eat insects humans consider pests.

And you don't have to worry about unwanted house guests. After mating and laying eggs on a twig, males and females generally don't live through the winter.

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