Wheel Bug: Nymphs or the immature stages of the wheel bug, Arilus cristatus can be found on pecan trees at this time. The immatures have red abdomens and black heads, legs and thorax. The early immature stages can be found clustered together near the egg cases. As these immatures develop they will disperse through the tree. These insects feed on a wide range of soft bodied insects and are considered beneficial.

Wheel bug, Arilus cristatus, adult on leaf. Photo by Bill Ree. Click on image to enlarge (6 sec @ 56K)	Wheel bug, Arilus cristatus, nymphs on tree. Photo by Bill Ree. Click on image to enlarge (10 sec @ 56K)	Wheel bug, Arilus cristatus, nymph on leaf. Photo by Bill Ree. Click on image to enlarge (5 sec @ 56K)