The Gluttony of Wheel Bugs

The wheel bugs (Arilus cristatus) were out in force last Saturday, the last time I was taking photos of insects in the garden. While praying mantids have the reputation of being the fiercest predators you can have on your side, in my garden I have to give that accolade to the wheel bugs!

At one point I had 3 wheel bugs on one goldenrod plant, all easily visible in one camera view field! That shot isn't as good as these individual ones, though, all of them on that same goldenrod and within about 45 minutes....

Wheel bug 1 eating unknown moth or skipper, 1:35 p.m.....

Wheel bug 2 eating small bee, 2:07 p.m.....

Wheel bug 3 eating female sachem skipper, 2:11 p.m.....

(Note: Although I have labeled them wheel bug 1, wheel bug 2, and wheel bug 3, I have no idea if these were the same individual or different individuals. It was during this time span, though, that I saw all 3 wheel bugs at one time on the same goldenrod plant.)