Wheel Bug

I've seen these creatures around my yard but have never been able to identify them. Finally got a fairly good shot of one! After much research on line, I've identified it as a Wheel Bug. This is the largest one I've seen to date, about 3" (7.62cm) in length. Immediately after I took this photo, it flew off. They are 'beneficial assassin' bugs that prey on pest insects. This one was hanging around the Swamp Milkweeds, hopefully not going after the newly laid Monarch Butterfly eggs! Their bite (yes, they bite!) is said to be worse than a bee sting! So who knew! Yikes!
Arilus cristatzus...
Thanks to WalkingWombat for hosting TinyTuesday!

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