Name that bug

[nate_m]

Anyone know the name of this critter?
I try to be educated about the flora and fauna around the place but this guy is eluding me.
I have searched my Audubon Guide to Insects cover to cover and nothing matches.
This is the first summer that I have ever noticed him around and so far we have seen several between the flower beds out front and the back porch.
Here are some characteristics that might help with the id:

• location: southern Ohio
• length of body approximately 3/4 inch, grey
• 6 legs, red in color at bottom
• no wings
• small head, black
• antenae, red
• 1 large fang, red, points down from lower jaw
• tail always points up, black
• very timid
• out during the day
• looks most like an ant but larger and no indication of colony behavior

I don't have any evidence that he is dangerous, but with that fang, he looks like he could do some damage if he wanted to.

Any ideas?

 

[schmism]

Alex, What is an assassin bug?

 

[EastTexFrank]

One squirt of Sevin and it won't matter. When he's lying on his back with all six legs in the air place an "anonymous" marker on the site.

 

[EastTexFrank]

One squirt of Sevin and it won't matter. When he's lying on his back with all six legs in the air place an "anonymous" marker on the site.

I know that's not much help but it's how I feel about bugs.

 

[jinman]

Alex, What is an assassin bug?

I agree, Steve, it looks like some type of assassin bug to me too. That makes it a "good guy" that eats other bugs.

Nate, I love the title of this thread. That would be a great name for a farm, "Name That Bug Acres."

 

[smallfarmer]

Capture one and take it to the local extention office and usually they will identify it for you.

 

[nate_m]

Thanks guys!
That is definately an Assassin Bug. After a Google search I'd say it was the Wheel Bug viarity in nymph stage.

Sounds like these guys are certainly freinds of your garden as they eat the caterpillars and other bugs that would otherwise eat your veggies.

I'll keep the seven away from them for now. But that suggestion above to put him in a grave marked "anonymous" made me laugh.

 

[polo1665]

I'd also have to say it's some variety of assasin bug.

Mark

 

[MossRoad]

Anyone know the name of this critter?

Yes. His name is Fred and he lives down the road from me. His wife went to school with a friend of my wife's. His has a bunch of kids. Most of them are all right, except for the oldest boy, who's had a few run-ins with the law when he was a teenager. It started with stealing bicycles....

(sorry, couldn't resist).

Looks like the assassin bug, to me, too.