Assassin Bugs 



vancing one leg after another with a movement so slow as 

 almost to be imperceptible. When once within striking distance, 

 however, the beak is thrust into the victim which is at the same 

 time grasped with the front legs with a movement which is quite 

 the reverse of slow. 



Fig. 186. Arilus cristatus. (After Glover.} 



The wheel bug is a very beneficial insect. It is a common in- 

 habitant of southern cities and in such places as Baltimore and 

 Washington is an important factor in the destruction of the 

 numerous caterpillars which defoliate shade trees. 



296 



