another pic

i don't see a proboscis...

Congratulations. That's the nymph of a predatory Wheel Bug. Google their adult stage so that you can learn what they look like.....pretty wierd.

Wheel bugs (and other predators) don't hang out in gangs, but quickly go their separate ways as soon as they hatch. You can't see a proboscis because it's tucked up under the head....unless in use.

By the way, the adults aren't shy about stabbing the heck out of any curious human wanting to hold it. Yeouch!

thanks for the response!! i'm very excited to have a good guy patrolling my garden :)
maybe it will chow down on some squash bugs!!!

i have a new bug question... this little guy is orangeish... maybe a ladybug nymph? also check out what i think is the same wheel bug behind this new arrival :)

here's another pic of what i think is my wheel bug.

Lena, these recent pictures are not close enough or are of an odd angle that make ID difficult.

The first one is not a ladybug larva, of that we can be certain. Does the second insect have a large, wheel-like hump on its thorax? If so, it is a wheel bug.