Beneficial Big Bug

I was in our back yard this morning taking shots of some 'cute' squirrels when I spotted this North American Wheel Bug, Arilus cristatus. It has the distinction of being one of the largest 'true' bugs on the continent, reaching up to 1.5" (38mm) in length. This one was all of that, probably a female since they are larger than the males. They are a very beneficial 'assassin bug', preying on caterpillars, beetles, cabbage worms, tent caterpillars and grasshoppers. They pierce their victims and inject fluids that dissolve soft tissue. Sorry, TMI. They are not vectors of disease for humans and will not bite unless provoked. Their bite is reported to be worse than a wasp's sting! 
So, if you should happen upon one...don't touch and just leave it be. m