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- Assassin bugs, aka ambush bugs, have elongated bodies, long legs and a distinct, curved proboscis, which acts as their primary weapon. This proboscis allows them to inject toxins into their prey, liquefying the insides of dead prey insects for easy consumption.
animals.howstuffworks.com/insects/assassin-bug.htmThe Assassin Bug Liquefies Its Victims' Organs Before Feasting
Sep 14, 2023 · Assassin bugs exhibit a wide range of physical features, including elongated bodies, a distinct head, and powerful legs adapted for capturing prey. Many species have vibrant coloration, serving as a warning to potential predators.
- North American Wheel Bug
- Pale Green Assassin Bug
- Milkweed Assassin Bug
- Leafhopper Assassin Bug
- Jagged Ambush Bug
- Orange Assassin Bug
- Phymata fasciata
- Pennsylvania Ambush Bug
- Apiomerus Spissipes
- Ringed Assassin Bug
The North American Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus) is one of the largest species of bugs in the US as it grows to an average of 1.6 inches. This is the only species of Wheel bug found in the country. This species is known for a type of armored-like pronotal segment. North American Wheel Bugs have a gray-brown body but they’re generally hard to see sin...
This type of assassin bug (Zelus luridus) is known for its green think body. Pale Green Assassin bugs don’t have wings but they know how to hunt. Bugs of this species are known for eating insects that are found around trees. They use 2 main hunting techniques to catch them. Waiting around making the most of its green camouflaging color is the prefe...
The Milkweed Assassin Bug (Zelus longipes) is common in the US, particularly in Southern states. They are identified by a short 18mm body with orange-black or brown-black coloring and black legs. These bugs are common across multiple types of crops as they feed on the insects living on these crops. Milkweed Assassin bugs are found around cornfields...
Leafhopper Assassin Bugs (Zelus renardii) are identified by their green and brown body color. These bugs are common in agricultural fields where they’re beneficial as they eat many infesting insects. Bugs of the species eat bugs that are harmful to cotton, soybean, and fruits. These bugs can also bite people resulting in pain that takes a few minut...
Jagged Ambush Bugs (Phymata americana) are among the most common types of assassin bugs that live on flowers. These yellow bugs are known for preferring the most colorful flowers where they sit on awaiting prey. As bugs that live on flowers, Jagged Ambush bugs are mostly tied to eating other insects that are attracted to flowers. This includes many...
This species of bug (Pselliopus barberi) is identified by its mostly orange body. Its round elongated body has black lines and black stripes across its legs. These bugs may appear slightly amber in certain regions. Orange Assassin Bugs are part of a few hundred types of species of assassin bugs found in the US. It’s often found around trees, especi...
This type of assassin bug is a very potent predator. It’s one of the few types of bugs of this genus that can take on prey a few times larger than its 1-inch body. Bugs of these species are tan or brown. They have a body that appears wrinkly, often confused with leaves or tree bark. This allows these bugs to remain undetected on flowers or trees wh...
These bugs (Phymata pennsylvanica) are the most common types of ambush bugs in the Eastern US. They grow to 12mm and they are known for having a brown color with excellent camouflage traits. Bugs of this genus are sometimes compared with brown leaves given their flattened appearance. These bugs feed on a wide range of insects and they do this by pl...
Common in Central and North America, this species of assassin bug has a tricolored body. It has a brown, red, and white body with a triangular shape abdomen. Bugs of the species also exhibit short white hairs around the head. Known for their preying capacity, these bugs aren’t considered beneficial as they eat honeybees. They catch honeybees and wa...
The Ringed Assassin Bug (Pselliopus cinctus) eats almost any type of insect as a generalist species. It’s common across multiple US states in the Eastern and Southern parts of the country. Bugs of these species prefer floral habitats next to woodlands. These are areas that attract many types of insects which are seen as perfect prey for these bugs....
Assassin bugs are predators that feed on other insects, so they inhabit trees and grassy areas where they can hunt bees, flies, caterpillars, and more. This makes them helpful bugs to have in...
Assassin bugs are capable of stridulation. This is a form of noise-based communication that can be accomplished by rubbing two stiff bits of insect together. Crickets, cicadas, and even longhorn beetles make sound this way, and as it happens, so do assassin bugs.
- Grasslands, forests and more
- Worldwide
- 6-10 months
- Up to about 3.3cm (1.5 inch)
Apr 16, 2024 · Generally speaking, assassin bugs have flat and elongated bodies, narrow heads, and joint antennae. Most of them are winged insects, with the wings forming an X pattern on their backs. The claw-like beak has three grooves that allow them to fold it underneath their bodies.
Assassin bugs are good flyers and walkers. They prowl around trees, gardens, and grassy areas, hunting other insects. Most people consider them beneficial, as they help control many insect pests. Handling assassin bugs is not recommended, as they can inflict a painful bite.
