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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.
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- North American Wheel 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.
- Pale Green Assassin Bug. 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.
- Milkweed Assassin Bug. 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.
- Leafhopper Assassin Bug. 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.
- Assassin Bug Profile
- Interesting Assassin Bug Facts
- Assassin Bug Fact-File Summary
The word “bug” gets thrown around with reckless abandon in the non-entomology world, but it does have a true meaning in zoology: a true bug is from the order Hemiptera and is characterised by its piercing mouthparts and often shield-shaped body. Most bugs are plant suckers like aphids, but some feed on blood, such as bedbugs. Then there’s the famil...
1. They’re biters
All bugs bite one thing or another, but almost all predatory bugs live in the water, which makes assassin bugs unusual still. As bugs, these are real suckers. A long, rigid proboscis hides under the insect’s head, ready to unfold and impale unsuspecting prey. In most cases, this is a caterpillar or a small beetle, but sometimes it’s the young of a rival species!
2. Their proboscis is sheathed
Once they’re done slaughtering their enemies, that formidable piercing lance returns to its folded position, like a flick knife, under the head of the bug. It’s protected by a stiff sheath that not only keeps it sharp but also helps it talk.
3. They can use it to sing
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. While most insects use stridulation as a loving call to a potential mate, this would be uncharacteristic of a warrior race like the assassin bugs; instead, it seems to be primarily a defence sound and is thought to occur as a result...
Scientific Classification
1. “The Wheel Bug”, College of Agriculture Food and Environment. 2. Andrew A. Walker, “Melt With This Kiss: Paralyzing and Liquefying Venom of The Assassin Bug Pristhesancus plagipennis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)”, Science Direct. 3. “Parasites – American Trypanosomiasis (also known as Chagas Disease)”, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 4. John H. Klotz (2010), “Kissing Bugs”: Potential Disease Vectors and Cause of Anaphylaxis”, Oxford Academic. 5. “Feather-legged assassin bug”, Pictur...
- Grasslands, forests and more
- Worldwide
- 6-10 months
- Up to about 3.3cm (1.5 inch)
An assassin bug is an insect from the Reduviidae family, also known as true bugs or hemipterans. These predatory insects are aptly named for their hunting behavior, as they often use a long proboscis to stab and suck the bodily fluids of their prey.
Apr 16, 2024 · In this article, we discuss all about the infamous assassin bug, and whether it is as bad as it is made out to be by its name! When you hear the name “assassin bug,” you might assume them to be a scary insect that can deliver a painful bite or a venomous sting.
Jul 5, 2023 · The strong beak found on Assassin bugs is used to repeatedly, and violently, stab its prey to death, hence the name 'assassin'. This insect can also inflict terribly painful bites on careless humans and may be best left observed and not handled.
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Jun 14, 2024 · There are over 160 species of assassin bugs in North America, most of which survive the winter as adults in sheltered locations. Important species in Maryland: Spined assassin bug, wheel bug, elongate assassin bug. Life stage(s) that feed on pests: Nymphs and adult. Assassin bug nymphs. Photo: Joseph Berger, Bugwood.org
