What is an Assassin bug – As their name implies, they are predatory insects who so happen to be a gardener’s best friend. Thanks to their diet, they help keep residential gardens free of all garden pests. With such an ear-catching name, the Assassin Bug brings along an eye-catching appearance. These insects are easy to identify thanks to their unique appearance. So, how does one identify an assassin bug?
How to identify an Assassin Bug?
As mentioned before, these insects are easy to identify thanks to their peculiar appearance. Located on their back, they have a bump with spikes on it. Depending on the species there will be a longer bump on their abdomen. These insects are typically a dark grey or tan color. The physical feature about them that gives them their assassin’s name is the beak that they have located on their head. When they are hunting they have a sharp beak that they use to stab their prey. Another physical characteristic you will notice about the Assassin Bug is its long legs. These insects use their long legs to knock down their prey before they stab them. They are incredibly strong, and it allows them to have an advantage when attacking.
What do Assassin Bugs eat?
Assassin bugs will eat a variety of garden pests including caterpillars, larvae of leaf beetles, and sawflies. Compared to how other insects hunt and eat their prey the assassin bug differs a little bit. For one the assassin bug will stalk its prey. It will put itself in a location where they can keep an eye on their prey, but they cannot see them. Once they are ready to attack, they will use their powerful front legs to hold the prey down and use their sharp beak and impale them. In the process, injecting venom and killing them quickly. Similarly, to how a ninja would do it. Once their prey has been killed, they will then suck the body contents out of them with their beak.
Where do Assassin Bugs live?
Assassin Bugs live in the bottom two-thirds of the United States and also live in Latin and South America. Due to their ability to live in a variety of habitats, this is why they can be found in so many areas. Everywhere from dense forests to mountain ranges to residential gardens, these insects can live in.
Do Assassin Bugs bite?
Due to their interesting appearance, many may want to hold them and examine them up close. Unfortunately, if these insects are handled roughly, they may bite you. These bites have been reported to be pretty painful and can come with some unpleasant symptoms. These symptoms include general swelling, itching, irritation, hives, and difficulty breathing. These insects are also known to spread Chagas disease to humans. It is a parasitic disease that is found in the fecal matter of Assassin Bugs. Unfortunately, Chagas disease does not have a cure, and once diagnosed the patient must live with it for the rest of their lives.
Assassin Bugs are rather unusual-looking insects to their physical appearance to the way they eat their food, there is nothing quite like them anywhere else in the animal kingdom. To learn more about other interesting insects in Tennessee, visit uspest.com!
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