Assassin bugs are predatory insects that feed on other bugs. They belong to the family Reduviidae, which is a large cosmopolitan family of the order Hemiptera. Here are some key features of assassin bugs:
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Identification: Assassin bugs can be identified by their elongated head and long, three-segmented mouthpart (proboscis) used like a straw to feed on fluids from their preys bodies. Assassin bug hatchlings, also known as nymphs, can look very different from their parents, often exhibiting different colors or patterns than fully developed adults.
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Habitat: Assassin bugs prefer to spend their time where they are more likely to find plenty of insects to feed on. Therefore, they are typically found in vegetation outside the home, such as trees, gardens, and grassy areas. However, assassin bugs can find their way indoors through openings such as open windows or gaps around doorways and windows.
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Prey: Assassin bugs are proficient at capturing and feeding on a wide variety of prey including other bugs, bees, flies, caterpillars, and other insects. Prey are captured with a quick stab of the assassin bugs long mouthparts. After being immobilized by a paralyzing toxin, the preys body fluids are then drawn through the assassin bugs soda straw-like mouthparts.
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Bites: Although assassin bugs are generally not aggressive towards humans, they may bite if they feel threatened. Their venomous bites are intensely painful and in rare cases, they can cause an allergic reaction. The bite of the wheel bug, a type of assassin bug, is immediately and intensely painful. Persons who are bitten should wash and apply antiseptic to the site of the bite. Oral analgesics, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, may be useful to reduce the pain. Treatment by a physician is not usually needed, though Caladryl or topical corticosteroids may help reduce swelling or itching at the site of the bite.
Assassin bugs are not considered to be important in the biological control of pests, unlike predatory groups such as bigeyed bugs and minute pirate bugs.
