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As
indicated by their common name, assassin bugs are killers, preying
mostly on other insects. Assassin bugs are generally slow moving
and wait in ambush for prey. They grasp insects with their legs,
piercing into the soft tissue with their proboscis before sucking
out the body fluids. Assassin bugs are characterised by having a
distinct neck between the head and pronotum and a proboscis that
curves back but is not held against the body. They are mostly elongated
in body shape and measure up to 25 millimetres long.
Although
assassin bugs do not attack humans care should be taken when handling
these insects as they can deliver a painful bite.
For
more assassin bug species visit the Australian
Insect Common
Names
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