Assassin Bug
Reduviidae family
low risk
beneficial_insect
Overview
Predatory bugs that ambush and kill garden pests. Important natural control agents despite ability to bite if handled.
Variable by species. Typically 15-35mm. Long curved beak, narrow head, oval body. Often black, brown, or red-marked.
Prevention Strategies
- •No control needed - beneficial predator
- •Don't handle with bare hands
Control Methods
- •No control needed
Interesting Facts
- •Inject digestive enzymes to liquefy prey before sucking it out
- •Some tropical species (kissing bugs) can transmit Chagas disease - North American species are harmless
- •Can kill prey much larger than themselves
- •The 'wheel bug' is the largest North American assassin bug