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Assassin bug

Assassin bug

Agriosphodrus dohrni

A species of Agriosphodrus

Agriosphodrus dohrni is an invasive insect species that can be found in man-made habitats such as parklands. It attacks trees, such as poplar, feeding on tree bark. It is a so-called "assassin bug"—a bug that attacks other insects by ingesting toxic saliva into them; this toxic liquefies the inside of the insect, enabling the assassin bug to suck the prey.

General Info About Assassin bug
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Attributes of Assassin bug
Colors
Black
Red
White
Habitat
Tree trunk; park; roadside
Adult Food Sources
Larger insects, arthropods, insect larvae, caterpillars, spiders
Larva Food Source
Smaller insects, insect eggs, insect larvae, aphids, mites
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
The Assassin bug preys on common garden pests such as: aphids, whiteflies, thrips, spider mites, etc. It is a popular insect among gardeners.
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Piercing-sucking mouthparts
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Species Status of Assassin bug
Invasive species
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Distribution Area of Assassin bug
Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu Is
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Life Cycle of Assassin bug
Egg During this phase, the eggs of assassin bug are usually laid in a protected environment. These eggs are small and may vary in color, often matching the surroundings for camouflage.
Nymph Nymphs resemble miniature adults but without fully developed wings. As assassin bug grows, it goes through several molts, increasing in size and gradually developing wing buds.
Adult Emerging from the last nymphal stage, the adult assassin bug's development is distinguished by fully formed wings and functional reproductive organs. The adult's coloration, size, and body structure are finalized, enabling flight and mating.
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Predators of Assassin bug Larvae
Frogs, toads, birds, spiders
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Predators of Adult Assassin bug
Birds, spiders, reptiles, mammals
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Interesting Facts About Assassin bug
Assassin bug communicates with potential mates through vibrations generated by drumming their body on leaves, a nuanced courtship ritual rarely seen by humans.
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Scientific Classification of Assassin bug
Tips for Finding Assassin bug
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Youth Habitat of Assassin bug
Forests and Woodlands, On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic and Symbiotic Relationships)
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Adult Habitat of Assassin bug
Forests and Woodlands, On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic and Symbiotic Relationships)
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Habitat Preferences of Assassin bug Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of assassin bug are typically laid in cracks within the bark of trees or on leaves, offering protection and proximity to prey. Nymphs, when they emerge, inhabit the same environments as the eggs, thriving under the bark or among foliage where they can find ample food and shelter. Adults of assassin bug, however, are often found on trunks, branches, and sometimes on the ground near host plants, employing their raptorial forelegs to capture prey. To look for these life stages, one would inspect tree bark crevices and leaf surfaces for eggs, search for nymphs in similar, yet perhaps more concealed, niches suggesting increased predation risk, and observe trunks and lower vegetation for the elusive adults.
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Harmful Effects of Assassin bug
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Hurt Plant

Assassin bug's feeding habits can induce stress in a variety of host plants. Both adults and nymphs damage leaves and stems by sucking plant fluids, leading to wilting, yellowing, and potentially death if infestation is heavy.

More Effects of Assassin bug

Beneficial Effects of Assassin bug
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Predators of Pests
Predators of Pests
Stage
Adults, Nymphs
Purpose
Feed Itself
Diets
Arthropods, Pests
Assassin bug is a predatory insect known for its voracious appetite for various arthropods. It uses its long, needle-like proboscis to pierce the exoskeleton of its prey and inject paralyzing saliva. Once immobilized, the pest is consumed, serving as a meal that sustains the insect and contributes to pest management.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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Black corsair
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The black corsair (Melanolestes picipes) is a black species of "assassin bug" that uses its beak to suck fluids from its prey, which consists of other insects. It's also known to deliver a painful bite to humans, but it does not suck blood or transmit diseases. It will most commonly be found hiding under stones or bark. The males have wings while the females are flightless.

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The western corsair, scientific name Rasahus thoracicus, is a variety of assassin bug and is one of the two species of "two spotted corsairs", the other being Rasahus biguttatus. The adults have an orange and black body and an orange spot on each wing. They feed primarily on other insects and after dark are attracted to bright lights (where prey are ample). Unlike most of the other assassin bugs, the bite of the western corsair can be extremely painful.

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