# Assassin Bug (*Reduviidae*)

The Assassin Bug is a cool bug known for its hunting skills. They are great at catching other insects!

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Gardens, fields, and forests
- **Also known as:** Murder Bug, Wheel Bug

![Assassin Bug](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424669/objects/5524.jpg)

## Appearance

The Assassin Bug is typically slender to robust, with a narrow neck and a distinct, curved, three-segmented proboscis (beak). Colors vary widely, often cryptic browns, greys, or blacks, sometimes with vibrant red or orange markings. Many have strong, often spiky, front legs designed for grasping prey.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Hemiptera
- **Family:** Reduviidae

## Interesting facts

- Assassin Bugs can rub their proboscis against a groove to make a chirping sound!
- Assassin Bugs help farmers by eating many crop pests in their fields!
- Some species are called “kissing bugs” because they bite sleeping people on the face.
- Their long, powerful legs allow them to run quickly and ambush unsuspecting insects.

## Special abilities

- **Sticky Trap Hunter:** Some Assassin Bugs have sticky front legs or coat themselves in resin that helps them firmly grasp struggling prey.
- **Carcass Cloak:** Certain Assassin Bugs collect the empty exoskeletons of their victims and wear them as a disguise to fool predators.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 20-50 mm
- **Size:** 10-25 mm
- **Lifespan:** 150-365 days
- **Flight Speed:** 5-15 km/h
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

These stealthy hunters feast on other insects, catching them with a quick, venomous stab!

- **Primary Foods:** beetles, caterpillars, flies, spiders, ants, true bugs
- **Foraging Method:** Ambush

## Ecological connections

- **Hunts:** house fly (*Musca domestica*) — A common prey item for many species.
- **Hunts:** cabbage white caterpillar (*Pieris rapae*) — Feeds on agricultural pests, helping crops.
- **Eaten by:** [garden spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/garden-spider) (*Argiope aurantia*) — Can become prey for larger predatory spiders.
- **Eaten by:** [house sparrow](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-sparrow) (*Passer domesticus*) — Insectivorous birds sometimes prey on them.

## Traits

- [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
- [Ambush Predator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ambush-predator): An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
- [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
- [Venomous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/venomous): Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)
- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Assassin Bug?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What is Assassin Bug's wingspan?

20-50 mm

### How big is Assassin Bug?

10-25 mm

### How long does Assassin Bug live?

150-365 days

### How fast can Assassin Bug fly?

5-15 km/h

### What does Assassin Bug eat?

These stealthy hunters feast on other insects, catching them with a quick, venomous stab!

### Where is Assassin Bug usually found?

Gardens, fields, and forests

### How does Assassin Bug hunt?

Ambush

## Where to spot

- [Audubon Insectarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/audubon-insectarium) — Louisiana, US · Zoo

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Assassin Bug: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/assassin-bug)