Plains Bee Assassin
ExploreInsects
Plains Bee Assassin
apiomerus spissipes
The Plains Bee Assassin is a fascinating insect that uses its special skills to catch other bugs! It has a unique way of blending into its environment, making it a sneaky predator.
Habitat: Fields, gardens, and grassy areas.
Appearance
The Plains Bee Assassin has a robust, dark brown to black body, often with striking reddish-orange markings on its legs, antennae, and side. Its body is covered in fine hairs, giving it a somewhat fuzzy appearance. This combination of dark and bright colors makes it stand out from many other dark insects.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyReduviidaeGenusApiomerus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Some assassin bugs can make a squeaking warning sound!
Their painful bite uses venom to turn prey into a liquid meal!
There are over 7,000 different kinds of assassin bugs worldwide!
They cover their legs in a sticky, tree-sap-like goo!
Special abilities
Ability
Sticky Trap Legs
Plains Bee Assassin can coat its front legs with sticky resin because this helps them hold onto slippery, struggling prey like bees.
Ability
Venomous Kiss
Plains Bee Assassin has a sharp, piercing proboscis that helps them inject venom to paralyze and dissolve their prey's insides.
Ability
Pollen Disguise
Plains Bee Assassin can cover itself with plant resin and pollen that helps them camouflage and ambush unsuspecting prey.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 25-35 mm
- Size
- 15-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 60-120 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
These fierce hunters feast on other insects, especially bees and wasps!
Primary Foods
- bees
- wasps
- flies
- beetles
- grasshoppers
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
hunts
European Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
for food using sticky legs
hunts
Common Eastern Bumble Bee
Bombus impatiens
large, slow-flying targets
hunts
Eastern Yellowjacket
Vespula maculifrons
other stinging insects
hunts
House Fly
Musca domestica
various common flying insects
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Bee KillerBug AssassinInsect Hunter
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Plains Bee Assassin's wingspan?
25-35 mm
How big is Plains Bee Assassin?
15-20 mm
How long does Plains Bee Assassin live?
60-120 days
What does Plains Bee Assassin eat?
These fierce hunters feast on other insects, especially bees and wasps!
Where is Plains Bee Assassin usually found?
Fields, gardens, and grassy areas.
How does Plains Bee Assassin hunt?
Ambush
How many legs does Plains Bee Assassin have?
6
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