# 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.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Snaps:** 1
- **Habitat:** Fields, gardens, and grassy areas.
- **Also known as:** Bee Killer, Bug Assassin, Insect Hunter

![Plains Bee Assassin](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Apiomerus_spissipes_P1480125a.jpg&width=800)

Photo: xpda, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Apiomerus_spissipes_P1480125a.jpg)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

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

## 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

- **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.
- **Venomous Kiss:** Plains Bee Assassin has a sharp, piercing proboscis that helps them inject venom to paralyze and dissolve their prey's insides.
- **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) — large, slow-flying targets
- **Hunts:** [Eastern Yellowjacket](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-yellowjacket) (*Vespula maculifrons*) — other stinging insects
- **Hunts:** House Fly (*Musca domestica*) — various common flying insects

## Traits

- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
- [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
- [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
- [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.

## Collections

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

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

No special safety notes yet.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Plains Bee Assassin?

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 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

## Where to spot

- [Glenrio](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/glenrio) — Texas, US · Neighborhood
- [Brock Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/brock-park) — Texas, US · Park

## 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: [Plains Bee Assassin: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/plains-bee-assassin)