Assassin bugs

Definition

A large cosmopolitan family of predatory true bugs (Reduviidae: Hemiptera: Heteroptera), characterized by a narrow 'neck' (constricted prothorax), raptorial forelegs in many species, and a stout, curved proboscis used to stab prey and inject paralyzing saliva. Most species are terrestrial ambush predators, though the subfamily Triatominae comprises blood-feeding ectoparasites of vertebrates, including vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease. Large reduviids can deliver a painful defensive stab with their proboscis.

Etymology

From the predatory habit; 'assassin' reflects their stealthy ambush hunting and rapid strike behavior.

Example

The milkweed assassin bug Zelus longipes and the wheel bug Arilus cristatus are common North American reduviids that prey on caterpillars and other soft-bodied insects; in contrast, Triatoma infestans in the subfamily Triatominae feeds exclusively on vertebrate blood and is a major Chagas disease vector in South America.

Synonyms

• Reduviidae

Related Terms

• Reduviidae
• Heteroptera
• Triatominae
• kissing bugs
• ambush predator
• raptorial forelegs
• Proboscis
• Chagas disease
• true bugs
• Nabidae
• Hemiptera

Usage Notes

In strict technical usage, 'assassin bugs' refers specifically to Reduviidae, not to all predatory Hemiptera. The term is sometimes applied more loosely to other predatory true bugs such as damsel bugs (Nabidae), but specialists reserve it for Reduviidae. The blood-feeding Triatominae are technically assassin bugs despite their non-predatory parasitic ecology, a point of potential confusion. When handling large specimens in the field, care should be taken to avoid defensive proboscis strikes, which can cause significant pain and localized tissue damage.