Pselliopus zebra

(Stål, 1862)

Zebra assassin bug

Pselliopus zebra is a of assassin bug in the Reduviidae, characterized by its distinctive black and white striped coloration reminiscent of a zebra pattern. This predatory true inhabits regions of Central America and North America, where it hunts small prey. Like other members of the Pselliopus, it possesses forelegs adapted for capturing prey and a piercing-sucking used to subdue and consume victims.

Pselliopus zebra by Neptalí Ramírez Marcial. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Pselliopus zebra: //sɛˈliː.oʊ.pəs ˈziː.brə//

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Identification

Distinguished from other Pselliopus by its bold zebra-like striping pattern of alternating black and white bands across the body. The Pselliopus can be separated from similar assassin bug genera by the presence of distinct spines on the front and characteristic body shape. P. zebra specifically differs from the closely related P. barberi (orange assassin bug) by its black and white coloration versus the orange and black pattern of P. barberi.

Images

Distribution

Central America and North America.

Similar Taxa

Pselliopus barberiSimilar size and body plan, but distinguished by orange and black coloration rather than zebra striping; both are active on flowers and vegetation