Assassin-bug
Guides
Triatoma indictiva
kissing bug
Triatoma indictiva is a blood-sucking assassin bug in the subfamily Triatominae, commonly known as a "kissing bug." It is a documented vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan parasite that causes Chagas disease. The species occurs in Mexico and the southern United States, particularly Arizona and Texas. Adults measure 20–30 mm in length and are characterized by a pear-shaped body, black coloration with red lateral markings, and a tapered proboscis. Like other triatomines, it is primarily associated with vertebrate hosts in natural and peridomestic habitats.
Triatoma neotomae
kissing bug, woodrat bug
Triatoma neotomae is a species of kissing bug (subfamily Triatominae) in the assassin bug family Reduviidae. It is the smallest Triatoma species in the United States, found in south Texas and associated with woodrat (Neotoma) nests. Like other triatomines, it is a blood-feeding insect and a potential vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease.
Triatoma sanguisuga
Eastern Bloodsucking Conenose, Mexican Bed Bug, Kissing Bug
Triatoma sanguisuga is a blood-feeding assassin bug in the subfamily Triatominae, commonly known as the eastern bloodsucking conenose or kissing bug. It is the most widespread triatomine species in the United States and serves as a vector for Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite that causes Chagas disease. Unlike highly efficient South American vectors such as Triatoma infestans, T. sanguisuga typically defecates after feeding rather than during, reducing but not eliminating transmission risk to humans. The species has been implicated in documented autochthonous human Chagas disease cases in the United States.
Zelus janus
Two-faced Assassin
Zelus janus is a species of assassin bug in the genus Zelus, first described by Stål in 1862. Like other members of this genus, it possesses the characteristic 'sundew' predatory adaptation: specialized glands on the forelegs secrete a sticky substance that traps prey. The species name references the Roman two-faced god Janus, though the specific reason for this epithet is not documented in available sources. It is one of approximately 71 species in the genus Zelus, which is distributed primarily in the Americas.
Zelus longipes
milkweed assassin bug, sundew assassin bug
Zelus longipes is a medium-sized assassin bug (Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) distributed across the southern United States, Central America, and South America (excluding Chile). The species is notable for its bright red and black coloration and its unique prey-capture strategy using sticky secretions on the forelegs—an adaptation that inspired the common name "sundew assassin bug." It has been evaluated as a potential biocontrol agent for agricultural pests including fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), picture-winged flies (Ulidiidae), and Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri), though its generalist predatory habits and documented attacks on beneficial insects such as honey bees and parasitoid wasps complicate its practical application.
Zelus luridus
Pale green assassin bug
Zelus luridus, commonly called the pale green assassin bug, is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae. It is the most common Zelus species in the eastern United States, ranging from 12.5 to 18 mm in length with a pale green base color and variable markings. The species employs a unique predation strategy using sticky secretions from leg glands to trap prey, earning it the common name 'sundew assassin bug.'
Zelus nugax
Zelus nugax is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, first described by Stål in 1862. As a member of the genus Zelus, it possesses the characteristic sticky forelegs used to capture prey, a trait that has earned these insects the common name 'sundew assassin bugs.' The species is distributed across the Americas, with records from the Caribbean, Middle America, North America, and South America. Like other Zelus species, it is a predatory insect that feeds on other small arthropods.
Zelus tetracanthus
four-spurred assassin bug, sundew assassin bug
Zelus tetracanthus, commonly known as the four-spurred assassin bug, is a predatory true bug in the family Reduviidae. Adults measure 10–16 mm in body length and are recognized by a distinctive row of four spurs across the thorax. The species employs a unique prey-capture strategy using sticky secretions from specialized leg glands rather than muscular grasping. Both adults and nymphs produce these adhesive substances to immobilize prey. The species has been evaluated as a potential biological control agent for saltcedar leaf beetles (Diorhabda spp.) in tamarisk management systems.