Assassin Bugs

There are more than 160 species in the family of Assassin Bugs, also known as Kissing Bugs in North America, many of which are fairly common. Most assassin bugs are medium-sized to large predators of crop pests, but there are a few blood-sucking species. Even the beneficial insect predators can inflict a painful bite if handled carelessly, resulting in an inflammation that can persist for a few days. Adult assassin bugs are usually 1/2 to 3/4″ long. Most species are brownish or blackish, but are brightly colored. The long, curved mouth parts form a beak which is carried beneath the body, with the tip fitting in a groove visible on the underside of the body. They impale their prey on this mouth. The middle of the abdomen is often widened, so the wings don’t completely cover the entire width of the body.