Other Common Names
Long-legged Assassin bug, Zelus Assassin bug
Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Zelus longipes (
Linnaeus, 1767). Synonyms:
Zelus bilobus (Say), apparently
Explanation of Names
In
Words by William Whitaker, "longi" translates to "tall" and "long", "pes" translates into "foot", so its correct common name may be "Long-legged Assassin Bug"...
Identification
Distinctive orange-and-black assassin bug. The head is narrow and elongate with a neck-like constriction behind the compound eyes. The mouthparts are produced into a 3-segmented beak that curves to fit into a grove on the underside of the thorax. Abdomen often widened to expose the top surface beyond the wing margins. Front legs often somewhat enlarged to aid in prey capture.
Range
Southeastern United Stats: North Carolina south to Florida, Texas
(1), into the tropics (including Puerto Rico). Arnett
(2) also lists Texas.
Habitat
Found on trees and shrubs where its bright markings make it quite conspicuous.
Season
Found from spring to fall in the warmer states.
Food
These predaceous bugs suck body fluids from prey, such as small to medium sized armyworms, earthworms, rootworm and cucumber beetle adults and other soft bodied insects.
Life Cycle
As with all Hemiptera, assassin bugs have incomplete metamorphosis with egg, nymph, and adult stages. In warm months, females lay eggs which are stuck in clusters to leaves and stems. After hatching, the wingless nymphs grow and molt 4 times (some species molt 7 times) before becoming full-sized, winged adults. Adults are usually the overwintering stage.
Remarks
Like many other Assassin bugs, Z. longipes can bite (with its piercing beak) if handled carelessly.
This is supposed to be a mimic of the Milkweed bugs,
Oncopeltus (3), compare
Zelus longipes (left) and
Oncopeltus fasciatus:
Print References
Arnett, "American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America North of Mexico", p. 266
(2)
Blatchley,
p. 569, lists as
Zelus bilobus Say
(1)
Deyrup, "Florida's Fabulous Insects", pp. 60-61
(3)Internet References
Florida Nature.org - has additional photos of Z. longipes
Florida Corn Insect Identification Guide - has life history and photos (in relation to corn crops)
Insect Images - more pictures of adults
