"It was self-defense," said the Whatzit. - Apiomerus californicus

Moved

Moved from Apiomerus in response to this request.
See this forum topic for details.

… Chuck Entz, 28 June, 2009 - 9:18pm

Nice. Thanks, Chuck, for what you've done here.

...

… Ron Hemberger, 28 June, 2009 - 10:46pm

Moved

Moved from Bee Assassin.

Ron, I'm hoping you will agree with my call on this one! I'm moving these to the genus page because I'm uncertain as to how one can correctly identify species from images of nymphs. Also, a suggestion regarding the last image (of the ant) in the series, might be to do what Jeff Gruber has done here and keep the images linked, but move the ant to a more appropriate section of the guide. Or, just Frass it, if you are not attached....

… Harsi S. Parker, 8 June, 2009 - 11:23am

Fine with me, Harsi.

I once read that about 90% of immatures haven't been tied to adults. That doesn't seem surprising any more, given what I've seen here at Bug Guide.

I've frassed the ant; good suggestions.

… Ron Hemberger, 8 June, 2009 - 11:30am

Assassin bug & ant

That's a great assassin bug, Ron. I looks a bit like the bee-killer type with those thick limbs. Unusual sawed-off body shape.

… Jim McClarin, 21 September, 2006 - 10:09pm

Thanks, Jim

We haven't talked in a while, but I've noted all your neat beetle shots. Whatzit did remind me of a bee assassin, tho much smaller. I thought its texture interesting, too.

… Ron Hemberger, 21 September, 2006 - 10:20pm

Jim's comment, plus size got me thinking...

Yeah, I know, that's dangerous! After digging around a little, I saw this post from Lynette:

Small, thick legs, textured - all like mine, but certainly not identical. Might mine be a bee assassin bug nymph? (There were a ton of bee assassins at the park earlier this year.)

… Ron Hemberger, 21 September, 2006 - 11:14pm

Yes, Apiomerus.

This is indeed the nymph of a bee assassin. Might be better to call them ant assassins:-)

… Eric R. Eaton, 22 September, 2006 - 3:53pm

Thanks; I've often thought the same thing.

I would swear that an bee assassin over lured me over a harvester nest by posing attractively. I drew the harvesters out - on my pants and legs - while the assassin took in the whole scene.

… Ron Hemberger, 22 September, 2006 - 7:17pm