Red/Black/White Mystery Bug - Zelus longipes

Moved

… Ken Wolgemuth, 27 August, 2022 - 10:12am

True bug

This one of the true bugs of the order Hemiptera- I'll guess maybe genus Pselliopus of the family Reduviidae (Assassin Bugs). I would wait for expert confirmation on that, though, since it's just a guess.

One characteristic of the true bugs is that they have all their mouthparts fused into a long straw that they suck their food through. The assassin bugs are predators- they jab that straw into their prey, pump it full of enzymes that digest it from the inside out, then drink up the result.

The mouthparts are that black thing underneath- it's so long, they have to fold it under there to keep it out of the way when not in use. Don't let one bite you: it won't digest you, but it sure will hurt for quite a while.

… Chuck Entz, 29 December, 2006 - 12:32am

Our guess would be

Zelus longipes - Milkweed Assassin Bug. Images in the guide here. What do you think?

… john and jane balaban, 1 January, 2007 - 4:21pm

I agree.

I think I was queried by this person privately, but couldn't upload the images, so suggested they post here. I agree it is a nymph of Zelus longipes. A 'good' bug to have in the hibiscus:-)

… Eric R. Eaton, 2 January, 2007 - 2:52pm

Posionous

Are these bugs harmful if you get bit by one?

… Christine0109, 28 December, 2008 - 11:49am

That depends...

If you mean can they cause long term injury or illness... no. But they have enzymes and other substances in their saliva designed to immobilize other bugs and digest them from the inside out. It may not do much physical harm, but it hurts intensely- and not just for a few minutes.

This is a good bug to appreciate from a distance- try not to mess with them up close.

… Chuck Entz, 28 December, 2008 - 2:51pm

Thank you for your help. I'm

Thank you for your help. I'm glad they are not poisonous. I accidentally got bit by one today. I was taking christmas lights off of my bush and didn't realize it had crawled on my arm. It was painful but I am happy to hear that they are not poisonous. ^_^

… Christine0109, 28 December, 2008 - 8:34pm