#pristhesancus

[ljsbugblog]

a Common Assassin Bug, mouthparts extended as she sneaks up on an unsuspecting Grass-dart (who escaped unharmed). definitely some of my favourite photos I've ever taken, and such a fascinating moment to witness!

Common Assassin Bug (Pristhesancus plagipennis) and Narrow-brand Grass-dart (Ocybadistes flavovittatus), April '24.

[ljsbugblog]

a few weeks ago I posted a photo of an assassin bug nymph (Pristhesancus plagipennis), and now here's an adult traversing one of our sunflowers in search of a meal!

wasn't long before she came across one of the many species of caterpillar feeding on the leaves, and attempted to attack.

P. plagipennis are known to prey on a variety of insects, notably stinkbugs (Musgraveia sulciventris) and honey bees, the latter earning it the nickname of 'Bee-Killer Assassin Bug', which I personally find a bit dramatic.

the caterpillar won this encounter, adopting a defensive posture and thrashing its body whenever the assassin got too close. after a brief standoff with her piercing mouthparts unfolded, she walked away to search for easier prey instead.

No common name (Pristhesancus plagipennis).

[ljsbugblog]

an assassin bug nymph! having seen so many stink bugs around lately, its only natural that their predators are also present.

No common name, nymph (Pristhesancus plagipennis).

[drhoz]

#462 - Pristhesancus plagipennis - Assassin Bug

A photo my mother sent me. Pristhesancus are larger, more elaborate assassin bugs with spiny thoraxes, long narrow heads, and wide flanges on the abdomen