The
lone assassin bug that I found in Maine did not seem to have many food options available as winter approached. In contrast, back here in Houston, the thriving insect community is still supporting a large and diverse population of assassin bugs. I've found these assassin bugs lurking in the park across the street...
... poising to strike from the flowers along the road...
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| Another assassin bug on goldenrod (Solidago sp.). |
... and even coming in through the hallway window at work. Since I did not have my camera with me at the time, I captured this last assassin bug and brought it home for further observation.
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| A leafhopper assassin bug (Zelus renardii) that I caught and brought home. |
Just like the nymph that I described previously, this related species of assassin bug keeps its front legs sticky, presumably to aid in capturing prey. Having sticky legs does come with a significant drawback though, as I noted when I put this assassin bug into a container with some dirt. Almost immediately, its legs were coated in the dirt. When given a choice, however, the assassin bug appeared careful to avoid walking directly on dirt -- and by the next morning, it had managed to clean off all the debris.
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