Predatory Bugs : Assassin bug

categories: Natural Enemies Predatory Bugs

last review date: 2025-09-12 10:32

Biology

Assassin bugs are blackish, brown, or reddish with a long, narrow head; round, beady eyes; and an extended, three-segmented, needle-like beak. The front legs are enlarged for grasping prey. They are larger (2/5 to 4/5 inch) than other predatory bugs.

Eggs are reddish-brown, skittle-shaped, and laid in a batch or raft of 10 to 25 or more. The eggs are coated with a sticky substance for protection. Nymphs are small versions of adults, although early instars are often ant-like.

Assassin bugs are long-lived predators and consume large numbers of small insects and mites during their lifetime. Adults may live for more than one season and nymphs are slow to develop. Population densities of assassin bugs are usually low but they provide useful, consistent, and long-term feeding on leafhoppers, beetles and caterpillars in gardens.

Prey or Pest Targeted

• Mites, aphids, leafhoppers, thrips, caterpillars, mealybugs, beetles, scale insects, insect eggs

Attracting and Keeping Natural Enemies
and Pollinators in Your Yard and Garden

• Native plants provide essential resources.
• Native flora also provides natural overwintering sites.
• Natural dispersion from nearby habitats ensures visitation.
• Some kinds of beneficial insects predatory mites are commercially available.
• Avoid regular use of synthetic, broad-spectrum pesticides.
• Infrequent use of certain narrow-spectrum pesticides is more compatible with some beneficials.
• Extensive lawns are also not conducive to attracting beneficial insects.

Management Options

See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• None recommended