Assassin Bug Nymph (likely a type of Ambush Bug nymph)
Scientific Name: Reduviidae (nymph)
Order & Family: Hemiptera, Reduviidae
Size: Nymphs can be very small, typically a few millimeters (e.g., 2-5 mm), growing larger as they mature.
Natural Habitat
Various terrestrial habitats including gardens, fields, forests, and other vegetated areas. Often found on plants where they ambush prey.
Diet & Feeding
Strictly carnivorous. They are predatory insects that feed on other small insects, such as aphids, leafhoppers, caterpillars, and sometimes even other small arthropods. They use their specialized mouthparts to pierce their prey and suck out bodily fluids.
Behavior Patterns
Assassin bug nymphs are often camouflaged and wait in ambush for unsuspecting prey. They are not typically aggressive towards humans but will bite if provoked or handled. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis, meaning they hatch from eggs into nymphs that resemble smaller versions of the adults, molting several times before reaching maturity.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include a painful bite if handled, though they are not venomous in a way that is dangerous to humans. Benefits include their significant role as natural predators of many pest insects, making them beneficial for pest control in gardens and agricultural settings.
Identified on: 9/23/2025