Are milkweed assassin bugs harmful?

A Milkweed Assassin Bug bite is not dangerous to humans, but it can be highly un- pleasant – an intense burning feeling and an itchy bump at the site of the bite or sting.

Are Zelus assassin bugs poisonous?

Their bite is extremely painful. Like many other assassin bugs, Zelus luridus preys on other insects. It will often wait on leaves to ambush passing insects, but occasionally it also actively hunts….

Where are milkweed assassin bugs found?

Milkweed assassin bugs get their name from their resemblance to regular milkweed bugs (oncopeltus fasciatus). Milkweeds have the same orange-and-black coloring, and they’re found in the same regions of Central and South America.

Do milkweed assassin bugs fly?

Figure 17. Adult female milkweed assassin bug, Zelus longipes Linnaeus, paralyzing its prey, a cornsilk fly, Euxesta stigmatias Loew, by inserting stylets.

What kind of bug is a Zelus bug?

Zelus (bug) Zelus is a genus of insects in the family Reduviidae, the assassin bugs.

How many species of Zelus are there in the world?

There are currently 60 described species; most occur in Central and South America, and five are found in North America. Some species have been investigated for their potential as biocontrol agents in integrated pest management. Zelus is also known for a sticky trap predation strategy.

What kind of predation strategy does the Zelus have?

Zelus is also known for a sticky trap predation strategy. Sticky resin produced from a leg gland is smeared on hairs to aid in prey capture. This is somewhat analogous to the carnivorous plant sundew . Wikimedia Commons has media related to Zelus.