The Assassin Bug Liquefies Its Victims' Organs Before Feasting

Assassin bug bites can be intensely painful to humans, although the insects are generally not aggressive unless provoked.

If you're attacked by an assassin bug, it will first feel like a very painful stab. The bite site will then become warm and swollen, and a deep, throbbing pain will develop. Be sure to wash the bite with antiseptic and take an over-the-counter painkiller to help combat inflammation.

In rare cases, a person may have an allergic reaction to assassin bug bites. Swelling will continue to get worse along with side effects like hives and difficulty breathing.

In even rarer cases, the bug could be a vector for potentially the fatal Chagas disease. Signs include sweating, fever, body aches and vomiting. If you experience worsening symptoms after a bug bite, seek medical attention as quickly as possible.

Assassin bugs, aka ambush bugs, have elongated bodies, long legs and a distinct, curved proboscis, which acts as their primary weapon. This proboscis allows them to inject toxins into their prey, liquefying the insides of dead prey insects for easy consumption.

Many species of assassin bugs exist, each adapted to their own niche environments and hunting strategies.

Despite their fearsome reputation, assassin bugs are generally solitary creatures. They don't form colonies or swarms like other insects and prefer to hunt alone. When they do encounter other assassin bugs, it's often for mating purposes.

Some species, however, show a little more social interaction after hatching, where young bugs might congregate in groups before becoming fully independent.

When hunting, assassin bugs rely heavily on camouflage and ambush tactics, lying in wait for prey to come within range before striking. Flower assassin bugs in particular are patient predators, often remaining still for long periods before making their move.

Assassin bugs are primarily carnivorous, preying on other insects and small arthropods. Their diet includes a variety of soft-bodied insects like caterpillars, flies and beetles.

The process of hunting is both quick and efficient. Once an assassin bug has located its target, it uses its narrowed neck to stab the prey and inject it with a powerful enzyme. This enzyme liquefies the internal organs of the prey, allowing the bug to suck out the nutritious contents.

While most assassin bugs are insectivores, the few blood-sucking species like kissing bugs have evolved to take advantage of warm-blooded hosts.

Assassin bugs thrive in a variety of habitats, from dense forests to open grasslands. These insects are incredibly adaptable and can be found on nearly every continent.

They tend to prefer environments where their prey is abundant, such as gardens, agricultural fields and forests. The flower assassin bug, for instance, is often seen in meadows and gardens, where flowers attract plenty of potential prey.

In tropical regions, species like the orange assassin bug are commonly found in areas with thick vegetation, allowing them to hide and strike efficiently. Meanwhile, wheel bugs are often spotted in woodlands or suburban areas, where their predatory skills keep local insect populations in check without pest control.

Assassin bugs are versatile hunters, capable of adapting to almost any environment that offers a stable food supply.

The life cycle of assassin bugs is fairly straightforward. It begins with eggs, which hatch into nymphs that go through several stages before reaching adulthood. These nymphs closely resemble adult assassin bugs but are typically smaller and may have less pronounced features.

Even at a young age, these insects are capable of hunting, though their diet may be more limited due to their size. And while assassin bugs go through several immature stages before reaching adulthood, they maintain their predatory abilities throughout each stage of their life cycle.

As assassin bugs grow, they shed their exoskeletons several times, a process known as molting. Each molt brings the insect closer to full maturity, at which point they can reproduce and continue the cycle.

The longevity of assassin bugs varies by species, but most live for several months to a year, depending on environmental factors and food availability.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was edited and fact-checked by a HowStuffWorks editor.