Assassin bugs are a large group of insects in the family Reduviidae. There are well over 155 different species of assassin bugs, and they are all joined by one specific characteristic: these insects are equipped with a curved, pointed mouthpart known as a “proboscis.”

The Reduviidae is a large cosmopolitan family of the suborder Heteroptera of the order Hemiptera (true bugs). Among the Hemiptera and together with the Nabidae almost all species are terrestrial ambush predators ; most other predatory Hemiptera are aquatic.

Arilus cristatus, also known as the North American wheel bug or simply wheel bug, [1] is a species of large assassin bug in the family Reduviidae and the only species of wheel bug found in the United States.

Part of the Heteroptera genus, Assassin bugs are comprised of more than 7.000 species of bugs. Many of these bugs are predators while a good portion of them are also known for sucking the blood of animals and even the blood of humans given the chance.

Apr 16, 2024 · In this article, we discuss all about the infamous assassin bug, and whether it is as bad as it is made out to be by its name! When you hear the name “assassin bug,” you might assume them to be a scary insect that can deliver a painful bite or a venomous sting.

Jun 27, 2023 · An assassin bug can kill squash bugs, aphids, tomato hornworms, and other insects that decimate your flowers and veggies. But can it hurt you?

Apr 4, 2025 · assassin bug, (family Reduviidae), any of about 7,000 species of insects in the true bug order, Heteroptera (Hemiptera), that are characterized by a thin necklike structure connecting the narrow head to the body. They range in size from 5 to 40 mm (0.2 to 1.6 inches).

Jan 18, 2024 · What Is an Assassin Bug? The assassin bug is a long-legged terrestrial (crawling) insect, considered a generalist predator that feeds on a variety of field, forest and crop pests.

Apr 16, 2024 · Assassin bugs are “true” bugs belonging to the family of Reduviidae that prey on other, smaller bugs. Containing a wide variety of species, the names of these bugs come from the type of method they use to assassinate or kill their prey. North America alone is …

Assassin bugs are predatory insects that feed on other bugs. There are nearly 200 species of assassin bugs found in North America, including the wheel bug, the kissing bug and ambush bugs.