Assassin bugs

Scientific name:
(Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Facts: Assassin bugs are predators which feed on other insects. There are many species. Some of them are brightly colored with orange and black. Others are cyrptically colored with greys and greens.

If you trap one on your skin it may poke its beak into you as a defense. When that happens the result is a quick sharp pain that usually subsides within a few hours.

Photo credit: W. L. Sterling