Assassin Bug at Arch Creek Park

"Assassin Bug at Arch Creek Memorial Park"

 

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY – ARCH CREEK MEMORIAL PARK, FL

This is a photograph of an Assassin Bug that was captured at Arch Creek Memorial Park in North Miami, Florida adjacent to Enchanted Forest Park, both worthy to visit if in the area. The camera gear used in this capture was a Nikon D90 attached to a Nikkor 60mm 2.8 lens, a Tamron 2x teleconverter, and a macro light ring.

Assassin Bug, common name for a long-legged predatory insect that stalks other insects. They are found throughout the world with over 135 recognized species in North America. Most species of assassin bugs are considered beneficial because they help control insect pests.

The adult assassin bug is relatively large, usually 11 to 37 mm (0.5 to 1.5 in) in length. As with most true bugs, it has thickened forewings with membranous tips for handling prey. When at rest, the extended, segmented beak can be folded back underneath its body. Its folded wings overlap, giving the back a characteristic shape. Adults are commonly black, reddish, or brown, with long, slender legs, a narrow head, and round, beady eyes. Some species have sharp barbs on their forelegs to prevent prey from escaping.

All assassin bug species are predatory, primarily feeding on caterpillars and other insects. The assassin bug uses its needlelike beak to impale prey. It then injects a venom that both paralyzes and partially digests the prey. The body contents of the victim liquefy and are sucked out with the assassin bug’s strawlike mouth parts. A few species, like the western bloodsucking conenose, commonly bite humans and other mammals. These bloodsucking species are sometimes called kissing bugs because they are attracted to exposed tender flesh, such as the face and lips of sleeping humans. Even species that prey only on insects can inflict painful bites on humans with inflammations that can persist for several days.

 

 

Subject Photo exif Data

    Related posts

    13 Thoughts to “Assassin Bug at Arch Creek Park”

    1. Marta112

      Love your subject matter

    2. WyldHog

      Alan, you got talent!

    3. PhotoGurl

      This is such amazing photography

    4. Alan S Hochman Photo (@Photobug52) (@Photobug52)

      Assassin Bug at Arch Creek Park http://t.co/vKDoxJa

    5. JanetS41

      Fantastic photo!

    6. Andy1221

      Awesome pic

    7. SandyG

      Fantastic photo!

    8. Ralph1299

      How long have you been taking these photos?

    9. Kimberley L Logan (@Much2Restless)

      Great Alan!“@Photobug52: Assassin Bug at Arch Creek Memorial Park http://t.co/ivVtUtv8 #assassin #bugs #insects Visit http://t.co/p7LvMhxs”

    10. vegan555eriko

      AWSESOME! insects makes me want to learn.
      Thankyou.from Japan .

    11. Barbara Ann

      RT @PHOTOBUG52: Assassin Bug at Arch Creek Memorial Park http://t.co/bhY9XouP #assassin #bugs #insects

    12. I love that there are facts with the pictures.

    13. Alan S. Hochman

      Micheal
      Glad you like it!

    Leave a Comment

    TO PREVENT SPAM, PLEASE ANSWER THE FOLLOWING. THEN PRESS * Time limit is exhausted. Please reload CAPTCHA.

    Alan S Hochman Photography