David
Element
Wildlife
Photography
and Digital
Video Images
_______________________
Bugs
21 - Assassin Bugs 1

ASSASSIN BUG Rhinocoris
iracundus
- Its curtains for an
unfortunate Digger Wasp. It has met with
the rather unpleasant fate of being trapped firmly by a
predatory Assassin Bug Rhinocoris
iracundus (how could it be anything other
than predatory with a name like this?), having the
recurved beak-like rostrum (feeding apparatus)
inserted and then being sucked dry, finally being
discarded as an empty husk once the bug has topped up its
energy supplies. These large bugs capture their
prey by stealth and their warning colours would suggest
that they are unpalatable to predators. Their bite is
said to be painful and they have toxic saliva so they
should not be handled. When not in use the segmented
rostrum is tucked away underneath the body. This
photograph was taken in the south of France. This insect
is absent from the UK.
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Element.