Q: I have found these insects on some of my plants and one of them bit me. Is it poisonous?

A: The insect you brought me is an assassin bug and although his name sounds menacing he is beneficial to man because he hunts insects that cause tremendous damage to our plants. We called these types of insects predators, which are organisms that consume more than one prey. Assassin bugs are characterized by the elongated, narrow head with the three-segmented beak folded back under the head. Probably the most distinguishing character of hemiptera is the wing structure, which generally has the front wings overlapping and lying flat on the back over the membranous hind wings. These insects are commonly found hunting on ornamental and fruit trees. The hairs of the front legs of this species secrete a sticky substance which probably aids in capturing its prey. Assassin bugs feed upon aphids, spittlebug adults, fall webworms, and other insects which makes them a valuable asset in the garden. They are not poisonous, but the conenose variety, while biting, can can harbor in its excretions a protozoan known as Trypanosoma cruzi–the cause of Chagas’ disease, which now has been confirmed/identified in the United States.
http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2082.html
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/chagasdisease/factsht_chagas_disease.htm
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1134/is_6_114/ai_n14867767
The best thing to do is avoid contact with them and wear gloves when gardening.

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Posted: June 23, 2017


Category: Home Landscapes
Tags: Assassin Bug


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