Assassin Bug family Reduviidae

I first became alerted to the existence of this striking insect when I toddled out one fine morning to water my potted palm and perceived that overnight, a red horde--the product of an apparent mass-hatching--had attached itself to the fronds. Upon my approach the entire party instantly concealed itself under the leaves, suggesting something of the Ninja spirit. Since then I have discovered that the assassin bug's calling is indeed one of fierce predation. I direct your attention to the prominent schnozz on the specimen to the left. The assassin bug uses this imposing appendage to prong its prey (below left), inject a toxin, and suck out the precious bodily fluids. It is for this reason that its appearance in your potted palm is cause for revelry; this bug is instrumental in checking populations of pestilential arthropods. The assassin bug is to an aphid as Alien is to Sigourney Weaver.

There are 3000 Reduviidae species worldwide. Apparently some of them can inflict a pretty painful sting on a human hand, so watch it, sister.

Photos: Reduviid nymphs, possibly Zelus bilobus, in various stages of adolescence, August 2004.

Below right: Minutes-old hatchlings and recently exited eggs, on the screen door of the Twisty Test Kitchen, September 2004. They moved as a bunch around the door jamb and surrounding vines for three or four days, then vanished into the great unknown.