Common Assassin Bug (Pristhesancus plagipennis)

Common Assassin Bug, a reference photo — Photo: Arthur Chapman · CC BY 2.0 (licence)

Pristhesancus plagipennis is an Australian insect in the assassin bug genus Pristhesancus. Amongst its prey is the bronze orange bug (Musgraveia sulciventris), a common garden pest. It is sometimes called the bee-killer assassin bug, as it is also known to prey on honey bees. The juveniles (nymphs / instars) have a distinctive bright orange abdomen.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of Common Assassin Bug being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

Arilus carinatus

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Family: Reduviidae
Genus: Pristhesancus
Species: Pristhesancus plagipennis

Found one? Take a photo and B.inomen will suggest what it is, free.

Check your photo

More species