Have you heard of assassin bugs? We spotted these in a tree in Greensboro. It is a tiny egg cluster about the size of a quarter (25¢) and are attached to a tree about 4' off the ground. Assassin bugs have a killer sting to their prey. It is a predator that feeds on insects, including aphids, caterpillars, beetles, and more. Generally they are considered a friend to farmers and gardeners since they eat things that destroy crops. However, do not touch them as their sting is very painful to humans.
Nymphs are hatching now. They molt through several stages and curiously, they seem to stay near the egg cluster, unless when we checked a few hours after taking this photo more were being born. Nature is amazing to watch and definitely provides something fun to do while we are in quarantine. Learn more about Assassin bugs from the NC State Extension Service, here.
Happy Monday! Happy May!
I've never heard of that.
Posted by: William Kendall | Monday, May 04, 2020 at 05:38 AM