from the wild side

Spined assassin bug Sinea diadema

IDENTIFICATION — Spined assassin bug may have a sinister-sounding name but it’s actually one of the good guys. There are more than 100 species of assassin bug. Although some species are pests, this is one of the most common beneficials in the family. It’s found in central and southern North America and Mexico. Adults are 1/2 to 3/4 in. long, and brown with long legs, a broad flat abdomen and a narrow head with large eyes.

The segmented beak is used to spear and inject venom into prey. When not in use, the beak folds away under the bug’s body. As you might guess, the spined assassin bug does have spines. You’ll see them on its head, thorax and front legs. This hungry predator eats a wide variety of pests, including aphids, caterpillars, leafhoppers and larvae of all kinds. These bugs are generally harmless to humans but if handled roughly, they can inflict a painful bite.

LIFE CYCLE — Eggs of spined assassin bug that were laid in fall hatch as temperatures warm in spring. Nymphs, about 1/4 in. long, look like miniature adults and start looking for something to eat right away. After several molts, the nymphs mature and mate, then females begin laying eggs. The first generation lives about two months and then dies. The second generation follows the same cycle, living until late fall. Eggs laid by these females will hatch the following spring.

You may already have spined assassin bugs in your yard since they are fairly common. Give these hungry predators a variety of blooming plants to hide in and they’ll help you out by hunting for insect prey. To be sure they stick around, avoid using pesticides.