Identify this orange bug - Orchid Board

cpeters5 · #1 06-30-2014, 05:03 PM

Please help identifying this insect. So far, I only saw one of them. About 1 cm long, bright orange abdomen decorated with some tiny black dots along the back. Shiny black skinny legs, upper torso and head. Very handsome I would say.
Each time I saw him, he would be sitting on the juiciest part of one of my catts. I am not sure if he ever took a bite though. He moves rather slow but never stands still enough for me to take his pictures, except this one time.

Do you think he is harmful to my plants?
pac

katrina · #2 06-30-2014, 05:04 PM

It's the larvae of an Assassin Bug. Good guys!!

cpeters5 · #3 06-30-2014, 05:20 PM

Oh, what a relieve! I will leave it alone then, or better, coax him to stay in my greenhouse for awhile.

Now the question is, did he spot some other bugs that are actually harmful to the plant and decided to investigate?

Thank you Katrina!

katrina · #4 07-01-2014, 07:56 AM

I would guess that he's just making his way around...looking for food and trying to grow up.

I see them often up here (nymphs like in your pic and the adults) and when they first hatch out I find little packs of hatchlings. They seem to hang w/their brothers and sisters for a short period right after hatching...and then off they go on their own.

FYI - I've heard these little ones can bite humans and I've heard the bite can be quite painful...but I don't know for sure. I've never been bitten...but I also don't try to handle them. ??

Optimist · #5 07-01-2014, 06:05 PM

Is a Wheel Bug the same as an Assassin Bug? It is related to the Assassin bug. Family Reduviidae. They will bite when handled, They do not have mandibles, they inject a paralyzing venom with their dagger like mouth parts. So I guess if they do that to you, it may hurt. They will emit a nasty smell when approached. Other than that, they are not a threat and eat the nasties that eat your plants. The nymph, which is what you have, especially likes aphids. It is way smaller than the adult.

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Just google wheel bug bite, it is pretty gruesome.