The Two Spotted Assassin Bug Natural History
Size
The Two Spotted Assassin Bug can grow up to 4cm.
Habitat and Distribution
They inhabit forests in tropical Africa. They can be found in Kenya, Guinea Senegal, Zambia, Gambia, Mali, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Niger, Sudan, Somalia, Chad, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Togo, and Mozambique.
Diet
This species had a needle-like mouth which they use to suck juices from leaves and other insects They inject their saliva into their prey which liquifies the tissue allowing them to suck up the fluids. Their prey includes crickets, cockroaches, flies, caterpillars and beetles.
Groups and Breeding
After mating the females will lay eggs in the soil which hatch after several weeks (unmated females also lay infertile eggs). From egg to adult takes around 9 weeks and nymphs usually have their first molts at about two weeks of age.
Threats
Even though they are collected for the pet trade they adapt well to changes in habitat and are currently abundant.
Interesting Facts
They can spit a chemical which can cause temporary blindness as a defence mechanism and their bite is said to be more painful than a bee sting.
The Two Spotted Assassin Bug During Your Day Out in Kent
At Wingham Wildlife Park the Two Spotted Bugs can be seen in our Bug House alongside a number of other invertebrates including stick insects, tarantulas and crabs.