White-Eyed Assassin Bugs

Different species of Assassin bugs can be found throughout the world. This insect in particular comes from the tropics of South America.

They are called White-eyed because of the spots displayed on the wings as adults. When hungry, this bug slowly stalks the prey, and when close enough, it pounces on its victim, plunging the piecing rostrum (mouthparts) into the victim. The assassin bug then injects saliva into the prey. Enzymes in the saliva help digest the food.

When this bug is disturbed it uses the rostrum another way. It rotates the rostrum and sprays saliva, which can severely irritate the eyes.

White-eyed assassin bugs are members of the order Hemiptera. Insects in this order are characterized by having piercing, sucking, mouth parts.