Red-eyed Assassin Bug

assassin bug next animal
Red-eyed Assassin Bug

Platymeris laevicollis
Assassin bugs have piercing-sucking mouthparts used to impale prey or enemies and inject venom. The red eye-like spots on this insect's wings serve to warn enemies of its painful bite. It has a close relative (same genus), the white-eyed assassin bug.
Fact file:

Ecological Role: Ambush Predator

Lifespan: 1 yr

Habitat: Field and scrubland

Prey: Small insects

Current range: Western Africa