September 4, 2023

I am a Milkweed Assassin Bug

I eat everything from caterpillars to flies

I catch prey with my sticky forelegs.

Insert my stylets, and my prey is paralyzed.

Like spiders I use extra-oral digestion

And then drink my preys insides.

Location: Titusville Field Station, Titusville

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/bugs/zelus_longipes.htm

Photo and text © 2023 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

December 16, 2021

I am a Milkweed Assassin Bug

I like to eat mosquitos and flies

I'll also eat earthworms and caterpillars

And my color can vary based on where I reside.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/beneficial/bugs/zelus_longipes.htm

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson