Florida Predatory Stink Bug by Leeco

Photography • Macro • posted on Aug 24, 2007

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Description

Nikon 7900 image. This is one of two new species (to me) that I recently found on my Passionflower vines. I posted the other one "Passionflower Flea Beetle" yesterday. Todays image shows this predator feeding on a very small Gulf Fritillary caterpillar. I have watched it eat several of them over the past two days or so. They twist and turn and try to escape but to no avail. Once the predator has buried his "beak" in them, the battle is essentially over despite the struggle. An immobilizing and liquidizing agent is injected and they are sucked dry. I am very confused as to what it actually is. The body is shaped very much like most Beetles and yet the head and feeding parts strongly resemble those of Assassin Bugs. I am hoping "Whatsthatbug will be able to identify it for me but that site has many many requests every day and not much manpower to handle it all, lol. Maybe someone here will point me in the right direction. Thanks to those who take the time to comment. UPDATE 8/26/07: After doing some more online research, it turns out my Unknown Assassin Bug is actually a Florida Predatory Stink Bug - Euthyrhynchus floridanus Lee

Comments (15)

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muse27

1:01AM | Fri, 24 August 2007

Well, I don't know what he is, but he's cool looking. I love the coloring and the details in the full size image. I also like that you have included two pictures in one image, one showing his "beak" extended, and one shows it folded up. Thank you for sharing. :o) Hope someone knows the name to this guy.

MrsLubner

1:33AM | Fri, 24 August 2007

At least the catepillar won't be chewing up any more leaves... Wonderful insect. Again, a crystal clear shot with extreme detail.

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JeffG7BRJ

3:34AM | Fri, 24 August 2007

Fantastic, always a treat to view your little critter shots and this time view one get one free. A most unusual bug in this one, never seen anything like it. An excellent macro full of detail. Bravo!!!!!

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Mondwin

5:04AM | Fri, 24 August 2007

Awesome and cool Macro...bravissimo!V:DDD.Hugsxx

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magg_ca

7:21AM | Fri, 24 August 2007

Great macro !!!!!!!!!!!

Dieblue

8:39AM | Fri, 24 August 2007

I did just a little bit of checking and found that there are over 4000 species of these fellows. They are known by many names from kissing bug, to ambush bugs, to wheel beetles! Thats a great photo...but good luck in finding your particular species of assassin! :)

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