American cockroach (Periplaneta americana) being stalked and then attacked by an adult white-eyed assassin bug (Platymeris biguttata). Assassin bugs get their name from the way they stalk their prey and have one of the fastest strikes in the insect world. They are fearless predators and are known to attack prey larger than themselves. They use their sharp beak-like mouthpart to stab their victims and to inject a paralyzing venom which also liquefies their victim's tissue. Assassin bugs then suck up the liquefied tissue through their proboscis. The white-eyed species is named for the two white 'eye' spots found on the wings of adults and typically reach a length of 2 1 2 centimetres. It is indigenous to West Africa. | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Matulavich, Peter |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Länge: | 5 Sekunden |
Seitenverhältnis: | 16:9 |
Restrictions: | - |