From Your Perspective
Milkweed Assassin Looking To Ambush
Milkweed assassin bug. The strategy the insect uses to catch its prey is known as the "sticky trap strategy." Like many ambush bugs, they attack their prey after hiding inside foliage with its forelegs raised in the air. The forelegs are covered with a viscous material which acts as a glue, trapping the victim. They then rapidly paralyze their prey by inserting their stylets into the host body and prepares to feed through extra-oral digestion. Extra-oral digestion is a mode of ingestion where a predator releases enzymes into its prey to dissolve the host's tissue and later sucks up the dissolved liquid using its stylet like a straw. They can feed on prey that may be up to six times their own size. While not a threat to humans, if not handled properly, the bite can cause a burning sensation with swelling that may last for several days.
Milkweed Assassin Looking To Ambush
Milkweed assassin bug. The strategy the insect uses to catch its prey is known as the "sticky trap strategy." Like many ambush bugs, they attack their prey after hiding inside foliage with its forelegs raised in the air. The forelegs are covered with a viscous material which acts as a glue, trapping the victim. They then rapidly paralyze their prey by inserting their stylets into the host body and prepares to feed through extra-oral digestion. Extra-oral digestion is a mode of ingestion where a predator releases enzymes into its prey to dissolve the host's tissue and later sucks up the dissolved liquid using its stylet like a straw. They can feed on prey that may be up to six times their own size. While not a threat to humans, if not handled properly, the bite can cause a burning sensation with swelling that may last for several days.