Tough-looking Spiny Assassin Bug (Sinea, Reduviidae)
I've been showing predators other than spiders for the last couple of days, here and here, and this is another one - a tough-looking Spiny Assassin Bug (genus Sinea, Reduviidae) on a stem of Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia, Fagaceae). They are gnarly-looking predators, though they are shy and retiring in my experience. It's interesting that I was also finding them last spring, e.g. this photo from March. Hah - it's got bumps and spines like a little dinosaur! I also found a different kind of assassin bug which will keep until tomorrow. Like I've said, autumn is the season of the predators, both spiders and insects. I figure it's their role to finish off the summer insects before winter does anyway. (San Marcos Pass, 4 October 2019)
Today was sunny and even warmer than yesterday, in the upper-70s. The temperature is creeping up and will soon be in the 80s again if the forecast works out. It was almost calm this morning when I was out with my camera, though a breeze did kick up in the afternoon. Nice day!
Tough-looking Spiny Assassin Bug (Sinea, Reduviidae)
I've been showing predators other than spiders for the last couple of days, here and here, and this is another one - a tough-looking Spiny Assassin Bug (genus Sinea, Reduviidae) on a stem of Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia, Fagaceae). They are gnarly-looking predators, though they are shy and retiring in my experience. It's interesting that I was also finding them last spring, e.g. this photo from March. Hah - it's got bumps and spines like a little dinosaur! I also found a different kind of assassin bug which will keep until tomorrow. Like I've said, autumn is the season of the predators, both spiders and insects. I figure it's their role to finish off the summer insects before winter does anyway. (San Marcos Pass, 4 October 2019)
Today was sunny and even warmer than yesterday, in the upper-70s. The temperature is creeping up and will soon be in the 80s again if the forecast works out. It was almost calm this morning when I was out with my camera, though a breeze did kick up in the afternoon. Nice day!