Anchor Stink Bug vs Assassin Bug
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Anchor Stink Bug | Assassin Bug |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Stiretrus anchorago | Zelus renardii |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Pentatomidae | Reduviidae |
| Size | 8-11 mm | 12-20 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Predators |
| Regions | North America | North America, South America |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Anchor Stink Bug
A predatory stink bug that is one of North America's most colorful pentatomids, with highly variable patterns of red, blue, black, and white. It preys on beetle larvae, caterpillars, and other soft-bodied insects.
Did You Know?
It comes in dozens of strikingly different color patterns, making specimens from the same population look like different species.
Assassin Bug
Ambush predators that impale prey with their curved beak and inject lethal saliva. Some species coat their legs with sticky plant resin to trap prey. Named for their hunting strategy.
Did You Know?
Some assassin bugs stack the corpses of their prey on their backs as camouflage and armor — creating a gruesome shield of dead ants and other insects.