Assassin Bug vs Angle Shades
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Assassin Bug | Angle Shades |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Zelus renardii | Phlogophora meticulosa |
| Order | Hemiptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Reduviidae | Noctuidae |
| Size | 12-20 mm | 45-52 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America, South America | Europe, western Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Angle Shades
A moth with uniquely crumpled wings in olive, pink, and brown that perfectly resemble a dead leaf. It can be found in every month of the year in mild climates.
Did You Know?
Its wings naturally fold into angular creases at rest, enhancing its dead-leaf camouflage.