Bee Killer Assassin Bug vs Desert Blond Tarantula Hawk

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bee Killer Assassin Bug Desert Blond Tarantula Hawk
Scientific Name Apiomerus crassipes Pepsis thisbe
Order Hemiptera Hymenoptera
Family Reduviidae Pompilidae
Size 12-18 mm 25-45 mm
Habitat Heathland Deserts & Drylands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions North America North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Bee Killer Assassin Bug

An assassin bug that coats its legs with plant resin to capture bees visiting flowers.

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Did You Know?

It applies sticky resin from plants to its forelegs like a trapping glue.

Desert Blond Tarantula Hawk

A large metallic blue-black spider wasp with vibrant orange wings found in the Sonoran Desert. Females hunt blonde tarantulas as food for their larvae.

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Did You Know?

It is the official state insect of New Mexico despite having one of the most painful stings of any insect.