Horned Aphid vs Red Assassin Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Horned Aphid Red Assassin Bug
Scientific Name Tuberaphis styraci Rhynocoris iracundus
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Hormaphididae Reduviidae
Size 1-2.5 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Sap Feeders Herbivores
Regions Japan, East Asia Europe, western Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Horned Aphid

A social aphid from East Asia that forms colonies defended by sterile soldier nymphs with horned heads. They live on styrax trees and produce a single soldier caste.

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Did You Know?

Soldiers stab intruders with their sharp horns and inject a toxic secretion, dying in the process like a honeybee's suicide sting.

Red Assassin Bug

A striking red and black assassin bug common in European meadows and grasslands. It is a generalist predator that hunts among flowers and vegetation. The bright red coloration serves as a warning to potential predators.

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Did You Know?

It hunts by ambush among wildflowers, using its raptorial forelegs to snatch visiting pollinators and other flower-visiting insects.