Mexican Kissing Bug vs Feather-Legged Assassin Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mexican Kissing Bug Feather-Legged Assassin Bug
Scientific Name Triatoma dimidiata Ptilocnemus lemur
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Reduviidae Reduviidae
Size 24-32 mm 10-14 mm
Habitat Underground Heathland
Diet Blood Feeders Omnivores
Regions Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mexican Kissing Bug

A major Chagas disease vector in Central America and Mexico found in both domestic and peridomestic habitats. Adults are attracted to lights and can fly into homes.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few triatomine species that regularly invades homes by flying toward artificial lights.

Feather-Legged Assassin Bug

An Australian assassin bug with bizarre feathery hind legs used to lure ant prey. It waves its feathered legs near ant trails to attract victims.

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Did You Know?

It dangles its feathery hind legs like fishing lures to attract ants, which it then seizes and devours.