Neotropical Bee Assassin vs Bombay Locust

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Neotropical Bee Assassin Bombay Locust
Scientific Name Apiomerus pictipes Nomadacris succincta
Order Hemiptera Orthoptera
Family Reduviidae Acrididae
Size 14-20 mm 50-70 mm
Habitat Underground Farmland
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions South America (Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela) India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Neotropical Bee Assassin

A stout, colorful assassin bug that specializes in capturing bees and wasps visiting flowers. Its bright red, orange, and black coloring may serve as aposematic warning. It coats its forelegs with plant resins to improve grip when seizing fast-moving prey.

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Did You Know?

It has been observed applying resin from specific plant species to its legs in a deliberate, repeated behavior that qualifies as tool use.

Bombay Locust

A large yellow and brown locust that can form swarms in South and Southeast Asia. Solitary adults are pale brown but gregarious forms develop vivid yellow coloring.

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Did You Know?

Unlike desert locusts, its swarms tend to form locally and rarely travel long distances.