Red Assassin Bug vs Lesser Water Boatman
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Red Assassin Bug | Lesser Water Boatman |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Rhynocoris iracundus | Sigara striata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Reduviidae | Corixidae |
| Size | 12-18 mm | 6-8 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Herbivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | Europe, western Asia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
Did You Know?
It hunts by ambush among wildflowers, using its raptorial forelegs to snatch visiting pollinators and other flower-visiting insects.
Lesser Water Boatman
A small water boatman with fine dark striations across its forewings. It is among the most abundant aquatic insects in European standing waters. It feeds by scraping algae and organic material from submerged surfaces.
Did You Know?
In Mexico, a related species' eggs are harvested in such quantities from lake surfaces that they are dried and sold as a traditional food called 'ahuautle,' once known as Mexican caviar.