There are many species of assassin bugs, but all are characterized by their swift and deadly killing action on their prey. They would typically sport a long proboscis used for stabbing their prey, and inject a toxin that dissolves the victim’s tissues.

A viscious bug, but the assassin bug plays an important role in maintaining theinsect populations in forests. It was my model of the day, most other subjects just flew off when they saw me! 🙁 This species is the Cosmolestes picticeps (Reduviidae kingdom) – likely to be a juvenile – quite common in Singapore.

#1 Normal side profile of the tiny dude, about 1cm in length

#2 Used macro adapter for a closer view, you can even see my camera in it’s eyes!!

#3 Busy dude polishing it’s feelers

#4 Still version in case you can’t stand looking at animations

#5 Close-up on the proboscis, it’s gonna be a really painful stab when assassinated!

#6 Side view closeup

#7 Top view closeup. The wings seem to be underdeveloped, probably a juvenile?

#8 Last shot of the assassin

#9 Flatid planthopper (flatidae) I used to think it’s a moth..!

#10 Derbid hopper (derbidae), thanks to budak for ID!

#11 Mating fruit flies stealing a kiss

#12 The duo taking a break

#13 Jumping spider caught a fruit fly 🙁

#14 Slowly munching away

#15 Dragonfly

#16 Closeup on it’s face. Looks like bugs bunny grinning away!!

The complete album can be viewed here.

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