Detailed information on Assassin Bug (Gminatus australis)

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goldyfinch

Winchester, VA | August 2020 | Positive

Nymph in my garden on a cucumber leaf. Winchester, VA
An ant kept circling it and approaching it but when it made nose to nose contact the ant would jump back. This happened for at least 15 minutes. I\'m worried because there are many pollinators on the yellow flowers and not sure if they will be eaten by this Assassin Bug. The bees are few and far between.

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nrnbrg

Marietta, GA | April 2013 | Neutral

I have seen them in large numbers since the early 1980's, when I noticed them on a watermelon, somewhat upright in posture like a mantis; and seeming to be staring at one another (like insects at a cocktail party). This year I spotted many starting in March. I often see them "in tandem" as if a larger bug is dragging a smaller bug by its tail. I am concerned about them but have not tried to control them.

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minpin3165

Port Charlotte, FL (Zone 10b) | January 2012 | Neutral

I am going to go neutral on this guy cause I am torn. I see wasps, spiders, etc eat my caterpillars too but I dont hate them. I watch and make sure there are enough aphids to keep them happy. balance man....

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crissyr

Fayetteville, AR (Zone 7b) | July 2008 | Positive

Assassin bugs are just like spiders. The good thing is they will eat the bugs that are eating your plants. The bad thing is they will eat everything else too. Praying Mantis are like this too. I like having them because my plants are saved!

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caroldb

Kenner, LA (Zone 9a) | June 2008 | Negative

The orange and black assassin bug is prevalent in the entire New Orleans area.
Although agricultural botanists are trying to promote it as a 'beneficial' insect for agricultural crops, it is a major killer of other beneficial insects in gardens.
It will attack insects and butterfly caterpillars and bees and ladybug larvae and even lizards! It will attack creatures much larger than itself because of the deadliness of the toxin it injects.
In a butterfly garden it is difficult to eradicate, since you don't want to use insecticides. I've been reduced to wearing rubber gloves and squashing them.

Assassin Bug

Gminatus australis

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