×
BugFinder Insects by State Spiders Butterflies & Moths Bees, Ants, & Wasps Beetles All Bugs Videos (YouTube)

Assassin Bug: Z. luridus (Zelus luridus)


Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Assassin Bug: Z. luridus


Loading SVG image placeholder
1/8
Image Credit: Arch Baker
Full-sized image of the Assassin-Bug-Zelus-Luridus Thumbnail image of the Assassin-Bug-Zelus-Luridus
2/8
Image Credit: Steven K. from California, MD
Full-sized image #2 of the Assassin-Bug-Zelus-Luridus Thumbnail image #2 of the Assassin-Bug-Zelus-Luridus
3/8
Image Credit: Arch Baker
Full-sized image #3 of the Assassin-Bug-Zelus-Luridus Thumbnail image #3 of the Assassin-Bug-Zelus-Luridus
4/8
Image Credit: Arch Baker
Full-sized image #4 of the Assassin-Bug-Zelus-Luridus Thumbnail image #4 of the Assassin-Bug-Zelus-Luridus
5/8
Image Credit: Arch Baker
Full-sized image #5 of the Assassin-Bug-Zelus-Luridus Thumbnail image #5 of the Assassin-Bug-Zelus-Luridus
6/8
Image Credit: Arch Baker
Full-sized image #6 of the Assassin-Bug-Zelus-Luridus Thumbnail image #6 of the Assassin-Bug-Zelus-Luridus
7/8
Image Credit: Steven K., taken in MD
Full-sized image #7 of the Assassin-Bug-Zelus-Luridus Thumbnail image #7 of the Assassin-Bug-Zelus-Luridus
8/8
Image Credit: Tim G., taken in PA
Full-sized image #8 of the Assassin-Bug-Zelus-Luridus Thumbnail image #8 of the Assassin-Bug-Zelus-Luridus

This narrow-bodied, green Assassin Bug is a stealthy killer of all sorts of garden pests.



Updated: 09/11/2023; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Adults of this species come in shades of green and even some brown. They all have a spine or spiky point extending from its 'shoulders'. Red eyes bulge out of either side of the head. A large, long fang is tucked, or curled under, in front of the face. This fang is a formidable weapon used to stab other insects to death. This dagger-like fang can also inflict pain if it pierces human skin. Nymphs look like smaller, thinner versions of adults. They are almost a lime-green color and shades of brown around the neck collar are starting to develop. Orange and white markings along the 'spine' area are visible. Wings have not yet formed at this stage, but they will develop after molting.

Look for nymphs in the early part of summer on leaves and stems of plants. They may be seen in groups as they emerge from their brown eggs, which are clustered together, usually on a leaf. Adults are active predators all summer long and even into autumn.©InsectIdentification.org


Note: The above text is EXCLUSIVE to the site www.InsectIdentification.org. It is the product of hours of research and work made possible with the help of contributors, educators, and topic specialists. If you happen upon this text anywhere else on the internet or in print, please let us know at InsectIdentification AT gmail DOT com so that we may take appropriate action against the offender / offending site and continue to protect this original work.


General Characteristics


Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
Insect biting icon
Spiny / Spiky insect icon


Taxonomic Hierarchy


Species Breakdown
Kingdom: Animalia
  Phylum: Arthropoda
    Class: Insecta
      Order: Hemiptera
        Family: Reduviidae
View More
          Genus: Zelus
View More
            Species: luridus

Identifying Information


Size, Colors, Features
Scientific Name: Zelus luridus
Category: True Bug
Size (Adult; Length): 12mm to 18mm (0.47" to 0.70")
Colorwheel Graphic Colors: green; red; orange; yellow; brown
Descriptors: slender; fang; biting; pointy spiky shoulders; red eyes


Relative Size Comparison


Typical Size Between 12mm (0.5in) and 18mm (0.7in)
Lo: 12mm
Md: 15mm
Hi: 18mm

Territorial Map*


U.S., Canada, and Mexico
State of Alabama graphic
State of Arizona graphic
State of Arkansas graphic
State of California graphic
State of Colorado graphic
State of Delware graphic
State of Florida graphic
State of Georgia graphic
State of Idaho graphic
State of Illinois graphic
State of Indiana graphic
State of Iowa graphic
State of Kansas graphic
State of Kentucky graphic
State of Louisiana graphic
State of Maine graphic
State of Maryland graphic
State of Michigan graphic
State of Minnesota graphic
State of Mississippi graphic
State of Missouri graphic
State of Montana graphic
State of Nebraska graphic
State of Nevada graphic
State of New England graphic
State of New Jersey graphic
State of New Mexico graphic
State of New York graphic
State of North Carolina graphic
State of North Dakota graphic
State of Ohio graphic
State of Oklahoma graphic
State of Oregon graphic
State of Pennsylvania graphic
State of South Carolina graphic
State of South Dakota graphic
State of Tennessee graphic
State of Texas graphic
State of Utah graphic
State of Virginia graphic
State of Washington graphic
State of West Virginia graphic
State of Wisconsin graphic
State of Wyoming graphic
Canadian territory of Alberta graphic
Canadian territory of British Columbia graphic
Canadian territory of Manitoba graphic
Canadian territory of New Brunswick graphic
Canadian territory of Newfoundland and Labrador graphic
Canadian territory of Ontario graphic
Canadian territory of Quebec graphic
Canadian territory of Saskatchewan graphic
Territory map graphic of the country of Mexico
Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic
Alaska  
Hawaii  
Prince Edward Is.  
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Assassin Bug: Z. luridus may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Assassin Bug: Z. luridus. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
Site Disclaimer  |  Privacy Policy  |  Cookies  |  Sitemap
Beetle Identification Butterfly Identification Caterpillar Identification Spider ID Fungal Infections on Insects Nursery Web Spider Official State Insects Termite Basics Insect Molting Process Bugs of Tennessee House Centipede

2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • Content ©2006-2024 InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved. The InsectIdentification.org logo, its written content, and watermarked photographs/imagery are unique to this website (unless where indicated) and is protected by all applicable domestic and international intellectual property laws. Material presented throughout this website is for entertainment value and should not to be construed as usable for scientific research or medical advice (regarding bites, etc...).Please consult licensed, degreed professionals for such information. By submitting images to us (InsectIdentification.org) you acknowledge that you have read and understood our Site Disclaimer as it pertains to "User-Submitted Content". Images in JPG format are preferred with a minimum horizontal dimension of 1000px if possible. When emailing please include your location and the general estimated size of the specimen in question if possible. Please direct all inquiries and comments to insectidentification AT gmail.com. No A.I. was used in the generation of this content.

©2024 www.InsectIdentification.org • All Rights Reserved • Content ©2006-2024 (18yrs)