New Zealand’s Assassin bugs

Assassin bugs, or Reduviidae, are a family of true bugs that are mainly predatory and use a strong piercing rostrum to capture and feed on other invertebrates. They are generally recognised by their elongated head, narrow neck, and sturdy body shape.

In New Zealand, assassin bugs are a lesser-known part of the true bug fauna and are often found on vegetation, bark, or other sheltered surfaces where they hunt prey. Some species present in New Zealand are self-introduced from Australia.

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