Predatory Assassin bug, Zelus renardii

Predatory Assassin bug, Zelus renardii also called as a stink bug because they emit strong odor when disturbed. These predatory assassin bugs are considered as the most effective biological control agents because they can kill and feed on aphids, caterpillars, larvae and grubs of many insect pests (see below) that are responsible for causing a serious damage to many agricultural and horticultural, and ornamental plants. Adult assassin bugs are medium sized, blackish to brownish in color with about 1/2 to 3/4 inch long body. They have red eyes. Females generally lay eggs in cluster masses on the leaves and in the soil. These eggs hatch within a week into small nymphs that look like their parents but they are wingless. Adults have piercing and sucking type of mouthparts also called beaks that they use for killing and feeding on the body content of the host larvae or grubs. Facts (show all) - Effective against the following pests Aphids Armyworms Cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni Cabba