Fauna
Insect

Milkweed Assassin Bug

Zelus longipes

Also known as Long-legged Assassin Bug

Milkweed assassin bugs are striking predators adorned in bright orange and black warning colors that mimic toxic milkweed insects. They ambush prey on garden foliage by coating their front legs in sticky plant resin to trap caterpillars, flies, and beetles before injecting digestive enzymes. Highly beneficial to farmers and gardeners, these slender hunters play a vital role in controlling agricultural pests across the Americas.

PredatoryColorfulGarden Helper
Milkweed Assassin Bug reference1 / 7
(c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCaterpillars, Aphids, Beetle larvae
Predators
  • Insectivorous birds
  • Lizards
  • Jumping spiders
ThreatsWidespread chemical pesticide use
HabitatsGardens, crop fields, shrublands, forest edges
Life span6 to 12 months
Classification
  1. OrderHemiptera
  2. FamilyReduviidae
  3. GenusZelus
  4. SpeciesZelus longipes
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Inflicts a painful defensive bite with its sharp beak if handled; observe without touching.
Why it is dangerous
Injects digestive fluids through a sharp beak when squeezed, causing a sharp sting similar to a wasp.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by its vibrant orange and glossy black body with long legs and a curved beak beneath the head.
What to do
Brush off gently if one lands on skin; never pinch or crush against the body.
Responsible observation
  • Scan garden leaves: Look for slender orange and black bugs resting on milkweed and crop foliage.
  • Observe from a distance: Avoid touching or grabbing them to prevent a defensive needle-like poke.
Related species
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