Assassin Bug Care

General care instructions for the Assassin bugs.

Assassin bugs are hardy, fascinating predators with quite straightforward husbandry needs.

TEMPERATURE

22-28 C, 50-70% humidity

Well ventilated enclosures

LIGHTING

Well lit enclosures.

Avoid direct sunlight

HOUSING

Assassin bugs thrive in well ventilated enclosures that offer both security and structure. A medium sized enclosure with a tight fitting mesh lid is ideal, providing enough height for climbing and moulting. Use a base of coco fibre, sand or soil kept mostly dry with one slightly moist corner to support egg laying. This species like to climb so verticle elements such as cork bark, twigs and foliage will create perches and ambush areas. Good airflow to prevent mould is essential.

FEEDING

Assassin bugs are enthusiastic predators and should be offered live insects such as crickets, cockroaches and mealworms week to twice per week. Avoid leaving uneaten prey items in the enclosure. Well fed enclosures will prevent them cannibalising each other

SEXING

This can be very tricky as the species show subtle or no obvious external differences. Males tend to be a little slimmer and more agile. Sexing is generally only reliable when they have reached adult size

GENERAL

Assassin bugs can give a venomous nip through their piercing mouthparks. Whilst medically significant to humans, their venom is defensive rather than aggressive and bites tend only to occur when the insect is mishandled or trapped.