Just Molted - Threadlegged Assassin Bug

Description:

Size: 1cm approx (body only) Very interesting info: Some Stenolemus sp. spends nearly its entire life (moulting, feeding, mating) in spider webs. It preys upon a variety of spiders, including webs and nests of spiders of Achaearanea, Badumna, Pholcus, and Stiphidion, and the families Salticidae and Uloboridae. A particular species - S.bituberus has two attack methods: stalking and luring. Stalking involves the slow approach of S. bituberus to a prey, followed by a period of tapping the prey with antennae (usually for an extended period of ~3 minutes), and then sudden stabbing with the bug's rostrum. "Luring" involves plucking of the strands of the spider web by S. bituberus. The prey comes over to investigate and S. bituberus again taps with antennae before stabbing with the rostrum." Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jean_hort/5...