Assassin Bug

Description:

Reduvidae; Harpactorinae; Scipinia horrida Stål, 1895. "The Reduviidae are a large cosmopolitan family of the order Hemiptera (true bugs). Among the Hemiptera and together with the Nabidae almost all species are terrestrial ambush predators....most members of the family are fairly easily recognizable; they have a relatively narrow neck, sturdy build, and a formidable curved proboscis (sometimes called a rostrum). Large specimens should be handled with caution, if at all, because they sometimes defend themselves with a very painful stab from the proboscis." Wikipedia.

Habitat:

This Assassin Bug was spotted on foliage growing wild in the border of a rice field. The rainy season was underway and the grasses and foliage were teaming with all manner of insect life. In addition to the normal inhabitants of the rice field border vegetation, there were many other species seeking a habitat there. The rice field had just been ploughed in preparation for the seedlings being planted over the next few days. So many insects which had been driven out by the ploughing had taken refuge in the border verges.

Notes:

Confirmation of presence in Philippines - https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/49044...