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Pentatomidae, Asopinae.
Unlike mammal and bird predators, most predatory insects, like this little stink bug nymph, come to life fully prepared to take care of themselves alone...
Spotted on Jan 5, 2020
Submitted on Jan 9, 2020
6 Comments
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!
Awesome !
Thank you Neil.
Amazing spotting, Sergio. Your observations seem very logical too. It's a nasty little beast.
Thank you Leuba. Please, notice that: 1) the bug's rostrum has a double twist in its length, like an open "Z". I think that that acts like a spring, increasing the speed and power of the sting. 2) the bug is very fast, and waits untill its prey is very close to attack. And 3) the bug (and other small predators, by the way) almost always hit the prey's softer belly. I believe that, when the rostrum hits the prey's "skin", if it doesn't penetrate immediately it slides untill its point hits a vulnerable joint. Well, all those assumptions come from my observation. I'd really like that an expert tell me if I am right or not.
His little rostrum/stabber doesn't even look that strong...I am surprised the beetle didn't fly away. Great action shot !