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Banded Assassin Bug

Pselliopus cinctus

Photo by Felix Fleck
Published on Project Noah
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20.53, -100.36

Field Notes

Description:

Through the viewfinder, I didn't see the small orb-weaver (out of focus, pics #1-2) on the twig. The bug was actually getting ready to pounce. Although it was incredibly fast, the spider got away. Bug measured about 15mm in length, with orange protonum and hemelytra; rest of the body was pale with black bands.

Habitat:

Found in 'El Cimatario', a national park in semi-arid area just outside the city. The rainy season is now in full swing and many animals are venturing out.

Reference Links:

Pselliopus cinctus, Assassin Bug in the family Reduviidae, subfamily Harpactori…

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (23)
Felix Fleck
Thanks for the support, Brian, Christine, and Marta!
Brian38
Congrats Felix! Exceptional series!
DanielePralong
Congratulations Felix, this great action shot came third in our 2017 Best Wildlife Photo competition, Arthropods category: https://www.facebook.com/projectnoah/photos/a.10150595289465603.674700.10150120463815603/10159863227220603/?type=3&theater https://twitter.com/projectnoah/status/949801270608646145
triggsturner
Nice one Felix! Congratulations on your SOTW.
Felix Fleck
Wow, thanks you so much for the SOTW! And everyone's kind words and support! Surely made my day.
Leuba Ridgway
Never thought I'd support impending doom but couldn't help it with your photo being so good ! Congratulations Felix .
DanielePralong
Congratulations Felix, this great series has been voted Spotting of the Week! "Watch a Banded Assassin Bug (Pselliopus cinctus) pounce on a spider in our Spotting of the Week! The spider did get away. Pselliopus is a genus of assassin bugs (family Reduviidae) restricted to the New World, with most species found in Mexico. This assassin bug is part of a series of spottings contributed by Project Noah member Felix Fleck from the Parque Nacional El Cimatario in Mexico. Check them out!" Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectnoah/photos/a.10150595289465603.674700.10150120463815603/10159240095195603/?type=3&theater Twitter: https://twitter.com/projectnoah/status/899395767202455554
Felix Fleck
Thanks for the nomination, Ashley! And Leuba for the kind words. Both much appreciated.
Leuba Ridgway
Great action shot Felix - I can almost feel the stabber !
AshleyT
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!
Felix Fleck
Thanks you very much for your kind words, Maria, Chun, and Brian.
ChunXingWong
Amazing how the spider and the assassin bug have the same coloration!

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Insects from Mexico!
Mission
2017 Best Wildlife Photo

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Photographed
PublishedJuly 28, 2017

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