Common Assassin Bug

Pristhesancus plagipennis, also known as the "common assassin bug", is an ambush predator that belongs to the family Reduviidae, of the order Hemiptera (true bugs). It possesses a large rostrum or 'spike' on the end of its narrow head which it uses to impale its prey, injecting a digestive enzyme which kills its victim, the contents of which can then be drunk at leisure. The victim's remains are then discarded. I believe they are particularly fond of stink bugs, although I guess any animal that can be overpowered will do. Their legs are long so that they have long attack distance. Adult bugs are brown in colour with transparent wings, and nymphs are black with brightly orange abdomens. Females lay clusters of long red eggs. Nymphs pass through five growth stages to become an adult bugs, and look similar to the adults except smaller and wingless. Later instars will have wing buds but still cannot fly. This specimen was less than 20 mm in length, so not yet fully grown.