Assassin bugs, Michigan trees, shrubs

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IPM Scouting in Woody Landscape Plants

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Assassin bugs

Both nymphs (shown here) and adults are predators on a variety of insects. They have long, narrow heads, and raptorial front legs for grasping prey. They vary from green to brown in color, and range in size from 12 to 36 mm long. They use their long beaks to stab prey, inject a digestive enzyme, and suck out the predigested body contents.

Additional information

More information about this beneficial organism from Identifying Natural Enemies
MSU Landscape Alert newsletters for information about the current growing season, pest concerns and plant advice.

This information was developed from A Pocket IPM Scouting Guide for Woody Landscape Plants by Diane Brown-Rytlewski. Purchase this in a pocket-sized guide for reference in the orchard from MSU Extension (publication E-2839).

The MSU IPM Program maintains this site as an access point to pest management information at MSU. The IPM Program is administered within the Department of Entomology, fueled by research from the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, delivered to citizens through MSU Extension, and proud to be a part of Project GREEEN.
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Updated 10/11/07