Bedbugs predators

The predator bug is a representative of a large family of suborder of hemiptera. Most of these insects are predators, hence their name. Some feed on insects and their larvae, but there are also parasites that drink human blood and warm-blooded animals. The result is that they are considered a transitional option from predators to bloodsuckers. Lethal danger to humans represent triatom bugscommon in Latin America.

Predators are common almost everywhere, especially many of them live in the camps of Europe, North America and Africa.In total, there are about 7,000 species of such insects in nature, and a little less than a hundred in the territory of the former Soviet Union.

What do they look like

Compared to other species, the predators are quite large, some of them can reach up to 20 mm. They have a very diverse color: bright and variegated colors prevail in tropical species of bedbugs, representatives of the middle band are painted in black or brown-brown tones. In case of danger, predators are able to change color, acquiring a grayish-woody color.

Bedbugs predators

Despite their long hind legs, these bugs move very slowly. Many predators have well-developed wings on the abdomen, but there are also wingless representatives in this family. On an elongated and narrow head, there are bulging eyes, 4-segmented antennae and styloid curved proboscis. The upper jaw of such an oral apparatus serves to pierce the skin of the victim, while the lower part with the help of special bristles of the bug sucks blood. Below are the predator bugs in the photo.

On a note!

Predator, like most predatory bugs, does not emit a peculiar smell. Such a scent is not needed by a formidable insect, since it itself goes into attack.

Lifestyle & Habitat

The predators hunt mainly at night, using spider "hunting" techniques. Insects are able to sit motionless in ambush for a long time, waiting for their prey. With its approach, the predator picks up the moment and makes a sharp jerk, thrusting his proboscis into the body of the victim. During the bite process, the bug injects a toxic substance, which causes paralysis of the affected person and liquefaction of its tissues and organs. During the re-puncture, the predator sucks the received contents with a proboscis. The larvae are particularly bloodthirsty.

Predator live in a variety of conditions: in trees and in the grass, under stones and on the ground. They can also live in the nests of birds and animal burrows. Some species of bedbugs (Sinanthropus) can be found even in home buildings and warehouses.

Bug predator

Breeding

The bug predator reproduces quickly enough. The female lays about two dozen eggs, which are firmly glued to the plants. After 2 months of them appear completely pink larvae. Over time, the surface of the body of the latter-day offspring darkens, only the belly remains pink. And only after the first molt, it acquires a black and purple color.The larvae become sexually mature individuals after half a year.

Interesting!

The dirty predator larvae have an amazing ability to disguise themselves. They are specifically covered with dust and litter, and therefore become similar to clods of dirt.