I found these two on a Hosta leaf. They were on different leaves. I put them in a plastic bag. Later I gave them a small Daddylonglegg. They were not interested. Next, a mosquito-like insect. Not interested. Finally a slice of the Hosta leaf. Not interested. Can anyone help? Thanks.
Martha
They're milkweed assassin bugs, Zelus longipes. They eat other insects - maybe it wasn't hungry?
http://davesgarden.com/guides/bf/go/561/
Oh thank you, Claypa. I was very worried they would starve to death. They have had nothing to eat since yesterday morning, but yet I was afraid to let them go for fear they were bad bugs.
Moments ago I set them free. They were so happy. One crawled back to the tip of the hosta. He looked at me. I know he was saying, it's been nice to know you, lady, and thanks for letting us go! LOL.
Are you an entomologist or just a very good bug expert? You sure made me feel better. I just knew I was committing murder!
Martha
lol - neither, just a fan, trying to be helpful. When I was a little kid, we had a babysitter who was studying entomology and she had all the kids in the neighborhood collecting insects for her. It kind of stuck with me, I guess.
I should have warned you they can bite!
You mean the assasin bugs can bite? I handled both of them. I am lucky not to be bitten.
I did have Entomology 101 in college. It stuck with me too. But there was no discussion about assasin bugs! I am fascinated by the insect world. I should get a net and collect some pretty insects for a shadow box. Talking about bugs makes me feel like a child again. Fun, fun!
Claypa, I hope I can return your favor some day.
Martha
