Tuesday, June 24, 2014

A young assassin bug with a backpack made of dead ants. There are 7,000 species of assassin bugs the world over, and while not all engage in this  behavior, each is equipped with a mouthpart called a rostrum. With this, the assassin bug stabs through the exoskeleton of its prey. An outer sheath peels back once inside to expose the maxillae and mandibles.They then inject a toxin that paralyzes the victim in a fraction and begins liquefying its innards. Then, utilizing a sticky secretion on their exoskeletons, some species will pop the corpse up onto their back. 
Photo credit: Getty Images

A young assassin bug with a backpack made of dead ants. There are 7,000 species of assassin bugs the world over, and while not all engage in this  behavior, each is equipped with a mouthpart called a rostrum. With this, the assassin bug stabs through the exoskeleton of its prey. An outer sheath peels back once inside to expose the maxillae and mandibles.They then inject a toxin that paralyzes the victim in a fraction and begins liquefying its innards. Then, utilizing a sticky secretion on their exoskeletons, some species will pop the corpse up onto their back.
Photo credit: Getty Images

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