assassin bug

noun

1. any of numerous bugs of the family Reduviidae, feeding chiefly on other insects but including some forms that are bloodsucking parasites of mammals.

assassin bug

noun

1. any long-legged predatory, often blood-sucking, insect of the heteropterous family Reduviidae

Word History and Origins

Origin of assassin bug¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

Other cool eggs you might encounter are the eggs of the wheel bug or assassin bug.

From Washington Post

The feather-legged assassin bug, which also preys on ants in Australia, is triumphant less than 3 percent of the time.

From New York Times

The latest addition is the sexual organ of a 50-million-year-old assassin bug.

From New York Times

Known as an assassin bug, Sycanus uses its mouthpart to stab its insect prey, including the fire caterpillar, one of the most important pests of oil palm trees.

From Science Magazine

The assassin bug wears its victims' corpses on its back, where the cadavers act as both shield and camouflage.

From National Geographic