Rhynocoris iracundus
Rhynocoris iracundus
To defend itself or communicate, this bug can rub the tip of its beak against a grooved channel on its chest to produce a squeaking, rasping sound.
- Scientific name
- Rhynocoris iracundus
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Arthropoda › Insecta › Hemiptera › Reduviidae › Rhynocoris
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Sunny meadows, dry grasslands, forest edges, and shrublands with abundant flowering plants.
- Diet
- Carnivorous; preys on a wide variety of insects including caterpillars, beetles, bees, and flies.
- Range
- Europe, Middle East, Central Asia
- Size
- 12 to 16 mm in length
- Lifespan
- About 1 year
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Widespread pesticide use in agricultural areas and loss of wildflower-rich meadow habitats.
- Safe to approach?
- Defensive. This insect is harmless if left alone but will deliver an incredibly painful bite if handled or pinched. Keep a safe distance of at least one foot and do not touch. If bitten, wash the area immediately with soap and water, apply ice to reduce swelling, and seek medical attention if signs of an allergic reaction develop.
Rhynocoris iracundus is a species of assassin and thread-legged bugs belonging to the family Reduviidae, subfamily Harpactorinae.
Photo: Cosimo Costanzia di Costigliole, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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