Bee Killer Assassin bug

Of all the names for all the insects in all the world - surely the common name of Assassin bug has to be about the coolest eh?. These little beasties have much in common with the Predatory Shield bugs but are a separate species all the same. They are also close cousins of the parasitic bed bug - the bane of hostels and backpackers Australia wide.

Like all true bugs it has a tube [rostrum] for a mouth - however, unlike all bugs this is used to pierce the bodies of it's insect meals, injecting strong enzymes that turn their poor victims insides to soup before being sucked out - kind of like an invertebrate milkshake ...

Pristhesancus plagipennis

Living up to the name [inset photographed previously, but who knows, it may be the same bug?]  

Obviously Bee Killer Assassin Bugs eat other insects besides just bees but you might take note; Even though they are small [this one was around 25mm], they can and will defend themselves by stabbing anyone foolish enough to carelessly handle them. However, I should add that I have had these guys land on me inadvertently but with some gentle coaxing it's easy enough to remove them without being savaged lol.

So don't freak out.