Hadi “Assassin Bug”

 

Be very careful of it! 1. Its sting is very painful 
It has a hard “beak” that it uses to strike. Its sting is called a “banana sting” in America because it hurts like being hit by a dried banana. The pain is intense, burning, and lasts for hours. The area swells. 2. Is it dangerous?

It’s not venomous like a scorpion. However, there are two important points: Some species transmit diseases: Other species from the same family, called “Kissing Bug,” transmit the parasite that causes Chagas disease. But this species in the picture, Zelus, usually doesn’t transmit it. The difference between them is difficult to see in the picture. Allergic reactions: Like a bee sting, some people have a severe reaction. 3. Why is it called “the killer”?

Because it’s beneficial in the garden  It eats harmful insects like aphids and caterpillars. It catches them and sucks them up. It’s a friend of plants, but an enemy of humans if you get too close. What should you do if you see it? Don’t touch it: never. It doesn’t attack on its own, but if it feels threatened, it will strike. Stay away from it: let it go. It likes wood and plants. If you get bitten: wash the area with soap and water, apply ice, and use an anti-allergy cream. If it swells a lot or you get a fever, go to the doctor or pharmacy. In short: it looks scary with its long legs and beak, but it’s just defending itself. Stay away and everything will be fine.