Knowledgebase

Need help identifying attached picture of insect #855001

Asked November 09, 2023, 12:31 PM EST

The attached photos are the second time we’ve found this bug in our house. The first time my wife was bitten/stung by it.

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

The insect is difficult to ID on this background and is not quite in focus, but it appears to be a young assassin bug. Even though it looks more orange than green, it most closely resembles a Pale Green Assassin Bug, which is a native insect found throughout Maryland.

Assassin bugs are diverse and very common in home landscapes but are not a concern, though like any insect in that group, would be capable of delivering a nip if handled or caught (or an exploratory "taste" if they wander onto bare skin). They otherwise do not seek people out to bite and only prey on other insects, nor does this type of assassin bug transmit disease to people or pets. You can put them outside if others are found. Several species of assassin bug and their cousins stink bugs overwinter in sheltered locations, which can include inside our homes when they happen to find an access point. Sealing gaps/cracks can help, as can checking for torn window screening and worn-out door weather-stripping, since these are common ways insects get inside this time of year.

Miri

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