Fortuitously, I stumbled into today’s photo model in a small nature reserve. I assume it is an assassin bug but was not able to identify the species. I guess it is an instar of one of the 20 Central European assassin bug species.
Assassin bugs are a diverse group of insects found all over the world. They are known for their deadly hunting skills. They use their long, sharp rostrum to pierce their prey and inject a lethal saliva that liquefies the insides of the victim, which they then suck out.
Their feeding habits are not restricted to a specific type of insect, making them versatile predators. They feed on a variety of pests, including aphids, caterpillars, and beetles, thus playing a crucial role in controlling pest populations.