Hawaii Biological Survey’s

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96. Tantalus Wingless Thread Bug

Scientific name: Nesidiolestes insularis

Hawaiian Name: —

Classification: Phylum: Arthropoda. Class: Insecta: Family: Reduviidae.

Origin: Endemic.

Status: Species of Concern.

Distribution: Restricted to O‘ahu.

Map: —


Reduviid bugs have the common name of assassin bugs and this fellow is definitely one of those! Although he cannot fly, he is still dangerous to things smaller than him. He captures small prey with the mantis-like front legs and holds his victims above the ground with his stilt-like legs while he sucks out their juices until they wither and die.

   Photo © William P. Mull