This "Insecticide" Really Works!

  A couple of weeks ago, I found a young assassin bug climbing around on the ruby lilies.  It was stealthily hunting any critter that it could subdue with its one long fang.  I watched and pondered how that single fang could be so deadly and how the bug caught its prey.  The critter was bright orange which would surely alert other insects to its whereabouts so camouflage was not a big help here.  The bug went from plant to plant in search of something for supper.

  This week, the chive blossoms have lured many insects to the herb garden.  Along with the moths and bees, there were a number of assassin bugs sipping nectar.  As I watched and photographed insects, a life drama was unfolding before my eyes.  One assassin bug eased its way nearer and nearer to a small bee.  The bee was so engrossed in the nectar that it did not notice the bug until it was too late.  The assassin bug grabbed the bee and started to plunge that fang into it.  Again and again, the ruthless act was repeated by the bug.  The poor bee tried to twist and turn so it could sting the bug but there was no hope.  The assassin bug held tight and soon had stabbed the bee enough to mortally wound it.  Then, it began to devour the inner parts of the bee.  

  While I felt sorry for the bee, I was happy to see that the assassin bug was doing its job.  Many folks see these little, orange bugs and immediately pull out the insecticides.  I see them AS the insecticide.  I figure that I will just let Mother Nature handle this job even though it cost a bee its life.