What is this bug?

[Robert_in_NY]

I found it on one of my Red Rome apple trees. I do not recall every seeing this species here before. It is about 1/2" - 5/8" long.

 

[jinman]

I found it on one of my Red Rome apple trees. I do not recall every seeing this species here before. It is about 1/2" - 5/8" long.

I believe it's a good guy, Robert. I think it's an assassin bug that feeds on other bugs. He's your friend.

assassin bug

 

[Robert_in_NY]

Thanks Jim, that is what some of the guys on another board said. I only have seen this one but there are a lot of spiders also in the orchard taking care of bugs also. I have some earwigs also but have noticed quite a few dead ones. I wonder if this guy is responsible for the deaths of some of them

 

[MossRoad]

STINK BUG!

(That's what I tell my kids when they find any bug and ask me what it is. )

 

[jinman]

STINK BUG!

(That's what I tell my kids when they find any bug and ask me what it is. )

I need to take your kids on a field trip thru my garden. They'd come face-to-face with so many stink bugs that you'd never be able to boondoggle them again.

Robert: Even though assassin bugs most often attack other bugs, they will attack you if provoked. That sharp probiscus will give you a painful prick if you get one mad enough to treat you like a big bug.

 

[Robert_in_NY]

I had figured on that. I used a leaf to move this one to a box so I can take him to the camera and get a good picture. Certain bugs I know not to handle even if I can't identify them