Platymetris biggutatus

P. biguttatus Captive breed Platymeris biguttatus or Two-spotted assassin bug is a venomous predatory true bug of west and southwest African origin ranging in size from 10–40 mm. As a true bug of the order hemiptera, it has needle like mouth parts designed for sucking juices out of plants or other insects instead of chewing. P. biguttatus has sharp stylets in its proboscis or rostrum used to pierce the exoskeleton of its prey. Saliva is then injected into the prey which liquefies its tissues,and the rostrum is then used to suck out the digested fluids. If disturbed, it is capable of a defensive bite considered to be more painful than a bee sting. It is also known to spit venom that can cause temporary blindness in humans.

Caution- adultsupervision is needed when keeping this species

Care sheet

Orange spot assassin bug (Platymeris species)
First discovered in Mombo, a town in the foothills of the Usambara mountain range of Africa. It currently lacks a full scientific classification.
The most aggressive of the three. It is also the largest (growing to 6cm) and most recently discovered. Its venom is apparently stronger than the other two.

Red spot assassin bug (Platymeris rhadamanthus)
Least aggressive and grows to 4.5cm. Its main diet in the wild is the rhinoceros beetle. Its bite is like that of a honey bee.

These are only available in colonies of 10 nymphs

White spot assassin bug (Platymaeris bigutattus)
Grows to about 4cm. Semi-aggressive. More liable to hide.


(Caution Handle Them with Care)
Assassin bug's can spray there venom with scary accuracy and seem to aim for the eyes.
Their bite is worse than the venom sprayed and the wound can last for days or even weeks. They are also quite speedy.

Temp/humidity: 76°-95°F /65%-85% humidity

Enclosure:
Babies can live Communal in a 1/2 gallon tank or plastic tote and will share food, Adults can live Communal with a low risk of cannibalization in a 3 to 50+ gallon tank. Floor space is important well as height.

Substrate: 1 to 3 inches of Coconut Fiber or Coconut Fiber/Sand mix

Decor: cork bark, Cholla Cactus Wood, manzanita, Live plants, Silk plants

Food And Feeding:
They eat almost ANY invertebrates I feed mine crickets roaches and catapullers like hornworms waxworms and silkworms,A varied diet is best to maintain good health. Food can be the same size as the assassin bug itself
they can and will take down injured crickets and roaches twice there size. They attack by sneaking up on the prey and then quickly jumping on them.
The assassin bug stabs the prey with its proboscis and injects venom, quickly killing it. After dragging the dead victim away, it will feed by sucking the juices out.

Growth: Fast!

Breeding
The female assassin bug is parthenogenic so males are not needed, but obviously genetic variety is best.
Eggs are laid in the substrate, providing it is moist.


These are only available in colonies of 10 nymphs