coolest assassin bug I've seen

[troypiggo]

Found this little guy. Smaller than other assassin bugs I've seen. Didn't notice the cool features on his back until saw them on the monitor.

#1 1:1
http://piggo.com/%7Etroy/photos/2008_08_23/500/img_9220.jpg (http://piggo.com/%7Etroy/photos/2008_08_23/1280/img_9220.jpg)

#2 1:1
http://piggo.com/%7Etroy/photos/2008_08_23/500/img_9232.jpg (http://piggo.com/%7Etroy/photos/2008_08_23/1280/img_9232.jpg)

#3 2:1
http://piggo.com/%7Etroy/photos/2008_08_23/500/img_9234.jpg (http://piggo.com/%7Etroy/photos/2008_08_23/1280/img_9234.jpg)

#4 3:1
http://piggo.com/%7Etroy/photos/2008_08_23/500/img_9230.jpg (http://piggo.com/%7Etroy/photos/2008_08_23/1280/img_9230.jpg)

#5 3:1
http://piggo.com/%7Etroy/photos/2008_08_23/500/img_9231.jpg (http://piggo.com/%7Etroy/photos/2008_08_23/1280/img_9231.jpg)

[paul190453]

I Like #4 best. Looks like a really angry critter! Small nit pic however....they're a little dark...some shadow highlight adjustment could fix that though.:)

[LuchoMan]

wow that's a monster!!!

What a great image, I like the 5th one

[LindaB]

Lovely pics - #3 has got to be the best :-)

A pretty fierce looking bug!

Linda

[troypiggo]

Thanks all. I'm going back to where I found him to try to get some more. Hoping he hasn't strayed too far.

[sebastianr]

Cool bug, like some old panzered dinosaur or something....good find :)

[troypiggo]

Thanks mate. Looks alien or something, doesn't it.

[LordV]

Wonderful shots- wonderful looking assassin :)
Brian v.

[troypiggo]

Thanks Brian :)

[johnkermit1]

Nice find Troy... ive seen one similar in shape, not color, but my shots were not so well.

[lcpete]

Cool insect looks amazing in close up
Pete

[troypiggo]

Thanks John and Pete. Went back to the spot I found him but he was nowhere to be seen :(

[macro_shooter]

This is one awesome looking bug, should be in a video game or something ;)

[troypiggo]

Yeah I know. Looks alien. Wanted to try to find him again but couldn't.

[DerekRob]

troypiggo, Very cool mate, However we call them praying mantis in the states.

and I like how you captured his armor. "horns"

[troypiggo]

Thanks Derek.

Praying mantids (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praying_mantis) are actually a completely different family of insect to assassin bugs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassin_bug), irrespective of what country you're from ;)

[DerekRob]

Ah thanks for the wiki link they're pretty mean looking bugs none the less.

[orionmystery]

Nice catch...gotta agree, coolest assassin bug i've ever seen too!