X-Bug

[wizzcom]

We seem to have some knowledgable bug people out there. I saw this bug only once on an Agave plant in my front yard. Never saw it again. I would really like to find out what it is. Thanks

[dancinec]

Not knowing the Florida species too well, the bug looks like an immature "Assassin Bug" (noting the wing buds). Look at http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-fact/2000/2082.html to see if this resembles your beast. They can give a nasty bite.

[Paul A]

It is an assasin bug, family reduviidae. Some species are plant feeders but there are blood suckers some transmit the terrible Chagas disease to humans which I believe there is still no cure for. This one looks like a plant feeder.

[wizzcom]

Thanks for the info. I haven't seen the critter since I took the picture, but I'll be sure to avoid it if I do.