less than naked bugs by visually oriented predators, leading to the conclusion that the camouflage is at least partially visual. Other Camouflage The nymphs also cover themselves in sand or soil particles. This "dust coat" may be a form of olfactory camouflage, masking the smell of Acanthaspis petax allowing it to be undetected by its prey and capture it more easily. The nymphs are active during the day and use camouflage heavily. The adults are active at night and therefore have less of a need for camouflage and do not use it. Feeding Acanthaspis petax stalks its prey, until it gets close enough to ambush the prey. It then pierces the prey with its syringe-like proboscis. Paralyzing saliva and digestive enzymes are sent down the proboscis into the prey. Once the prey is extra-corporeally digested Acanthaspis petax sucks the liquefied tissues up the proboscis leaving only the exoskeleton of the prey behind. Behaviours When grabbed by a predator Acanthaspis petax can release its body from its mask and run away or hide, leaving behind only a ball of ant carcasses. If a nymph is caught, it plays dead and will not move for many minutes even if it is released. Acanthaspis petax generally move infrequently and in short bursts. This type of movement enhances the effectiveness of the camouflage. Nymphs can go many days without food or water making them well adapted to their seemingly unattractive habitat. References Further reading Odhiambo, Thomas R. (1958). "The camouflaging habits of Acanthaspis petax Stål (Hem., Reduviidae) in Uganda". Entomologist's Monthly Magazine. 94: 47. External links Ant-killing assassin bugs (Acanthaspis petax), Bukidnon, Philippines Photo Reduviidae Insects described in 1865 Hemiptera of Africa