Platymeris rhadamanthus
insect
Quick Summary
Platymeris rhadamanthus is a species of assassin bug belonging to the family Reduviidae. These insects are known for their predatory nature, using piercing-sucking mouthparts to inject enzymes that liquefy their prey's tissues. While most assassin bugs prey on other insects, some, like the kissing bug, can feed on vertebrate blood and transmit diseases such as Chagas disease. Platymeris rhadamanthus has a unique defense mechanism: it can eject saliva up to 30 cm (12 inches) toward an attacker, which contains digestive enzymes.12
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