They are often confused with wasp or bees and have a characteristic hovering flight. Adults are not predaceous. They are important predators of aphids and other small, soft-bodied insects. Assassin bug Assassin bug adults are flattened, oval bugs with narrow heads and a slender neck. They are brown or black in color with some species having red-colored markings.
Nymphs are similar in shape, form, color and habits but have no wings.
Both adults and nymphs feed on small soft-bodied insects, worms and eggs. Many types of spiders are found in pecans. They vary greatly in size and color. Spiders prey on almost any insect that comes within their range. One group of mites, Phytoseilus spp., are particularly helpful in controlling plant feeding mites in pecans.