Recognizing the Good Bugs in Cotton - Texas Is Cotton Country ...

Spined
Assassin
Bugs
Sinea diadema
Characteristics: Spined assassin bugs are
slow moving, medium to large bugs (1/2 to
3/4 inch long) with a long, curved beak held
beneath the body. The front legs are enlarged
and spined for grasping prey, and spines are
also present on the thorax. Color varies from
black to reddish-brown. The head is narrow
and antennae and legs are long and slender.
Nymphs resemble adults but lack wings.
When disturbed, these bugs will often arch
back, pulling their forelegs up and back in a
defensive posture. The spined assassin bug,
Sinea diadema, is found throughout the
Cotton Belt. Other species of Sinea that may
be found in cotton include S. confusa, S. complexa
and S. spinipes.
Prey: Assassin bug nymphs and adults eat a
variety of prey including caterpillars, aphids
and many other insects, such as lady beetle
adults and spiders.
General Biology: Eggs resemble those of the
leafhopper assassin bug — they are barrelshaped
and laid upright in tight clusters or in
rows on leaves or stems. However, the top or
cap of the egg may be shaped in bizarre
shapes or ornamentations, unlike that of the
leafhopper assassin bug. Eggs hatch in about
14 days, and nymphs require 25-35 days to
complete development. Adults live 1-2
months and females lay up to 300 eggs. These
62