Common name : Kissing bug
Scientific name : Triatominae
Family : Reduviidae
Native to : America, Asia, Australia and Africa
Interesting fact : Also known as assassin bugs, these insects are well known for sucking the blood of vertebrate creatures.
As an adult, the kissing bug has 2 sets of wings, which it acquires after undergoing complete metamorphosis. They feed after sunset. The kissing bug usually takes shelter in a vertebrate’s nest, and then uses the vertebrate as food by feeding on its blood. They are extremely attracted to bright lights, and when disturbed release a pungent odour as a defence mechanism.
