Assasin bugs in Greece??

[genious_gr]

I caught a beatle looking bug that really reminded me of assasin bugs. It has got no white spots but the anatomy of the body is very similar. So, I threw a cricket in there, and its eating it right now!!!!!!!!!!

So, does anyone know this bug?
Could it be cernivore or does it eat both meat and plants?
Any tips/advice???
I'll post pics as soon as I can.



I love that bug!!!!!!

 

[Steven]

A picture would be great !!!
could help a lot to determine it species

 

[genious_gr]

Well, finally (after looking at some assasin bug photos) it doesnt look like one THAT much.
First of all, it doesnt have a "straw" to sting and suck the pray. It has sth like jaws. Like the ones ants have (you know, the soldier ants).
Then, it doesnt appear to have wings (but that must be cause its not mature)
Finally it doesnt have any yellow marks on it legs.

Sorry, but I cant post a pic now. I'll have my cam tonight.... maybe tomorrow morning I'll have some pics.

 

[Steven]

If it got jaws, it's maybe a tigerbeetle species?

 

[Wade]

Possibly a tiger, or maybe a ground beetle, also predatory.

There are many species of Assasin bugs, not just the one or two in the pet trade, and they come in a wide variety of shapes and colors. You probably have some around, but as you've already figured out, assasins feed through a proboscis (tube) and so whatever you found can't be one, if it's feeding with jaws.

Wade

 

[genious_gr]

Pics everyone!!!

 

[genious_gr]

2nd and last one. The 2-Euro coin's diametre is 1 inch.

 

[Wade]

Definately a ground beetle, possibly a Carbus sp.

Wade

 

[Steven]

Yep, some kind of ground beetle Carbus species

Wade = right

greetz

 

[ArachnoJoost]

Does it have a purple/violet shine along the edges of its body? I see those occasionally in our garden, that's Carabus violaceus. But I read that there are hundreds of species of Carabinae in Europe, so it's kind of a long shot...
Greetz,
Joost

 

[genious_gr]

nope, it pure black.

 

[Wade]

Oops...Just noticed I mispelled Carabus...Joost's spelling is correct!

Ground beetles, while not always spectacular to look at (a few are) can make interesting and relatively long-lived captives. I have a Pasimachus sp. that still kicking after nearly two years!

Wade