Assassin Bugs

[Trenor]

I got four of these guys as freebies with a recent tarantula purchase. They seem pretty cool so far and I really enjoyed watching them take down a Dubia nymph. Since I was not expecting them, I currently have them on a topsoil/coca fiber mix and I gave them the plant for some cover.

I looked up a few posts but since I didn't have a scientific name I wasn't sure if the information applied to the bugs I had. What is the best way to keep these guys? Any tips or information is appreciated.

 

[Hisserdude]

Those are some sort of Platymeris species, can't really tell what species until the little guys mature. They can be kept communally, however with the nymphs you can expect a certain amount of cannibalism when keeping them together. Your setup looks good, just keep them well fed, moist, and maybe separate, and you should be good.

 

[Trenor]

Thanks for the information. I've tried to keep food available for them and maybe that will help keep them from eating one another.

 

[Tenevanica]

I've been wanting to keep Platymeris sp. for long time, but they're so damn expensive! I think it's great that you can keep them in colonies too! Good luck with these, and I'm glad more of the T people are embracing insects as well!

Here's a pretty basic care sheet: http://www.bugnation.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=386&t=262&sid=f5681174463ad5117615a91e0e47a68c

 

[Trenor]

I've been wanting to keep Platymeris sp. for long time, but they're so damn expensive! I think it's great that you can keep them in colonies too! Good luck with these, and I'm glad more of the T people are embracing insects as well!

Here's a pretty basic care sheet: http://www.bugnation.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=386&t=262&sid=f5681174463ad5117615a91e0e47a68c

Thanks man. If they do well and hatch eggs I'll be glad to hook you up. Or if I decide these are not my thing I'll send these to you.

 

[Tenevanica]

Thanks man. If they do well and hatch eggs I'll be glad to hook you up. Or if I decide these are not my thing I'll send these to you.

That sounds great! Thanks for the offer.

 

[Lucanus95]

Judging by the color, this is Platymeris rhadamanthus

 

[Dovey]

Wow, when I saw your post title, I thought you might have Triatoma sp., and my heart started racing! I live in the Sonoran Desert and am terribly allergic to those cunning wee beasties - but even people who aren't sensitized to their bite suffer horrible itchy, burning, raised welts while they are asleep in bed here. It's high season for indoor incursions, and I live in fear and toss my room every night, mattress and all. Seriously, we have rattlesnakes, widows & recluses, coral snakes, and very pushy gila monsters, but these are the only fellow residents I truly fear.

 

[Dovey]

Is that a late instar, or do they retain that amazing color for life?

 

[Tenevanica]

Judging by the color, this is Platymeris rhadamanthus

I believe all Platymeris sp. have that color if they're young enough.

 

[Tenevanica]

Is that a late instar, or do they retain that amazing color for life?

I haven't kept these, but I believe they only keep that red color in the early instars. The adults are even more stunning however!

 

[Trenor]

Judging by the color, this is Platymeris rhadamanthus

Ah cool, Those look pretty awesome when they are older.

 

[Lucanus95]

I believe all Platymeris sp. have that color if they're young enough.

There is a difference in leg coloration between 3 species (if we assume mombos are not biguttatus. There are people claiming that mombos are just variation of biguttatus). P. rhadamanthus has dark coloration on the joints whereas in mombos only the base of the femur is dark. P. biguttatus has entirely black tibia. It's easy to spot the difference when you keep all 3 species.

 

[Introvertebrate]

There is a difference in leg coloration between 3 species (if we assume mombos are not biguttatus. There are people claiming that mombos are just variation of biguttatus). P. rhadamanthus has dark coloration on the joints whereas in mombos only the base of the femur is dark. P. biguttatus has entirely black tibia. It's easy to spot the difference when you keep all 3 species.

Do you care for all 3 species the same way?

 

[Trenor]

Well, I was looking over the tarantula table and noticed one of mt newly acquired assassin bugs (Platymeris rhadamanthus?) was molting. Not one to miss a photo op I broke out the camera and got a few photos. I might have to rehouse these guys soon the way they are growing.
Enjoy:
Molting.

Close up Molting.

After molting.

 

[Tenevanica]

Do you care for all 3 species the same way?

Yes, the care for all three (or four? Or five? No one really knows how many Platymeris species are in the hobby.) species is the same.

 

[Lucanus95]

Do you care for all 3 species the same way?

Yes, I keep all 3 species in the same way as well as for Psytalla horrida.

 

[Dovey]

Yes, more room! I vote to rehouse. Fantastic photos you take, btw...your photo thread is magnificent.

 

[Trenor]

Yes, more room! I vote to rehouse. Fantastic photos you take, btw...your photo thread is magnificent.

Thanks, that is kinds of you to say. I do like to take photos. I also think, I need to move then to a large enclosure. I've been looking at what I have here for Ts and so far I haven't found one I like. I might hit up the hobby store and see if they have some clear plastic ones that are shorter with more floor and plant room.

 

[Dovey]

Since developing a fancy for insects & arachnids, I've never entered a Michaels or Hobby Lobby with the same eyes! If only their merchandizing depts. knew what we were searching for...that would be a lively purchasing meeting.