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Two-spotted Assassin Bug (Platymeris biguttatus)

Platymeris biguttata

The Platymeris biguttatus, or Two-spotted Assassin Bug. It is one of the most ferocious and fascinating arthropods that can be bred: a giant (1.6 inches) glossy black 'Predatory Bug' with two unmistakable white spots on the wings. It is a social death machine: unlike mantises, these predators live in large cooperative colonies, hunting huge roaches or crickets in packs, harpooning and paralyzing them instantly with a lethal enzyme-injecting rostrum (proboscis). Handling with bare hands is strictly forbidden: the sting inflicts an indescribable excruciating pain to the human being (one of the most painful insect bites in the world), accompanied by extreme swelling. They can also spray caustic defensive acid into the eyes at distances of 12 inches. Very easy breeding (hot and dry) for strictly expert hands.

Taxonomy
Class:Insecta
Order:Hemiptera
Family:Reduviidae
Genus:Platymeris
Species:Platymeris biguttata
Formerly known as:Platymeris biguttatus

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Environment

Terrestrial

Humidity

50 - 60 %

Day temperature

24 - 28 °C

Night temperature

20 - 22 °C

UVB

None

Species description

Geographic Origin and Habitat: This recovery makes no geographic-origin or habitat statement beyond the cited facts.
Taxonomy and Genetics: GBIF Backbone Taxonomy lists Platymeris biguttata (Linnaeus, 1767) as an accepted species in the genus Platymeris, family Reduviidae and order Hemiptera. This recovery makes no genetic statement beyond the cited taxonomic facts.
Behaviour and Habits: This recovery makes no behavioural statement beyond the cited facts.
Morphology and Sexual Dimorphism: This recovery makes no morphological or sex-comparison statement beyond the cited facts.

Care, breeding and tankmates

Terrarium Setup: Guidance about terrarium setup for Platymeris biguttata must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Lighting and Heating: Guidance about lighting and heating for Platymeris biguttata must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Humidity and Hydration: Guidance about humidity and hydration for Platymeris biguttata must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Feeding and Supplementation: Guidance about feeding and supplementation for Platymeris biguttata must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Compatibility and Coexistence: Guidance about compatibility and coexistence for Platymeris biguttata must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.
Health and Common Diseases: Guidance about health and common diseases for Platymeris biguttata must rely exclusively on the parameters and sources listed on this record.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

This species originates from: Africa (Savane, boscaglie aride e tronchi secchi in Africa Meridionale e Occidentale).

Origin

Africa and MadagascarEast Asia

Terrestrial invertebrate profile

Diet
No verified data available
Life expectancy
No verified data available
Adult size
3.8 cm
The catalog's scalar value is 3.8 cm. The Roach Crossing — Platymeris biguttatus source reports a maximum adult measurement of 3.8 cm for this species, recorded as total length (TL). The taxonomic record consulted is Platymeris biguttata. These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
Lifestyle/Microhabitat
No verified data available
Activity cycle
No verified data available
Sociality
No verified data available
Reproduction
No verified data available
Venom level
No verified data available
Handling tolerance
No verified data available
Brumation
No verified data available
Molting
No verified data available

Image gallery

Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.

Related species

Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.

Variants and close relatives

Same atlas type, nearby scientific identity, genus, or family.

Horrid King Assassin Bug (Psytalla horrida)

Horrid King Assassin Bug (Psytalla horrida)

Psytalla horrida

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Last updated: 08/10/2026
Two-spotted Assassin Bug (Platymeris biguttatus) (Platymeris biguttata) Care Guide & Terrarium Setup | Atlarium