Kissing bugs are also known as assassin bugs, and they belong to the Reduviidae family. There are several species of bugs that look like kissing bugs, here are 5 of the most common insects mistaken for kissing bugs.
- Western corsair (Rasahus thoracicus)
- Cone-nose bug (Triatoma spp.)
- Wheel bug (Arilus cristatus)
- Leafhopper assassin bug (Zelus renardii)
- Bed Bugs (Cimex lectularius)
It is important to note that while some of these bugs may resemble kissing bugs in appearance, not all of them are capable of transmitting Chagas disease, a serious illness caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which can be transmitted to humans and animals through feces. If you live in an area where kissing bugs are common, It’s important to take steps to reduce your risk of exposure and contact a pest control professional if you suspect an infestation.
Let’s dive into the differences and similarities of these 5 bugs as it relates to kissing bugs:
1. Western Corsair
The Western Corsair is a species of assassin bug that is native to the western United States, including California, Arizona, and New Mexico. These bugs are generally considered beneficial insects because they help to control pest populations and maintain the ecological balance in their habitat.
Similarities:
- Insect Family – Both kissing bugs and Western Corsair belong to the Reduviidae family of insects, commonly known as assassin bugs.
- Physical Appearance – Both have a similar elongated body shape with a long, pointed proboscis or beak used to feed on the blood of their prey.
- Color – Both have a similar reddish-brown coloration, which can vary depending on the species and age of the bug.
Differences:
- Size – Western corsairs are generally smaller in size than kissing bugs, with an average length of about 1.2 inches (3 cm), while kissing bugs can grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in length.
- Color Patterns – Kissing bugs are known for their distinctive pattern of three stripes on their back, while Western corsairs are more of a solid color:
- Disease Transmission – Kissing bugs are known to carry and transmit the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which can cause Chagas disease in humans, while Western corsairs do not transmit this disease.
- Location – Western corsairs are primarily found in the western United States, while kissing bugs are found in a wider range of habitats in the Americas, including the southern U.S. along with Central and South America.
2. Cone-Nose Bugs
Cone-nose bugs are a type of insect in the Reduviidae family. They are named for their sharp, pointed nosecone, which is used to pierce and suck the blood from their prey. Cone-nose bugs have a wide variety of prey including spiders, other insects, mammals, and reptiles.
Similarities:
- Insect Family – Both Cone-nose bugs and Kissing bugs are commonly referred to as assassin bugs.
- Physical Appearance – Both have a similar elongated body shape, with a long, pointed proboscis or beak used to feed on the blood of their prey.
- Location – Both can be found in a variety of habitats, including homes and outdoor environments.
- Disease Transmission – Both Cone-nose bugs and Kissing bugs can transmit the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which can cause Chagas disease in humans.
Differences:
- Size – Cone-nose bugs (Triatoma spp.) are generally smaller than kissing bugs, with an average length of about 0.8-1.2 inches (2-3 cm), while kissing bugs can grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in length.
- Color – Cone-nose bugs are more brightly colored, with distinctive red or orange markings on their backs, while kissing bugs are usually darker in color with that distinct pattern of three stripes on their back.
- Ability to Bite – Cone-nose bugs tend to be more aggressive and bite more readily when disturbed while kissing bugs are often more passive will only feed on humans while they sleep.
- Location – Cone-nose bugs are found in more arid or desert-like environments, while kissing bugs are found in a wider range of habitats in the Americas
It is important to note that both Cone-nose bugs and Kissing bugs can transmit Chagas disease to humans, so it is important to take steps to reduce your risk of exposure if you live in an area where these insects are common.
To help prevent your exposure you should seal cracks and gaps in your home, using insecticides or other pest control measures, and seek medical attention if you suspect that you were bitten by an infected insect.
3. Wheel Bugs
Wheel bugs are a unique species of predatory insect that have a distinctive cog-shaped pronotum, which is where their name comes from. Unlike other insects, wheel bugs use a special beak-like appendage to extract fluids from their prey. This method of predation makes them unique among similar insects.
Similarities:
- Insect Family – Both wheel bugs and kissing bugs belong to the same order, Hemiptera.
- Physical Appearance – Both have a similar elongated body shape with a long, pointed proboscis or beak used to feed on the blood of their prey.
- Location – Both are commonly found in the southern United States.
Differences:
- Size – Wheel bugs (Arilus cristatus) are larger than kissing bugs, with an average length of 1.5-2 inches (3.8-5 cm), while kissing bugs typically grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in length.
- Physical Appearance – Unlike kissing bugs, Wheel bugs have a distinctive “wheel-like” structure on their thorax, which gives them their common name.
- Feeding Time – Wheel bugs are primarily active during the day and can often be seen hunting for prey in trees and shrubs. kissing bugs on the other hand, are primarily active at night and tend to feed on humans while they sleep.
- Disease Transmission – Wheel Bugs are not known for spreading disease to humans.
4. Leafhopper Assassin Bugs
Leafhopper assassin bugs are a large family of predatory insects that are found all over the world. These bugs feed on small, soft-bodied insects like aphids and mites, making them great friends to gardeners and farmers. They have long legs and sharp mouthparts that they use to stab their prey before sucking out their body fluids.
Similarities:
- Insect Family – Both leafhopper assassin bugs and kissing bugs belong to the same family, Reduviidae.
- Physical Appearance – Both have a similar elongated body shape with a long, pointed proboscis or beak used to feed on the blood of their prey.
- Predatory Habits – Both are predatory insects that can help control pest populations in their habitats.
Differences:
- Size – Leafhopper assassin bugs (Zelus renardii) are smaller than kissing bugs, with an average length of about 0.5-1 inch (1.2-2.5 cm), while kissing bugs can grow up to 1.6 inches (4 cm) in length.
- Color – Leafhopper assassin bugs are typically green or brown in color, while kissing bugs are usually darker in color with a distinct pattern of three stripes on their back.
- Feeding – Leafhopper assassin bugs primarily feed on other insects, such as leafhoppers and aphids, while kissing bugs are known to feed on the blood of mammals, including humans.
It is important to note that while leafhopper assassin bugs are not known to transmit any diseases to humans, they can still bite and potentially cause irritation or allergic reactions. As with all insects, it is best to avoid contact and seek professional assistance if you suspect an infestation or are concerned about potential health risks.
5. Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are small, brown insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals. They prefer to live on or near mattresses and furniture, but can also be found in carpets, drapes, bedding and other cracks and crevices around the home.
Bed bugs are often found in hotel rooms where they come in contact with many different people. Unfortunately, bed bugs can be notoriously difficult to get rid of as they have developed resistance to many types of insecticides over time.
Similarities:
- Feeding Habits: Both bed bugs and kissing bugs are attracted to warm-blooded animals, including humans, and feed on their blood.
- Habitat: Both can be found in human habitats and can infest homes.
- Disease Transmission: Both can cause allergic reactions or transmit diseases through their bites.
Differences:
- Family: Bed bugs belong to the family Cimicidae, while kissing bugs belong to the family Reduviidae.
- Color: Bed bugs are typically reddish-brown in color, flat, and oval-shaped, while kissing bugs are usually black, brown, or dark red, and have a distinctive cone-shaped head.
- Behavior: Bed bugs are usually active at night and hide in crevices and cracks during the day, while kissing bugs are more active during the night and can be found near lights or outdoor areas with vegetation.
Overall, while bed bugs and kissing bugs share some similarities in terms of their blood-feeding behavior and potential impact on human health, they are different insects with distinct physical characteristics, behaviors, and risks.
If you suspect that you have an infestation of either type of bug, it’s important to contact a pest control professional for assistance right away.
