Creepy Cool.

(squeamish readers, beware.)

ever seen the movie starship troopers? it can be summarized as giant alien bugs battling the entire human race. and, for the most part, winning.

the assassin bugs are up to something strange on the serrano plant. they're congregating. it's like an assassin bug family reunion, with representatives of several generations in attendance.

Assassin Bugs.

much better pics of assassin bugs than i have yet managed -- Wild Animals of South Austin: Assassin Bug

yesterday afternoon i saw a good-sized herd of recently hatched nymphs in the island bed; bye-bye aphids!

Twisty Center for Urban Varmit Research