Which family is known for raptorial forelegs and being an ambush predator with a fast-acting toxin?

• A. Reduviidae
• B. Phymatidae
• C. Coreidae
• D. Tingidae

Answer: (A)

Predatory behavior with grasping forelegs is a hallmark of assassin bugs. They have raptorial front legs that seize prey, then strike with a sharp proboscis to inject venom and digestive enzymes. This combination makes them ambush predators: they wait and grab prey quickly, rather than pursuing it over long distances. The venom acts fast to immobilize and begin breaking down tissues, allowing rapid feeding. These traits are characteristic of the Reduviidae family, setting them apart from plant-feeding groups like Coreidae and Tingidae, and from checkered beetles of Phymatidae that don’t rely on raptorial forelegs for ambush predation.