--- title: "Scientists Discover Bug That Uses Tool" description: "Scientists have discovered a new type of tool-using insect, nicknamed the \"assassin bug\" for a creative — and deadly — hunting technique." date: "2023-05-07" modified: "2023-05-07" authors: - name: "Maggie Harrison Dupré" job_title: "Senior Staff Writer" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/mharrison" url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/scientists-bug-tool" categories: - "Science & Energy" tags: - "animals" - "australia" - "insects" - "the digest" --- # Scientists Discover Bug That Uses Tool ![Scientists have discovered a new type of tool-using insect, nicknamed the "assassin bug" for a creative — and deadly — hunting technique.]() *\Image: Biology Letters\* ## Agent 00Buggin' There's an assassin on the loose in Australia — but not the kind you might be thinking. As detailed in a [recent study]() published in the journal *Biology Letters*, scientists have discovered a new type of tool-wielding insect, nicknamed the "assassin bug" for a creative — and deadly — hunting technique in which it meticulously coats itself in a sticky resin as a means of more effectively catching prey. Per the study, the assassin bug uses a specific resin from a native Australian grass called spinifex grass. "Tool use in animals is a complex and rare phenomenon, particularly in insects," reads the scientists' research. "Tool use in assassin bugs has been suggested as several species apply adhesive plant resins to their body, which has been hypothesized to function in enhancing prey capture." Deadly glue arms? Check. Watch out, flies. ## Glue Arms To test the extent of the tiny assassins' tool use, the Australian researchers observed the bugs in the wild as well as in captivity, taking 26 different assassin bugs from the outdoors and placing them in a glass jar with one of two prey: flies or ants. As [*ScienceDirect* notes,]() flies are particularly difficult to catch. Per the study, the resin-covered assassin bugs had a much easier time catching flies than their glueless counterparts did — of the 26 bugs, those with resin were 26 percent more successful at snagging the pesky winged prey. "Here, we staged predatory interactions of resin-deprived and resin-equipped assassin bugs (*Gorareduvius* sp.) and discovered that applying resin as a tool conveys a clear predatory advantage to the assassin bugs," reads the study. "*Gorareduvius* sp. can thus be considered a tool-user, and since this behaviour was present in all individuals, including newly hatched nymphs, tool-use can be considered to be stereotyped." And apparently, according to the scientists' observations, the use of the spinifex resin isn't a learned behavior, as even newly-hatched nymphs were seen coating themselves in the glue-like substance. *Innate* tool use in an insect? That's pretty cool. "Assassin bugs manipulated an environmental item (the resin), by taking it out of its usual context and applying it onto their bodies," the researchers concluded, "Thus gaining a selective advantage through improved prey capture." **More on insects:** [*Scientists Suggest New Reason Dumb Bugs Smash into Lights*]() ## Author At Futurism, I've reported extensively on the rise of AI as a cultural and business force shaping the media industry, and more broadly how those dynamics are changing how we all consume and share information and relate to one another. I'm also fascinated by public health policy and ethics, the role of emerging tech in politics and governance — and the powerful people and forces at those intersections — climate change, and the environment. My investigation on Sports Illustrated's use of AI-generated authors with fictional biographies won a 2024 Mirror Award for "Best Story on Media Coverage of Artificial Intelligence in Journalism and the Media" from Syracuse University's SI Newhouse School, I contributed to Niemen Lab's 2025 Predictions for Journalism series, and I've discussed my work for Futurism during appearances on NPR, CNN, the BBC, the CBC, and more. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania and attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where I played Division I field hockey for the Minutewomen as a midfielder. Since then, I've lived in New Orleans, Louisiana and Manhattan, New York. I spend my free time running, reading, perusing archival fashion, and searching for the world’s best negroni. I also have a debonair tuxedo cat, Westley, who's named after "The Princess Bride." ### Author social links [Bluesky]()