Extreme close up of white_eyed assassin bug Periplaneta americana head featuring the beak_like mouthpart which is used to stab prey and inject a paralyzing venom. Assassin bugs get their name from the way they stalk their prey and have one of the fastest strikes in the insect world. They are fearless predators and are known to attack prey larger than themselves. The white_eyed species is named for two white 磂ye磗 pots found on the wings of adults. These insects reach a length of 2.5 centimetres and are indigenous to West Africa.