Australian Assassin Bugs Display Tool Use

Researchers at Macquarie University in Australia have discovered an example of tool use by an insect in Australian assassin bugs. The bugs use sticky resin from spinifex grass to help capture prey, applying it to their forelegs. The researchers found that the bugs were 26% more successful at capturing their prey when the resin was on their bodies. The resin helped to slow down the prey, making it easier to hold on to long enough for it to be stabbed.