Platymeris biguttatus, commonly known as the White-Spotted Assassin Bug or Two-Spotted Assassin Bug, is a large predatory insect native to tropical regions of West and Southwest Africa. 
Physical Characteristics
Appearance: Glossy black body with two large white spots on the wings and black-and-yellow banded legs.
Size: Adults typically reach 30 mm to 45 mm (approx. 1.2–1.8 inches) in length.
Mouthparts: Possesses a needle-like rostrum (proboscis) used to pierce prey and inject liquefying digestive enzymes. 
 
Behaviour and Diet
Hunting: Aggressive ambush predators that feed on diverse invertebrates, including cockroaches, crickets, beetles, and moths.
Defense: Known for a painful bite often described as more intense than a bee or wasp sting. They can also spray venom with high accuracy, which may cause temporary blindness if it contacts a human's eyes.
Social: Unusually for predators, they can be kept communally if provided with sufficient food and hiding spaces. 
 
Captive Care (as of 2026)
They remain a popular "display only" species in the exotic pet trade due to their hardiness. 
Environment: A terrestrial enclosure (minimum 30x30 cm for a group) with cork bark or vertical structures for hiding and molting.
Temperature: Ideal range is 22–28°C (72–82°F).
Humidity: Moderate humidity (60–80%) is preferred, often maintained by keeping one corner of the substrate damp for egg laying.
Reproduction: Recent evidence confirms they do not reproduce via parthenogenesis; while unmated females lay eggs, they are infertile. Development from egg to adult typically takes 6 to 9 months. 
 
Warning: They should never be handled directly due to their defensive capabilities.