Ontario insect known for extremely painful bite is most active this time of year

Ontario is full of weird bugs and creatures, and thanks to the time of year, these suckers are now ready to come out in full bloom.

Just one of many local insects to watch out for, keep your eyes peeled for Zelus Iuridus, also known as the Pale Green Assassin Bug, which is native to Canada and the United States.

Despite its name, these bugs are actually good for the garden, preying on insect eggs like aphids and larvae. They can be found in crop fields, wooded forests, backyards and even inside wildflowers — especially goldenrod — or dotted across roads, fences and trails.

Though a bite from one of these little guys isn't considered threatening, it'll definitely be painful. Sources claim bites can swell and itch for days after the first chomp, similar to that of a bee sting.

According to experts, these bad boys often wait on leaves to ambush unsuspecting prey, using a sticky material that secretes from their leg glands to capture their next meal.

To identify these bugs, look for a green, pale base and back markings ranging from dark brown to red or even yellow. Nymphs (the wingless stage) are often more solid green and have narrower bodies than adult bugs.

Now is prime time for the pale green assassin bug, as they typically lay eggs (between 25-50 per bug!) from June to August, with females laying multiple times a season. These eggs are held together in a brownish material on the underside of leaves.

Despite its name and somewhat gnarly appearance, we're labelling these bugs as garden-friendly, though with biting potential, falling under the "don't squish with your shoe" category.