The assassin bug (Pahabengkakia piliceps) ... Rather than repelling the predator, the resin acts as a beacon, drawing bees into striking range.

This assassin bug's ability to use a tool — bees’ resin — could shed light on how the ability evolved in other animals. Skip to content. Subscribe or renew today ...

One group of insects, the assassin bugs, can be seen using tree resin to catch prey in this fascinating YouTube clip. The ability to use tools is not widespread in the animal world.

image: The bug climbing onto the stingless bee nest tube. view more . Credit: Image by CHEN Zhaoyang. Tool use is widely reported across a broad range of the animal kingdom, mainly among vertebrates.

So far, spinifex-dwelling assassin bugs have only been found in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, the study said. This remote region is a roughly 2,900-mile drive northwest of Sydney.

So far, spinifex-dwelling assassin bugs have only been found in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, the study said. This remote region is a roughly 2,900-mile drive northwest of Sydney.