The name says it all for this insect. It is the yellow-bellied bee assassin bug (Apiomerus flaviventris). This species seems to be found most commonly in Arizona. It waits for bees to land on flowers and then grabs them.
Colorful isn’t it? Thanks to Deb for suggesting the trip to the garden where we saw this.
My question is, besides bees (btw, I like my bees), what else does it bite? Animals? Humans? I found one with a bee in its jaws.
A bee assassin, regardless of the shocking name, is really most interested in catching flying insects for a meal. Would it bite if you threatened it by sitting on it or stepping on it? Maybe, but you don’t have anything to worry about unless you are a bee.