Assassin Bugs

Reduviidae

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Reduviidae: /rɛˌdjuːviˈaɪdiː/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Empicoris rubromaculatus (Reduviidae) - (imago), Elst (Gld), the Netherlands - 10 by This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands. . Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
Empicoris rubromaculatus (Reduviidae) - (imago), Elst (Gld), the Netherlands - 11 by This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands. . Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
2018 04 15 Empicoris culiciformis3 by Slimguy. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Empicoris rubromaculatus (Reduviidae) - (imago), Elst (Gld), the Netherlands by This image is created by user B. Schoenmakers at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature observations in the Netherlands. . Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
2018 04 15 Empicoris culiciformis by Slimguy. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.
Emesaya brevipennis (thread-legged assassin bug feeding on a fly) (Tener Mountain Rt. 32 roadcut, southern Ohio, USA) 2 (17250569821) by James St. John. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Reduviidae, commonly known as assassin bugs, is a large family of heteropteran insects that includes both predatory and blood-feeding species. With around 7000 species worldwide, these insects are primarily recognized for their elongated necks and curved proboscis, which they use for feeding.

Physical Characteristics

Adult insects range from roughly 12 to 36 mm (0.47 to 1.42 in), often with an elongated head and distinct narrowed 'neck'. They possess long legs and prominent, segmented tubular mouthparts (proboscis). Many species are brightly colored with hues of brown, black, red, or orange.

Identification Tips

Typical members of the family have a narrow neck, sturdy build, and a formidable curved proboscis. The tip of the proboscis fits into a ridged groove in the prosternum, which can produce sound by stridulation.

Habitat

Predominantly terrestrial, many are found in warmer climates, with some living among spider webs or in bat roosts.

Distribution

World-wide, more diverse in warmer climates; in North America.

Diet

Most are predatory, using a long rostrum to inject digestive saliva into prey, such as arthropods. Some species in the Triatominae subfamily are bloodsuckers.

Life Cycle

Nymphs can camouflage themselves with debris or remains of dead prey insects; some have specialized feeding behaviors.

Ecosystem Role

Predators of various arthropods, some serve important ecological roles in controlling pest populations.

Economic Impact

Some species may assist in pest control; Triatominae species are important as disease vectors, transmitting Chagas disease.

Cultural Significance

Commonly referred to as assassin bugs; some species are bred for pest control in homes or gardens.

Health Concerns

Certain species (especially Triatominae) are known to transmit Chagas disease and can inflict painful bites.

Collecting Methods

  • Netting
  • Hand collection
  • Light traps

Preservation Methods

  • Pinning
  • Ethanol preservation

Evolution

Monophyletic, with evidence suggesting a split from other Cimicomorphs during the Jurassic. Oldest fossils date to the Late Cretaceous.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

They are called assassin bugs, which may imply they only have harmful intentions, while many species are beneficial as they control pest populations.

Tags

  • Hemiptera
  • Predatory Insects
  • Assassin Bugs
  • Bug Ecology
  • Chagas Disease