Apiomerus californicus
Berniker & Szerlip, 2011
California Bee Assassin
Apiomerus californicus is a of assassin bug in the Reduviidae, first described by Berniker and Szerlip in 2011. It belongs to the Apiomerini tribe, commonly known as bee assassins, which are specialized of bees and other . The species is found in western North America, particularly in California and surrounding regions.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Apiomerus californicus: /ˌæpɪoʊˈmɛrəs kælɪˈfɔrnɪkəs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Distribution
Western North America, primarily California and adjacent areas. GBIF records indicate presence in North America with confirmed observations in California.
Similar Taxa
- Apiomerus spissipesClosely related in the same with overlapping distribution; A. spissipes is more broadly distributed across the Great Plains and generally replaces A. californicus in eastern regions. Distinguished by coloration and geographic range.
- Apiomerus crassipesRelated found further east, generally darker in coloration and replacing A. spissipes in eastern portions of the range.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Bohart Museum: Learn about California's State Insect on UC Davis Picnic Day | Bug Squad
- Encyrtid Holdings | Entomology Research Museum
- California Has No State Bee--Yet! | Bug Squad
- Sex Attraction Pheromone Improves Detection of a Threatened Beetle
- Bee Assassin on Coneflower | Beetles In The Bush
- Just how widespread is Prionus heroicus? | Beetles In The Bush