Yellow-bellied Bee Assassin
Apiomerus flaviventris
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Heteroptera
- Infraorder: Cimicomorpha
- Family: Reduviidae
- Subfamily: Harpactorinae
- Genus: Apiomerus
- Species: flaviventris
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Apiomerus flaviventris: /ˌæpiˈoʊmərəs ˌflæviˈvɛntrɪs/
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Summary
Apiomerus flaviventris, known as the yellow-bellied bee assassin, is an insect that preys on bees and is characterized by its bright yellow abdomen and large size compared to similar species.
Physical Characteristics
Males: 15.2-18.0 mm, Females: 17.0-19.9 mm; bright yellow abdominal venter, black coloration distinguishable from similar species.
Identification Tips
Easily separated from A. californicus and A. montanus by their black coloration; separated from A. cazieri and A. spissipes by its bright coloration and bright yellow abdominal venter; much larger than A. cazieri.
Habitat
Found in arid and semiarid regions of southwestern North America.
Distribution
Southern California, western Texas, Colorado, southern Nevada, and Mexico; mostly found in southern California, Arizona, and southern Nevada.
Diet
Feeds on bees; is classified as a bee assassin bug.
Life Cycle
Female collects resin from plants and applies it to freshly laid eggs as a defensive substance.
Reproduction
Females apply resin as a protective coating for eggs to prevent predation.
Predators
Predation by ants is a concern, which the resin helps to mitigate.
Ecosystem Role
Predator of bees, impacting local bee populations.
Tags
- Apiomerus
- flaviventris
- bee assassin
- Hemiptera
- Reduviidae