Apiomerus flaviventris
Herrich-Schaeffer, 1846
Yellow-bellied Bee Assassin, bee assassin bug
Apiomerus flaviventris is a predatory assassin bug in the Reduviidae, commonly known as the yellow-bellied assassin. This is notable for its specialized feeding habits targeting bees and its remarkable use of plant-derived chemical defenses. Females collect resin from brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) and apply it to their as a protective barrier against , particularly by ants. The species inhabits arid and semiarid regions of southwestern North America.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Apiomerus flaviventris: /ˌæpiˈoʊmərəs ˌflæviˈvɛntrɪs/
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Identification
Distinguished from other Apiomerus by the yellow coloration of the (hence 'flaviventris' = yellow belly). The surface typically shows contrasting dark and light patterning. Similar to A. spissipes but with paler ventral coloration; A. crassipes of eastern North America is generally darker overall. Species identification requires examination of abdominal pattern and overall coloration.
Images
Habitat
Arid and semiarid environments including desert scrub, grasslands, and open woodlands. Associated with flowering plants that attract prey.
Distribution
Southwestern North America, including the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Oklahoma) and northern Mexico. Records from Middle America and North America per GBIF.
Seasonality
Active during warmer months; observed from spring through fall depending on locality. Peak activity coincides with abundance and flowering of plants.
Diet
Feeds primarily on bees (Hymenoptera: ), ambushing them at flowers. Also known to take other insects including beetles (Coleoptera) and true bugs (Hemiptera).
Host Associations
- Apis mellifera - preyEuropean honey bee
- Encelia farinosa - resourcebrittlebush; resin source for defense
Life Cycle
Behavior
Ambush that waits on flowers to capture visiting bees. Females actively forage for plant resin from brittlebush and apply it to masses. may wipe forelegs over to dislodge kleptoparasitic flies while feeding.
Ecological Role
of bees and other flower-visiting insects; may influence locally. resin defense represents a novel form of acquired chemical protection in insects.
Human Relevance
Potential biocontrol agent for pests; however, on beneficial may limit utility. Subject of scientific interest for its unique use of plant secondary compounds in parental care.
Similar Taxa
- Apiomerus spissipesOverlapping distribution in Great Plains; A. spissipes generally darker with less extensive yellow coloration
- Apiomerus crassipesEastern North American counterpart; darker overall coloration, more robust build
- Apiomerus lanipesSouthern distribution (Panama to Argentina); larger and more robust than A. flaviventris
- Apiomerus flavipennisSouth American (Argentina, southern Brazil); similar size but with black and white abdominal patches versus yellow belly