Apiomerus flaviventris
Herrich-Schaeffer, 1846
Yellow-bellied Bee Assassin, bee assassin bug
Apiomerus flaviventris is a predatory in the , commonly known as the -bellied assassin. This is notable for its specialized feeding habits targeting bees and its remarkable use of -derived chemical defenses. Females collect resin from brittlebush (Encelia farinosa) and apply it to their as a protective barrier against , particularly by . 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 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 .
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 (: ), ambushing them at flowers. Also known to take other including () and ().
Host Associations
- Apis mellifera -
- Encelia farinosa - resourcebrittlebush; resin source for defense
Life Cycle
Females on vegetation, coating them with collected resin. This resin application serves as chemical defense against egg , especially . presumably through multiple before reaching adulthood; specific developmental details not well documented.
Behavior
Ambush that waits on flowers to capture visiting . Females actively forage for resin from brittlebush and apply it to masses. may wipe forelegs over to dislodge kleptoparasitic while feeding.
Ecological Role
of and other flower-visiting ; may influence locally. resin defense represents a novel form of acquired chemical protection in insects.
Human Relevance
Potential agent for pests; however, on may limit utility. Subject of scientific interest for its unique use of secondary compounds in parental care.
Similar Taxa
- Apiomerus spissipesOverlapping distribution in Great Plains; A. spissipes generally darker with less extensive coloration
- Apiomerus crassipesEastern North counterpart; darker overall coloration, more build
- Apiomerus lanipesSouthern distribution (Panama to Argentina); larger and more than A. flaviventris
- Apiomerus flavipennisSouth (Argentina, southern Brazil); similar size but with black and abdominal versus belly