Pselliopus
Pselliopus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Heteroptera
- Infraorder: Cimicomorpha
- Family: Reduviidae
- Subfamily: Harpactorinae
- Tribe: Harpactorini
- Genus: Pselliopus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pselliopus: /psɛ.lɪˈoʊ.pəs/
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Summary
Pselliopus is a genus of assassin bugs in the subfamily Harpactorinae, primarily found in the New World, with at least 27 species described. They are characterized by their bright colors and distinctive banding, making them noticeable in their habitats.
Physical Characteristics
Adults are orange and boldly striped, with distinctive brown or orange coloration and banded legs, head, and thorax. The edges of the abdomen are also banded. Size typically ranges from 12-14 mm.
Identification Tips
Look for the distinctive banding on the legs, thorax, and abdomen of adults. The presence of smooth and unarmed disks on both lobes of pronotum can be a helpful identification factor.
Habitat
Found in meadows and fields, typically around flowers. Adults may hibernate under rocks, bark, sometimes in groups.
Distribution
The genus is distributed from Canada to Argentina, with the most diversity occurring in Mexico. Three species are reported in the eastern US, while four are found in the western US.
Diet
They are predatory and often engage in biological pest control, feeding on other insects.
Ecosystem Role
Some species serve as biological pest control agents due to their predation on other insects.
Economic Impact
Some species are of interest as potential biological pest control agents.
Similar Taxa
- Assassin bugs
- Reduviidae
Tags
- Pselliopus
- assassin bugs
- biological pest control
- Harpactorinae
- entomology