Spined Assassin Bug
Sinea diadema
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Heteroptera
- Infraorder: Cimicomorpha
- Family: Reduviidae
- Subfamily: Harpactorinae
- Tribe: Harpactorini
- Genus: Sinea
- Species: diadema
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Sinea diadema: /ˈsɪniə daɪəˈdiːmə/
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Summary
Sinea diadema, commonly known as the Spined Assassin Bug, is a predatory insect known for its spiny appearance and habitat in fields and grasslands across North America.
Physical Characteristics
10-15 mm; head, thorax (middle part), and front leg (upper portion) are covered with spines.
Identification Tips
Commonly identified by their spiny appearance and size range.
Habitat
Weedy fields and meadows; typically found in grasslands, gardens, and fields associated with goldenrod.
Distribution
Transcontinental across North America (NS-NT-BC & throughout the US).
Diet
Preys on small bugs and beetles; waits for prey to come by often on blossoms and approaches prey to capture.
Life Cycle
Bivoltine; eggs overwinter with nymphs emerging in mid-April and adults present from the third week of May until early October.
Reproduction
Females can lay up to 412 eggs in clusters under laboratory conditions.
Ecosystem Role
Predator of small bugs and beetles, potentially controlling their populations.
Cultural Significance
The name 'sinea' comes from Hebrew meaning thorn bush or burning bush, and 'diadema' meaning crown.
Misconceptions
Cannibalism is rare in this species but can occur, typically involving larger females consuming smaller males.
Tags
- Sinea diadema
- Spined Assassin Bug
- Harpactorinae
- predatory insects
- North America