Leafhopper Assassin Bug

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Zelus renardii: /ˈzeɪləs rɛˈnɑrdi.aɪ/

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Summary

Zelus renardii, the leafhopper assassin bug, is a versatile predator found in diverse habitats across North and Central America and has become established in various non-native regions globally. It preys on a wide variety of insects, contributing to ecosystem dynamics and agricultural practices.

Physical Characteristics

Zelus renardii is a medium to large hemipteran with an average total length between 10.57 and 14.25 mm. It is generally greenish-yellow ventrally and yellow-brown dorsally, with the corium distinctly reddish with paler venation. It has a long, robust body with a cylindrical head, small reddish eyes, and a thick curved rostrum.

Identification Tips

Females are generally larger than males, measuring 12.14-14.25 mm compared to 10.57 – 12.98 mm in males. The scutellum is long and bears no projections, and the last ventral abdominal segment is slender with a hooked median process apically, distinct from other Zelus species.

Habitat

Zelus renardii is found in a variety of habitats including tropical, dry, semi-arid, arid, and Mediterranean climates. It occupies urban, disturbed, agricultural, and suburban environments, showing adaptability to various climatic conditions.

Distribution

Native to western North and Central America, extending from the southern United States to Oregon, and through Central America and the West Indies. Non-native ranges include parts of the Mediterranean (e.g., Spain, Italy), Hawaii, Chile, and urban regions of Europe.

Diet

Zelus renardii is a zoophagous generalist predator feeding on a wide range of insects, including herbivorous pests and other insect predators. Nymphs mainly feed on smaller insects (0.5 to 4mm), while adults feed on larger prey (1.5 to 19mm) from various insect orders.

Life Cycle

Z. renardii undergoes incomplete metamorphosis with egg, nymph, and adult stages. Eggs hatch in 8-12 days, and nymphs typically mature in about two months.

Reproduction

Mating can occur 1 to 3 times per day, with females laying 17 to 23 eggs in masses onto vegetation. Eggs take 8 to 12 days to hatch, often all hatching within an hour of each other. Female may exhibit defensive behavior during precopulation and copulation.

Ecosystem Role

Z. renardii serves as a biological control agent by preying on herbivorous pests in agricultural systems but also acts as an intraguild predator, impacting populations of other beneficial insect predators.

Economic Impact

Due to its predation on herbivorous pests, Z. renardii can benefit agriculture but may also disrupt the biological control of pest populations by preying on beneficial species.

Collecting Methods

• Beating vegetation
• Sweeping vegetation

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol
• Frozen storage

Evolution

Z. renardii is considered a sister species to Z. cervicalis, sharing unique morphological traits.

Similar Taxa

• Zelus cervicalis
• Other species within the family Reduviidae

Misconceptions

Commonly referred to as the leafhopper assassin bug, it is not a specialist on leafhoppers.

Tags

• Predator
• Hemiptera
• Zelus renardii
• Agriculture
• Biological Control