Rasahus

Amyot & Serville, 1843

Species Guides

3

Rasahus is a of assassin bugs in the Reduviidae, containing 26 described restricted to the Neotropical region. The genus was established by Amyot & Serville in 1843 and is classified within the Peiratinae. Species within this genus are predatory true bugs that capture and feed on other arthropods. The genus includes several well-known species such as Rasahus hamatus and Rasahus biguttatus.

Rasahus hamatus by (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick. Used under a CC-BY license.Rasahus hamatus by (c) Annika Lindqvist, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Annika Lindqvist. Used under a CC-BY license.Rasahus biguttatus by (c) Justin Williams, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Justin Williams. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Rasahus: //ˈra.sa.hus//

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Identification

Members of Rasahus can be recognized by their placement within Peiratinae, a characterized by certain structural features of the legs and body form. Specific diagnostic characters for the include features of the pronotum and scutellum that distinguish it from related peiratine genera. -level identification requires examination of detailed morphological characters including male genitalia and coloration patterns.

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Distribution

Neotropical region, ranging from southern North America through Central America to South America.

Diet

Predatory; feeds on other arthropods.

Behavior

As with other assassin bugs, members of this are ambush or active that use their forelegs to capture prey and to feed.

Ecological Role

; contributes to in Neotropical .

Similar Taxa

  • Other Peiratinae generaSimilar body plan and predatory habits; distinguished by specific pronotal and genitalic characters.
  • Other Reduviidae subfamiliesDifferent within Reduviidae can be distinguished by leg structure, shape, and other morphological features.

More Details

Taxonomic history

The was described by Amyot & Serville in 1843 and has remained a stable grouping within Peiratinae, with 26 currently recognized .

Notable species

Rasahus hamatus (Fabricius, 1781) and Rasahus biguttatus (Say, 1832) are among the more frequently referenced in the literature.

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Sources and further reading