Saicinae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Heteroptera
Infraorder: Cimicomorpha
Family: Reduviidae
Subfamily: Saicinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Saicinae: /ˈsaɪ.sɨˌneɪ/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Oncerotrachelus acuminatus P1310423b by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Oncerotrachelus acuminatus P1310424a by
xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Oncerotrachelus pallidus - inat 57767834 by {{{name}}}. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Tagalis inornata inornata (10.3897-zookeys.966.52930) Figures 64, 65 by Gil-Santana HR, Oliveira J, Zampaulo RA (2020) Quasitagalis afonsoi, a new genus and a new species of Saicinae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) inhabiting a cave in Brazil, with an updated key to the genera of Saicinae of the New World. ZooKeys 966: 9-39.. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Saicinae is a subfamily of assassin bugs within the family Reduviidae, composed of at least 6 species in 4 genera found north of Mexico and approximately 140 species across more than 20 genera globally. They are ground-dwelling predators commonly found at the bases of grasses and are often attracted to lights at night.

Physical Characteristics

Ocelli absent; second rostral segment swollen at base. Size ranges from 4 mm to 14 mm.

Identification Tips

Key to species available; can be identified by physical characteristics such as the absence of ocelli and the swollen second rostral segment.

Habitat

On the ground, at the bases of grasses; sometimes found on lower herbage. They are attracted to lights at night.

Distribution

Worldwide; specifically noted in the midwestern, southeastern, and south central United States.

Diet

Generalist predators.

Ecosystem Role

They play a role as generalist predators, feeding on various prey.

Evolution

Closely related to the Emesinae subfamily.