Pygolampis pectoralis
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Heteroptera
- Infraorder: Cimicomorpha
- Family: Reduviidae
- Subfamily: Stenopodainae
- Genus: Pygolampis
- Species: pectoralis
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Pygolampis pectoralis: //ˌpaɪɡoʊˈlæmpɪs ˌpɛktoʊˈrælɪs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Pygolampis pectoralis is a species of assassin bug with unique morphological features, primarily found in North America and parts of Central America, which feeds on other insects and plays an important ecological role as a predator.
Physical Characteristics
13-16 mm in length; antennomere 1 almost twice as long as anteocular area; front femora lack spines; beak segment one almost as long as segments two and three combined; apex of head at base of beak lacks spines; apex of antennal segment one lacks spine; one or more branched/bifid spines or processes on each side of head below and behind eye.
Identification Tips
Distinguished from Pygolampis sericea by having antennomere 1 almost twice as long as the anteocular area, while in P. sericea these are subequal.
Habitat
Found primarily in North America and the Caribbean, typically in environments where they can hunt for prey.
Distribution
From North America down to Nicaragua, primarily distributed in eastern North America to Mexico.
Diet
Carnivorous; feeds on other insects.
Life Cycle
Details on the life cycle are not provided in the text.
Reproduction
Details on reproduction are not provided in the text.
Predators
Natural predators are not specified, but could include larger insects and birds.
Conservation Status
Not specified, but typically not a species of concern.
Ecosystem Role
As a predator, plays a role in controlling insect populations.
Economic Impact
No economic impact mentioned; likely negligible.
Cultural Significance
No cultural significance mentioned in the text.
Health Concerns
No health concerns mentioned, but as a predator, they may play a role in the ecosystem's balance.
Evolution
Family Reduviidae, a diverse family within Hemiptera, known for predacious behavior.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
No specific misconceptions mentioned, but generally assassin bugs may be confused with other similar looking bugs.
Tags
- Pygolampis pectoralis
- assassin bug
- Reduviidae
- Hemiptera
- North America
- Caribbean