Assassin-bug
Guides
Phasmatocoris
Phasmatocoris is a genus of thread-legged bugs in the subfamily Emesinae, family Reduviidae. Fourteen species have been described, with the genus first established by Breddin in 1904. Species are documented from Colombia and other regions. The genus remains poorly studied with limited biological data available.
Phasmatocoris labyrinthicus
Phasmatocoris labyrinthicus is a species of thread-legged assassin bug described by Pape in 2013. It belongs to the subfamily Emesinae, characterized by extremely slender bodies and elongated legs adapted for life on spider webs. The species name "labyrinthicus" likely refers to the complex, maze-like patterns or habitat associations. As a reduviid, it is presumed to be predatory, though specific behavioral details remain undocumented.
Ploiaria pilicornis
Ploiaria pilicornis is a thread-legged assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, described by McAtee and Malloch in 1925. The species belongs to the subfamily Emesinae, characterized by their elongated, slender legs and raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. Like other emesines, it is presumed to be predatory, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
Ploiaria reticulata
Ploiaria reticulata is a thread-legged assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, subfamily Emesinae. The species was described by Baker in 1910 and is distributed across Middle and North America. Like other emesine reduviids, it possesses elongated, thread-like legs adapted for capturing prey on vegetation.
Ploiaria setulifera
Ploiaria setulifera is a thread-legged assassin bug described in 1925. It belongs to the subfamily Emesinae, a group characterized by extremely slender bodies and raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. The species has been documented in the Caribbean and North America. Like other reduviids, it is presumed predatory, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Ploiaria similis
Ploiaria similis is a species of thread-legged assassin bug (Reduviidae: Emesinae) described by McAtee & Malloch in 1925. The species belongs to the genus Ploiaria, a group of slender, elongate reduviids characterized by their thread-like legs and cryptic habits. It is recorded from North America and Middle America based on distribution data, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Pnirontis brimleyi
Pnirontis brimleyi is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, described by Blatchley in 1926. It belongs to the subfamily Stenopodainae, a group characterized by raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. The species is known from North America, with distribution records documented in the southeastern United States. Available information is limited, with only one observation recorded in iNaturalist.
Pnirontis infirma
Pnirontis infirma is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, first described by Stål in 1859. It has a broad geographic distribution spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. As a member of the subfamily Stenopodainae, it belongs to a group of reduviids commonly known as feather-legged bugs.
Pnirontis languida
Pnirontis languida is a species of assassin bug described by Stål in 1859. It belongs to the subfamily Stenopodainae within the family Reduviidae. The species has a broad distribution across the Americas, with records from North America, Central America, South America, and Caribbean islands. As a member of Reduviidae, it is presumed to be predatory, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Pselliopus
orange assassin bug
Pselliopus sp-near-barberi is an assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, closely related to or conspecific with Pselliopus barberi. It is a predatory true bug characterized by orange and black coloration, serving as aposematic warning coloration. This species is an active predator of small insects including leafhoppers and aphids, and has been documented as a natural enemy of crapemyrtle aphids in urban landscapes.
Pselliopus barberi
Orange Assassin Bug
Pselliopus barberi is a predatory assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as the orange assassin bug. It is distinguished by its striking orange and black coloration, which serves as aposematic warning coloration. The species is found in North America and is active from spring through autumn. It is a generalist predator that hunts on flowers and vegetation, using stealth to capture small insects such as leafhoppers.
Pselliopus latifasciatus
Pselliopus latifasciatus is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, first described by Barber in 1924. It is found in North America. As a member of the genus Pselliopus, it shares the characteristic orange and black coloration and predatory habits typical of this group of harpactorine assassin bugs. The specific epithet 'latifasciatus' refers to broad bands or stripes, likely describing a distinctive pattern element on this species.
Pselliopus marmorosus
Pselliopus marmorosus is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, first described from Middle America in 2007. Like other members of the genus Pselliopus, it is a predatory true bug characterized by elongated body form and raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. The species name "marmorosus" likely refers to a marbled or mottled coloration pattern. As a harpactorine assassin bug, it employs external digestion, injecting proteolytic enzymes into prey and consuming liquefied tissues.
Pselliopus punctipes
ringed assassin bug
Pselliopus punctipes is a predatory assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as the ringed assassin bug. It is characterized by its long legs, elongated beak, and distinctive ringed coloration pattern on its body. The species is an ambush predator that hunts small insects by stalking and stabbing them with its venom-injecting proboscis. It belongs to a genus of assassin bugs known for their stealthy hunting behavior and importance in natural pest control.
Pselliopus zebra
Zebra assassin bug
Pselliopus zebra is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, characterized by its distinctive black and white striped coloration reminiscent of a zebra pattern. This predatory true bug inhabits regions of Central America and North America, where it hunts small arthropod prey. Like other members of the genus Pselliopus, it possesses raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey and a piercing-sucking proboscis used to subdue and consume victims.
Pseudometapterus umbrosus
Pseudometapterus umbrosus is a species of thread-legged assassin bug (Reduviidae: Emesinae) native to North America. It exhibits wing dimorphism, with most individuals being micropterous (short-winged) and rare macropterous (fully winged) forms documented. The species has been studied for its life history and laboratory rearing potential.
Pseudosaica
Pseudosaica is a genus of assassin bugs in the family Reduviidae, subfamily Saicinae. The genus was erected by Blinn in 1990 and contains at least two described species: P. florida from the southeastern United States and P. panamaensis from Central America. Members of this genus are predatory true bugs.
Pygolampis sericea
Pygolampis sericea is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, described by Stål in 1859. It belongs to the subfamily Stenopodainae, a group of predatory true bugs characterized by their raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. The species is known from North America, though detailed natural history information remains limited in available sources.
Rasahus
Rasahus is a genus of assassin bugs in the family Reduviidae, containing 26 described species restricted to the Neotropical region. The genus was established by Amyot & Serville in 1843 and is classified within the subfamily 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 biguttatus
corsair, assassin bug
Rasahus biguttatus is a species of corsair (assassin bug) in the family Reduviidae. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, Central America, North America, and South America. As a member of the subfamily Peiratinae, it shares characteristics typical of corsairs, including raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. The species was described by Thomas Say in 1832.
Rasahus hamatus
corsair
Rasahus hamatus is a species of corsair, a group of predatory assassin bugs in the family Reduviidae. It occurs widely across the Western Hemisphere, from North America through Central America and the Caribbean to South America, including the Galápagos Islands. As a member of the subfamily Peiratinae, it belongs to a lineage known for ground-dwelling habits and active predation on other arthropods.
Rasahus thoracicus
Western Corsair Bug, Western Corsair
Rasahus thoracicus, commonly known as the Western Corsair Bug, is an assassin bug in the family Reduviidae. Adults display orange and black coloration with distinctive orange spots on each wing. The species is nocturnal and attracted to bright lights, where it hunts other insects. Unlike most assassin bugs, its bite is notably painful to humans. It is one of two "two spotted corsairs," the other being Rasahus biguttatus.
Reduvius
Reduvius is a large genus of assassin bugs (family Reduviidae) containing approximately 197 species. The genus is one of the most speciose in the assassin bug family. Most species occur in arid and semi-arid regions of the Afrotropical, Oriental, and Palearctic realms. Only three species are New World endemics, with Reduvius personatus (the masked hunter) being cosmopolitan and introduced to the Western Nearctic. Species range from 8–22 mm in length.
Reduvius personatus
Masked Hunter
Reduvius personatus, commonly known as the masked hunter, is a cosmopolitan assassin bug recognized for the distinctive debris-camouflaged appearance of its nymphs. The species is a generalist predator of small arthropods and has been introduced to multiple continents through human activity. Adults are uniformly dark brown to black, winged insects measuring 17–22 mm, while nymphs appear gray or light-colored due to accumulated dust and lint on their bodies. Though beneficial as predators of household pests like bed bugs, they can deliver a painful defensive bite when mishandled.
Reduvius senilis
Reduvius senilis is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae. It is found in Central America and North America. Very little specific information is available about this species in the provided sources, which focus primarily on the related and better-known Masked Hunter (Reduvius personatus).
Reduvius sonoraensis
Reduvius sonoraensis is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae. It is known to occur in Central America and North America. A distinctive feature of this species is the presence of two morphological types discernible by the fifth instar: individuals with short wing pads and those with long wing pads. This wing pad dimorphism represents an unusual developmental polymorphism within the genus Reduvius.
Reduvius vanduzeei
Reduvius vanduzeei is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, described by Wygodzinsky & Usinger in 1964. It belongs to the genus Reduvius, which includes several species known for their predatory habits. Unlike the well-studied congener Reduvius personatus (the Masked Hunter), detailed information about R. vanduzeei's biology and ecology appears limited in available sources. The species is recorded from North America.
Repipta
Repipta is a genus of assassin bugs (Reduviidae: Harpactorinae) established by Stål in 1859. The genus contains at least 25 species, with the majority distributed in the Neotropics and some extending into the Nearctic region. Species in this genus are predatory, with documented life cycles showing five nymphal instars and total development from egg to adult of approximately 2-3 months under laboratory conditions. Two species, R. flavicans and R. taurus, have been studied in detail regarding their immature stages and developmental biology.
Repipta taurus
Red Bull Assassin, red bull assassin bug
Repipta taurus is an assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as the red bull assassin. It is a predatory species with five nymphal instars and a total nymphal development period of approximately 60 days under laboratory conditions. The species is distributed across Central America and North America, with eggs deposited in soil.
Rhiginia
Rhiginia is a genus of assassin bugs (Reduviidae) established by Stål in 1859. The genus is placed in the subfamily Ectrichodiinae, a group of reduviids commonly known as millipede assassin bugs due to their specialized predation on millipedes. Species of Rhiginia are generally active, alert, and strong fliers. The genus is restricted to the New World, with species documented from the Americas.
Rhiginia cinctiventris
millipede assassin
Rhiginia cinctiventris is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, specifically classified within the millipede assassin subfamily Ectrichodiinae. The species is distributed across Central America and North America. As a member of the Ectrichodiinae, it belongs to a specialized group of predatory true bugs known for preying on millipedes.
Rhiginia cruciata
scarlet-bordered assassin bug, cruciate assassin bug
Rhiginia cruciata is a predatory true bug in the family Reduviidae, commonly called the scarlet-bordered assassin bug or cruciate assassin bug. It is classified among the "millipede assassins" in the subfamily Ectrichodiinae, a group specialized for hunting millipedes. The species occurs across the Caribbean, Central America, and North America.
Rhynocoris
Flower Assassin Bugs
Rhynocoris is a genus of assassin bugs in the family Reduviidae, subfamily Harpactorinae. Species occur across Asia, mainland Europe, Africa, and North America. The genus exhibits subsocial behavior with parental care of egg masses, a trait that has evolved independently only six times in Heteroptera. Multiple species have been investigated as biological control agents for agricultural pests, particularly in cotton and other crop systems.
Rhynocoris leucospilus
Rhynocoris leucospilus is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae. The species has been documented across a broad geographic range spanning Europe, northern Asia (excluding China), and North America. Five subspecies have been recognized, reflecting regional variation across this wide distribution. As a member of the Harpactorinae subfamily, it possesses the raptorial forelegs characteristic of predatory assassin bugs.
Rhynocoris ventralis americanus
Rhynocoris ventralis americanus is a subspecies of assassin bug described by Bergroth in 1897. It is currently recognized as a synonym within the Reduviidae family. The taxon belongs to the harpactorine assassin bugs, a group of predatory true bugs. Very little specific information is documented for this particular subspecies.
Rhynocoris ventralis annulipes
Rhynocoris ventralis annulipes is a subspecies of assassin bug described by Van Duzee in 1914. It is currently considered a synonym of Rhynocoris ventralis. The taxon belongs to the family Reduviidae, a diverse group of predatory true bugs commonly known as assassin bugs. Members of this genus are recognized for their raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey.
Rhynocoris ventralis ventralis
Rhynocoris ventralis ventralis is a subspecies of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, originally described by Thomas Say in 1832. The taxon is currently recognized as a synonym within the genus Rhynocoris, which comprises predatory true bugs. The species Rhynocoris ventralis belongs to the subfamily Harpactorinae, a diverse group of reduviids characterized by raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. This subspecies designation represents one of the infraspecific forms described within the broader R. ventralis complex.
Rocconota annulicornis
Ring-horned Assassin Bug
Rocconota annulicornis, commonly known as the Ring-horned Assassin Bug, is a species of predatory true bug in the family Reduviidae. It is distributed across North and Central America. The species belongs to the subfamily Harpactorinae, a diverse group of assassin bugs characterized by raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. The specific epithet 'annulicornis' refers to ringed or banded antennae, a distinctive feature of this species.
Saica elkinsi
Saica elkinsi is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, first described by Blinn in 1994. It is native to North America and belongs to the subfamily Saicinae, a group characterized by raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. Members of the genus Saica are slender, long-legged predators found in tropical and subtropical habitats.
Sinea complexa
Sinea complexa is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, first described by Caudell in 1900. It was long confused with the eastern species Sinea incognita, which was described as new in 2015 based on morphological differences in the front leg femora. The species occurs in western and southwestern North America and Mexico. Like other Sinea species, it is a predatory insect that likely feeds on other arthropods.
Sinea diadema
Spined Assassin Bug
Sinea diadema is a North American assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as the spined assassin bug. The species exhibits bivoltine life history, with adults active primarily in late summer and autumn. It is an active predator of small insects, often associated with flowering plants in open habitats. The species overwinters in the egg stage.
Sinea incognita
Sinea incognita is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, described in 2015 after being misidentified as Sinea complexa for over a century. It occurs in the eastern and central United States, from Maryland south to Georgia and west to Kansas and Texas. The species was discovered when specimens from New Mexico failed to match identification keys developed for midwestern Sinea species.
Sinea integra
Sinea integra is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, first described by Stål in 1862. It occurs from Arizona and Texas south through Mexico to at least Guatemala and Honduras. The species can be distinguished from close relatives S. complexa and S. incognita by the shape of the femur on its front legs, which is nearly uniform in thickness—described as resembling a stickball bat—rather than club-shaped or baseball bat-shaped. It is a predatory insect, though specific prey records remain limited.
Sinea rileyi
Sinea rileyi is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae. It has been documented in Europe and Northern Asia (excluding China) and North America. Like other members of the genus Sinea, it is a predatory true bug. Beyond its geographic distribution, specific details about its biology and ecology remain poorly documented in available literature.
Sirthenea
corsairs
Sirthenea is a cosmopolitan genus of assassin bugs (Reduviidae: Peiratinae) comprising at least 40 described species. It is distinguished from other Peiratinae by an elongated body, triangular anteocular head, shortened rounded femora, and the absence of fossa spongiosa on medial tibiae (except in S. laevicollis). The genus has a nearly global distribution spanning Afrotropical, Oriental, Palearctic, Oceanian, and Australian regions, with representatives occurring on almost all continents. Sirthenea species are ground-dwelling, nocturnal predators that prey on other insects.
Stenolemoides arizonensis
Stenolemoides arizonensis is a thread-legged assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, subfamily Emesinae. It belongs to the tribe Emesini, which comprises slender, elongate predatory true bugs adapted for hunting in confined spaces. The species was originally described by Nathan Banks in 1909 as Luteva arizonensis and later transferred to the genus Stenolemoides. Like other emesine assassin bugs, it possesses raptorial forelegs modified for capturing prey and an elongated body form associated with its predatory lifestyle.
Stenolemus spiniventris
Stenolemus spiniventris is a thread-legged bug in the assassin bug family Reduviidae, first described by Signoret in 1858. It belongs to the subfamily Emesinae, characterized by extremely slender, elongate legs and body form. The species occurs in Central America and North America, though detailed natural history information remains limited in published sources.
Stenopoda spinulosa
Stenopoda spinulosa is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, subfamily Stenopodainae. It was described by Giacchi in 1969. The species belongs to the genus Stenopoda, a group of predatory true bugs characterized by their raptorial forelegs adapted for capturing prey. Like other reduviids, it possesses a curved rostrum used to inject venom into prey.
Stenopodainae
Stenopodainae is a subfamily of assassin bugs (Reduviidae) containing approximately 113 genera and ~770 species worldwide. Members are predominantly tropical, with many species associated with soil or sand substrates. The subfamily is characterized by distinctive morphological features including prominent mandibular plates and a modified antennal structure. Many species exhibit wing reduction (aptery) and cryptic coloration. Some species have been observed to use plant-derived resin on their forelegs to aid in prey capture.
Tagalis inornata
Tagalis inornata is a species of assassin bug in the family Reduviidae, subfamily Saicinae. It occurs across a broad geographic range spanning the Caribbean, Middle America, North America, and South America. The species was first described by Stål in 1860. Like other reduviids, it is a predatory true bug, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented in the available literature.