Spider-web-association

Guides

• 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.

  assassin-bugthread-legged-bugwing-dimorphismunivoltinemicropterousmacropterousbluff-habitatspider-web-associationlaboratory-reared

• Ranzovius californicus

  Ranzovius californicus is a species of plant bug in the family Miridae, first described by Van Duzee in 1917. It exhibits an unusual ecological relationship with spiders, specifically inhabiting the sheet webs of Hololena curta and feeding on prey captured in those webs. This kleptoparasitic or commensal behavior distinguishes it from most other mirid bugs. The species is known from California and broader North America, though detailed biological information remains limited.

  kleptoparasitismspider-web-associationcommensalismCalifornia-endemic