Family Reduviidae - Assassin Bugs

Latin reduvia 'hangnail'(1)

184 spp. in 49 genera north of Mexico(2); second largest heteropteran family, with close to 7,000 spp. in almost 1,000 genera worldwide(3), arranged in 25 subfamilies; world taxa cataloged on(4)

Overview of our fauna based on the classification synopsis prepared by Dan Swanson

Taxa not yet in the guide are marked (*)

Family REDUVIIDAE

Subfamily Ectrichodiinae

Subfamily Emesinae - Thread-legged Bugs

Tribe Emesini

Tribe Leistarchini

Tribe Metapterini

Tribe Ploiariolini

Subfamily *Bactrodinae

Subfamily Harpactorinae

Tribe Apiomerini (sometimes treated as Subfamily Apiomerinae)

Tribe Harpactorini

Subfamily Microtominae

Subfamily Peiratinae (the "pirates", or "corsairs")

Subfamily Phymatinae - Ambush Bugs (formerly Family Phymatidae)

Tribe Macrocephalini

Tribe Phymatini

Subfamily Reduviinae

Subfamily Saicinae

Subfamily Stenopodainae

Subfamily Triatominae

5-40 mm

May be brown, black or brightly colored. Short three-segmented beak used for stabbing prey. Beak folds into groove in prosternum. Head typically constricted behind the eyes, giving a neck-like appearance. Antennae long, thin, not clubbed. Forelegs sometimes swollen or expanded for catching prey.

Key to Florida species in (5)

worldwide and throughout NA, much more diverse in warmer climates.

Most prey on arthropods; Triatominae suck blood(2)

Incomplete metamorphosis: eggs hatch into tiny nymphs which molt several times as they grow to adulthood.

Many species can inflict a painful bite on humans if handled, so it's wise to avoid touching them. If one lands or is seen on your body, brush it or flick it off with a sideways motion. Do not slap or swat it because it will almost certainly bite if you try to crush it.