Explanation of Names
From genus
Reduvius Fabricius, 1775. That is presumably from Latin
reduvia, a hangnail
(1).
Numbers
184 spp. in 49 genera north of Mexico
(2); world taxa are cataloged on
(3)Identification
May be brown, black or brightly colored. Short three-segmented beaks 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.
Overview of Family REDUVIIDAE
Tribe Apiomerini (sometimes treated as Subfamily Apiomerinae)
Genera Acholla,
Arilus,
Atrachelus,
Castolus,
Doldina,
Fitchia,
Heza,
Pselliopus,
Repipta,
Rhynocoris,
Rocconota,
Sinea,
Zelus
Subfamily Peiratinae (the "pirates", or "corsairs")
Subfamily Phymatinae - Ambush Bugs (formerly Family Phymatidae)
This overview is based on the classification synopsis prepared
ad hoc by Daniel Ryan Swanson, a.k.a.
drswannyRange
Throughout the world and North America; much more diverse in warmer climates
Food
Predatory on other insects or bloodsucking
(2)Life Cycle
Incomplete metamorphosis: eggs hatch into tiny nymphs which molt several times as they grow to adulthood.
Remarks
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.
Print References
Davis, N. T. 1969. Contributions to the morphology and phylogeny of the Reduvioidea. Part IV. The Harpactoroid Complex. Annals of the Entomological Society of America, 62(1): 74-94.
Froeschner, R. C. 1988. Family Reduviidae Latreille, 1807, The Assassin Bugs. In Henry, T. J. & R. C. Froeschner. Catalogue of the Heteroptera, or True Bugs, of Canada and the Continental United States. E. J. Brill, Leiden. 616-651.
Maldonado Capriles, J. 1990. Systematic Catalogue of the Reduviidae of the World. University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez. 694 pages.
Weirauch, C. 2008. Cladistic analysis of Reduviidae (Heteroptera: Cimicomorpha) based on morphological characters. Systematic Entomology, 33: 229-274.
