Genus Pnirontis

Classification · Explanation of Names · Numbers · Size · Identification · Range · Print References · Internet References · Works Cited

Assassin Bug - Pnirontis languida - female

Classification

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)

Suborder Heteroptera (True Bugs)

Family Reduviidae (Assassin Bugs)

Genus Pnirontis

Explanation of Names

Author of genus is Stal 1859.

Numbers

Nearctica.com lists 5 species.

Size

10-12 mm

Identification

Elongated and (P. infirma) dull yellow. "Distal end of first antennal segment produced forward as a conspicuous blunt spine." (1)

Range

P. infirma is widespread in eastern North America: New Jersey west to Illinois, south to Florida, Texas. Other species found in southeast. Species listed for Florida are: languida, infirma, modesta, and granulosa.

Print References

Slater, p. 127, fig. 233--P. infirma (1)

Brimley, p. 72, lists P. brimleyi, modesta, and languida for North Carolina. (2)

Internet References

North Carolina State Univ. Entomology lists, for that state, with number pinned: brimleyi (2, incl. holotype), languida (33), modestus (31).

Florida Reduviidae--pp. 16-17, fig. 28, P. infirma.

Works Cited

1.	How to Know the True Bugs By Slater, James A., and Baranowski, Richard M.

2.	Insects of North Carolina By C.S. Brimley

Contributed by Lynette Schimming on 31 August, 2005 - 2:11pm
Additional contributions by cotinis
Last updated 31 August, 2005 - 7:20pm

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