Different Assassin sp. - Rhiginia cinctiventris

Western R. cinctiventris

This is an adult female. See my comments on this image regarding the variation in color pattern in this species.

Moved from Rhiginia.

… drswanny, 20 August, 2012 - 10:11am

R. cinctiventris

This too appears to be Rhiginia cinctiventris given the dorsal habitus shot. A ventral view will allow for a final conclusion.

… Michael Forthman, 17 August, 2012 - 12:03pm

You are so sure

given the long dicussion we had before which did not allow a final conclusion. Please fill us in on your background (bio page) to let us what your authoritative opinion is based on

… margarethe brummermann, 17 August, 2012 - 2:14pm

Systematics of Ectrichodiinae

I am currently a Ph.D. Student working in Ectrichodiinae for three years now. I have accumulated all original and redescriptions, keys, plates, and many Rhiginia spp. For examination. In discussion with other authorities on Ectrichodiinae, there are taxonomic issues evident in groups such as this one. However, given that Dougherty redescribed R. cinctriventris and documented this exact color form, that is what we must go with until a very critical revision has been done for the genus. Like Mr. Swanson, based on morphology, I cannot separate the color morph in question from R. cinctiventris. Looking at other Neotropical genera and species, color variation can be profound. As a previous student of mammology, I learned that coloration should be considered with skepticism in delineating species of some groups. I feel this is the situation with Ectrichodiinae.

… Michael Forthman, 23 August, 2012 - 6:36pm

Thanks, Michael

that helps to understand your background and expertise. I agree with your conclusions. Please keep the comments and ids coming!

… margarethe brummermann, 23 August, 2012 - 6:40pm

on the identity of Pima AZ Rhiginia

According to the US Heteroptera catalog (1988, Reduviid chapter by Froeschner) there are only 2 species in the continental USA:

R. cinctiventris from NM, TX, and Mexico and the more widespread R. cruciata (FL, GA, IL, IN, LA, MD, MO, NC, NJ, OK, PA, TX, VA, Mexico, Greater Antilles).

Given that one is widespread, and the other is from an adjacent state, distribution is insufficient for certain ID.

According to the reduviid catalog by Maldonado Capriles (1990), the remaining 18 species occur primarily in South America, with a few in Mexico.

But that isn't an ID, is it? A bug in the hand is more identifiable than one in a picture.

I'm not aware of any good keys, but the following (which I have not seen) would perhaps be helpful:
Carpintero, D. J. and J. Maldonado Capriles. 1988. Contributions to the knowledge of American Ectrichodiinae I. Notes about Rhiginia (Hemiptera: Reduviidae). J. Agric. Univ. Puerto Rico, 251-254.

But what an attractive animal, eh?

… Steve Taylor, 6 July, 2009 - 2:12pm

Seen it...

I have a copy of that publication; it is actually what I was referring to when I said sister-species-couplets-blah-blah-blah. That and Dougherty's review of the American Ectrichodiinae (1995). I remember being a bit disappointed when I read it since the four pages didn't shed much light on this particular problem. I believe it referred strictly to South American species. Nevertheless I will re-check it as I already planned to do this evening.

… drswanny, 6 July, 2009 - 2:29pm

thanx, Dr. T!

a beauty indeed!

… v belov, 6 July, 2009 - 2:16pm

Definitely Rhiginia sp.

and not cruciata but unfortunately I can't tell you which species. It could be cinctiventris (banded venter) or perhaps crucifera. I'm also unsure of the variability of the pronotal coloration in the genus. As far as I know, there are no keys to Rhiginia beyond a few couplets that separate sister species when new ones are described. It's a major short coming in the literature of the field and one I've set my sights on. I will get back to this image when I learn more.

… drswanny, 6 July, 2009 - 12:45pm

Do you need a ventral shot?

I should probably get one a long as the colors are fresh. As for the gaps in the liteature: I really appreciate your efforts! It would be so nice to put an ID on this pretty bug.

… margarethe brummermann, 6 July, 2009 - 1:18pm

Couldn't hurt...

if it's not much trouble. I'm not sure how helpful it would be as far as a species ID since I'm not even sure if a banded venter is required of cinctiventris. Actually I think the Hidalgo images will eventually turn out to be cinctiventris. My suspicions here are that this will turn out to be yet another new species for the United States. Wow, do I wish I were in the Southwest right now!

… drswanny, 6 July, 2009 - 2:03pm

diff. subfam.: must be weibch. Rhiginia -- suspect new-to-BG

would be very nice!

… v belov, 5 July, 2009 - 2:46pm

We got two yesterday evening

at the Desert Museum, I did not get a photo of the second one. Never saw that sp. here before. I looks different from the southeastern R. cruciata that's in the guide.

… margarethe brummermann, 5 July, 2009 - 6:18pm

exactly my point!

… v belov, 5 July, 2009 - 6:24pm