Pentatomidae is a family of insects belonging to the order Hemiptera, generally called shield bugs or stink bugs. Pentatomidae is the largest family in the superfamily Pentatomoidea, and contains around 900 genera and over 4700 species. As hemipterans, the pentatomids have piercing sucking mouthparts, and most are phytophagous, including several species which are severe pests on agricultural crops. However, some species, particularly in the subfamily Asopinae, are predatory and may be considered beneficial.
Triatoma is a genus of assassin bug in the subfamily Triatominae. The members of Triatoma are blood-sucking insects that can transmit serious diseases, such as Chagas disease. Their saliva may also trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, up to and including severe anaphylactic shock.
Rhodnius is a genus of assassin bugs in the subfamily Triatominae, and is an important vector in the spread of Chagas disease. The Rhodnius species were important models for Sir Vincent Wigglesworth's studies of insect physiology, specifically growth and development.
Arilus, or wheel bugs, is a genus of true bugs in the family Reduviidae, subfamily Harpactorinae and tribe Harpactorini. Most species are found in the Americas.
Zelus is a genus of insects in the family Reduviidae, the assassin bugs. There are currently 60 described species; most occur in Central and South America, and five are found in North America.
The Harpactorinae are a large subfamily of the Reduviidae. About 300 genera and 2,000 species worldwide have been described. Some of the species of the genera Zelus, Pselliopus, Sinea, and Apiomerus are of interest as biological pest control agents.
The Apiomerini are a tribe of the Harpactorinae. This tribe is restricted to the New World and consists of 11 genera.
The bee assassin, Apiomerus pilipes, is an insect that feeds on bees. It is found in South America and reported from Venezuela, Colombia, French Guiana, and Brazil. Like other members of the genus, females of this species have well-developed hind abdominal foliaceous appendages which can be coated with plant-derived resin.
Harpactorini is a tribe of the Harpactorinae. This group is the most diverse of the entire assassin bug family, with 51 genera recognized in the Neotropical Region and 289 genera and 2003 species overall.
Rhynocoris is a genus of assassin bug, family (Reduviidae), in the subfamily Harpactorinae. Species are recorded from Asia, mainland Europe, Africa and North America.
Euagoras is a genus of assassin bugs, in the subfamily Harpactorinae. Species are found in Asia and Australia.
Melanolestes is a Nearctic and Neotropical genus of assassin bugs (Reduviidae). Nine species are known :
Pselliopus is a common genus of assassin bugs (Reduviidae), in the subfamily Harpactorinae. The genus is restricted to the New World, with 27 species described. Some species, such as Pselliopus barberi, are conspicuous because of their bright coloring and relatively large size. Some species of the genus are of interest as potential biological pest control agents.
Sinea is a New World genus of assassin bugs, in the subfamily Harpactorinae. 13 species have been described, mostly from the Southwestern United States and Central America.
Bactrodes is a genus of reduviids. All known species are from South America.
Graptostethus is a genus in the insect family Lygaeidae. Although originally restricted to the Old World some species like G. servus have spread to parts of the New World.
Diaditus is a genus of assassin bugs in the family Reduviidae. There are about six described species in Diaditus.
Heza is a genus of assassin bugs in the family Reduviidae. There are more than 30 described species in Heza found in the Americas.
Salyavatinae are a subfamily of the assassin bugs. They have a pan-tropical distribution with about 16 genera. They have two foretarsal segments and have a patch of fine hairs known as the fossula spongiosa on the fore and mid tibia. Many species tend to have spines on the head, pronotum, legs and abdomen. A few species have the foretibia flattened into leaf-like structures.
Apiomerus cazieri is a species of assassin bug found in the Chihuahuan and Sonoran Deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is a known predator of Trichodes ornatus, as well as honey bees.
