| Leistarchini | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Heteroptera |
| Family: | Reduviidae |
| Subfamily: | Emesinae |
| Tribe: | Leistarchini Van Duzee, 1916 |
| Leistarchini | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Suborder: | Heteroptera |
| Family: | Reduviidae |
| Subfamily: | Emesinae |
| Tribe: | Leistarchini Van Duzee, 1916 |
The Reduviidae is a large cosmopolitan family of the order Hemiptera. Among the Hemiptera and together with the Nabidae almost all species are terrestrial ambush predators; most other predatory Hemiptera are aquatic. The main examples of nonpredatory Reduviidae are some blood-sucking ectoparasites in the subfamily Triatominae. Though spectacular exceptions are known, most members of the family are fairly easily recognizable; they have a relatively narrow neck, sturdy build, and a formidable curved proboscis. Large specimens should be handled with caution, if at all, because they sometimes defend themselves with a very painful stab from the proboscis.
The members of the Triatominae, a subfamily of the Reduviidae, are also known as conenose bugs, kissing bugs, or vampire bugs. Other local names for them used in the Americas include barbeiros, vinchucas, pitos, chipos and chinches. Most of the 130 or more species of this subfamily feed on vertebrate blood; a very few species feed on invertebrates. They are mainly found and widespread in the Americas, with a few species present in Asia and Africa. These bugs usually share shelter with nesting vertebrates, from which they suck blood. In areas where Chagas disease occurs, all triatomine species are potential vectors of the Chagas disease parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, but only those species that are well adapted to living with humans are considered important vectors. Also, proteins released from their bites have been known to induce anaphylaxis in sensitive and sensitized individuals.
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.
The Emesinae, or thread-legged bugs, are a subfamily of the Reduviidae. They are conspicuously different from the other reduviids by their very slender body form. They are stalking, predatory insects that can be collected on palm fronds, cliffs, spider webbing, or near lights at night. They walk on their mid and hind legs; the front pair is raptorial. Some groups specialize on spiders. Very little is known about emesines except that many species are found in the tropics. Pedro Wygodzinsky wrote the most recent revision of this group.
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.
Stenolemus is a genus of thread-legged bug (Emesinae). Species of this genus are noted for preying on spiders.
The Metapterini are a tribe of thread-legged bugs, assassin bugs of subfamily Emesinae.
Emesopsis is a genus of tropical bugs (Heteroptera) from the family Reduviidae. There are at least 22 described species, of which one, E. nubila, also occurs in southern Europe.
Sphedanolestes is a large genus of assassin bugs in the family (Reduviidae), subfamily Harpactorinae. There are more than 190 described species, which are found in southern Europe, Africa and Asia.
Caecina is a genus in the subfamily Ectrichodiinae of Reduviidae ; 16 species have been described, all of them are located in Eastern Asia.
Brontostoma is a neotropical genus of assassin bugs in the family Reduviidae. About 20 species have been described. These species are brightly colored with reds and oranges, and like all members of the Ectrichodiinae, specialize on millipede prey.
Amauroclopius is a small genus of assassin bugs belonging to the family Reduviidae.
The Stenopodainae are a subfamily of Reduviidae. Many species of this subfamily are endemic to tropical rainforests, and some smear their fore legs with sticky, plant-derived resin, to aid in prey capture.
The Reduviinae are a subfamily of the reduviid assassin bugs. Many members of the subfamily are nocturnal and their lifecycles are generally poorly known. This subfamily is suspected not to be monophyletic.
Gardena insperata is a thread-legged bug species from the genus Gardena. It is found in Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
Irantha is a small and little-known genus of assassin bug family (Reduviidae), in the subfamily Harpactorinae. Just four species have been described.
Tiarodes is a genus of assassin bugs. Eighty-five species are known.
Acanthaspis is a genus of assassin bugs. Members of the genus are known to disguise themselves by attaching bits of debris to aid in camouflage.
Eulyes is a genus of true assassin bugs belonging to the family Reduviidae.