| Platymeris | |
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| Platymeris biguttatus | |
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| Genus: | Platymeris Laporte, 1833 |
Platymeris is a genus of assassin bug (Reduviidae). [1] Platymeris species are often used in laboratories and as pets. [2]
The venom of this genus has been studied in a laboratory setting. [3]
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.
Pentatominae is a subfamily of Pentatomidae, a family of shield bugs. This subfamily is the largest one within the Pentatomidae, having 4937 species classified in 938 genera. Species in this subfamily are phytophages and several of them are considered agricultural pests. Some invasive pentatomines such as Halyomorpha halys and Bagrada hilaris have been considered household pests. Higher systematics of the group have been revised by Rider et al.
Ricaniidae is a family of planthopper insects, containing over 400 species worldwide. The highest diversity is in tropical Africa and Asia and in Australia, with a few species occurring in the Palearctic and Neotropical realms. It is one of the smaller families in the planthopper superfamily Fulgoroidea.
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.
Rhynocoris is a genus of assassin bug, family (Reduviidae), in the subfamily Harpactorinae. Species are recorded from Asia, mainland Europe, Africa and North America.
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.
Rasahus is a Neotropical genus of assassin bugs (Reduviidae); 26 species have been described.
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.
Platymeris biguttatus or two-spotted assassin bug is a venomous predatory true bug of west and southwest African origin ranging in size from 10–40 mm. As a true bug of the order hemiptera, it has needle like mouth parts designed for sucking juices out of plants or other insects instead of chewing. P. biguttatus has sharp stylets in its proboscis or rostrum used to pierce the exoskeleton of its prey. Saliva is then injected into the prey which liquifies its tissues, and the rostrum is then used to suck out the digested fluids. If disturbed, it is capable of a defensive bite considered to be more painful than a bee sting. It is also known to spit venom that can cause temporary blindness in humans.
Sycanus is a genus of assassin bug with many species that are found in the African and Asian region.
The Thyreocoridae are a family of shield bugs, known by common names that include negro bugs or ebony bugs. Historically, a few authors have called this family "Corimelaenidae" (e.g.), but the name Thyreocoridae, published in 1843, has nomenclatural priority over Corimelaenidae, published in 1872. Other classifications have placed them as a subfamily within the broad family Cydnidae.
Spilostethus is a genus of bugs in the family Lygaeidae. Most species in this genus are from the Palearctic and Oriental regions.
Glymmatophora, the Metallic Assassin Bugs, is a genus of assassin bugs belonging to the family Reduviidae.
Halyomorpha is a genus of shield bugs in the subfamily Pentatominae and tribe Cappaeini, erected by G. Mayr. This genus probably has an Asian centre of origin, but Halyomorpha halys, the brown marmorated stink bug, is an invasive species with a world-wide distribution.
Lampromicra is a genus of true bugs in the family Scutelleridae. They are commonly referred to as jewel bugs or metallic shield bugs.
Psyttala is a genus of insects belonging to the assassin bugs. The name is commonly misspelled as Psytalla (e.g.).
Pachybrachius is a genus of dirt-colored seed bugs in the family Rhyparochromidae. There are about 11 described species in Pachybrachius.
Byrsinus is a genus of burrowing bugs in the tribe Geotomini, erected by Franz Xaver Fieber in 1860. The species Byrsinus flavicornis is recorded from northern Europe including the British Isles.