Desert Bee Assassin
Apiomerus cazieri
This record describes Apiomerus cazieri (species). Recorded family: Reduviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Most easily confused with A. spissipes , especially the red form, although the small size of A. cazieri will easily distinguish the two species. Also sympatric with A. californicus and A. montanus but easily separated by color and size. It is also sympatric with A. flaviventris , from with it may be differentiated by the male and female genitalia as well as the large size and the bright coloring, especially of the (bright yellow) abdominal venter, of A. flaviventris . This species is polychromatic, having three different forms that occur in the United States .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Heteroptera
- Superfamily
- Miroidea
- Family
- Reduviidae (Assassin Bugs)
- Subfamily
- Harpactorinae
- Genus
- Apiomerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Desert and semi-desert areas.
Geographic Range
sw US (s.CA-w.TX-s.UT-s.NV) / n. Mex. - Map ( 3 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Apiomerus cazieri Berniker & Szerlip, 2011 "Named for the late Dr. Mont A. Cazier of Arizona State University who guided Szerlip in his early studies and whom Szerlip credits with sparking his interest in Apiomerus " .
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Apiomerus cazieri. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Desert Bee Assassin (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , John S. Ascher , drswanny
Frequently Asked Questions About Desert Bee Assassin
What is Desert Bee Assassin?
Desert Bee Assassin (Apiomerus cazieri) is a species in the family Reduviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Desert Bee Assassin?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Males | 11.5-14.2 mm. |
| Females | 12.7-14.4 mm. |
How do you identify Desert Bee Assassin?
Most easily confused with A. spissipes , especially the red form, although the small size of A. cazieri will easily distinguish the two species. Also sympatric with A. californicus and A. montanus but easily separated by color and size. It is also sympatric with A. flaviventris , from with it may be differentiated by the male and female genitalia as well as the large size and the bright coloring, especially of the (bright yellow) abdominal venter, of A. flaviventris .
Where is Desert Bee Assassin found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Desert and semi-desert areas. |
| Range | sw US (s.CA-w.TX-s.UT-s.NV) / n. Mex. - Map ( 3 ) |