Florida Bee Assassin
Apiomerus floridensis
This record describes Apiomerus floridensis (species). Recorded family: Reduviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Resembles A. spissipes although the two are not sympatric ( A. spissipes may occur in the Florida panhandle). A. crassipes is the only other species found in peninsular Florida and A. floridensis may be distinguished by the reddish corium and legs. Although A. floridensis is among the smaller species of Apiomerus , it should be noted that A. crassipes is smaller in the area of sympatry with A. floridensis than in other parts of its range. There is variation in the amount of red on the pronotum and corium.
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
Geographic Range
Restricted to Florida, particularly Duval County south to the keys .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: "Named for its distribution throughout the Florida peninsula" .
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Apiomerus floridensis. 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 Florida Bee Assassin (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Chuck Entz; Additional contributions by John S. Ascher , drswanny
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Bee Assassin
What is Florida Bee Assassin?
Florida Bee Assassin (Apiomerus floridensis) is a species in the family Reduviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Florida Bee Assassin?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Males | 12.5-14.2 mm. |
| Females | 13.9-16.2 mm. |
How do you identify Florida Bee Assassin?
Resembles A. spissipes although the two are not sympatric ( A. spissipes may occur in the Florida panhandle). A. crassipes is the only other species found in peninsular Florida and A. floridensis may be distinguished by the reddish corium and legs. Although A. floridensis is among the smaller species of Apiomerus , it should be noted that A. crassipes is smaller in the area of sympatry with A. floridensis than in other parts of its range.
Where is Florida Bee Assassin found?
Range: Restricted to Florida, particularly Duval County south to the keys .