Atrachelus cinereus
This record describes Atrachelus cinereus (species). Recorded family: Reduviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Spines present along edge of abdomen. Small size. One of the smallest of North American assassin bugs. Males usually sexually dimorphic, with third antennomere thickened.
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
- Tribe
- Harpactorini
- Genus
- Atrachelus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US to s. Calif. / Mex. to S. Amer. / W. Indies - Map , mostly se US to AZ
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: cinereus (L). 'ash-colored'
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Atrachelus cinereus. 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 Atrachelus cinereus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , drswanny
Frequently Asked Questions About Atrachelus cinereus
What is Atrachelus cinereus?
Atrachelus cinereus is a species in the family Reduviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Atrachelus cinereus?
7-8 mm
How do you identify Atrachelus cinereus?
Spines present along edge of abdomen. Small size.
Where is Atrachelus cinereus found?
Range: e. US to s. Calif. / Mex. to S. Amer. / W. Indies - Map , mostly se US to AZ