Castolus ferox
This record describes Castolus ferox (species). Recorded family: Reduviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
There is sexual dimorphism in C. ferox . The two (most obvious) dimorphic structures are the antennae and the connexiva. Regarding the antennae, there are some reduviid genera (harpactorine only?) in which the males have the third segment gradually thickened to the apex. Thus, the first thumbnail is a female (of course, I've examined this specimen) and the second is a male. Off the top of my head, I know that this morphology also is found in Atrachelus (although we only have the one image in the guide, which I think is a female). For the second character, female reduviids are larger than the males (like in many other groups). I think this may be evidenced in the robustness of the abdomen here, but I'm not 100% this will always be the case. Plus, you have other complicating factors (ie gravid females, malnourished individuals, etc.). I will keep an eye on this, using the antennae for a guide, to see if it really holds. In the US, C. ferox will really be the only species to consider. Froeschner (1988) reported the Mexican C. subinermis from Arizona, but I have yet to find the source for this record. I also have never seen specimens of C. subinermis , although the two species are easy to separate (long humeral spines in C. subinermis ) so there is no question of identity in most cases. ‒drswanny, 3.viii.2012
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
- Castolus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw.US (CO‒AZ‒TX‒OK)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Castolus ferox (Banks 1910)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Castolus ferox. 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 Castolus ferox (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Lynette Elliott , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Castolus ferox
What is Castolus ferox?
Castolus ferox is a species in the family Reduviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Castolus ferox?
There is sexual dimorphism in C. ferox . The two (most obvious) dimorphic structures are the antennae and the connexiva. Regarding the antennae, there are some reduviid genera (harpactorine only?) in which the males have the third segment gradually thickened to the apex. Thus, the first thumbnail is a female (of course, I've examined this specimen) and the second is a male. Off the top of my head, I know that this morphology also is found in Atrachelus (although we only have the one image in the guide, which I think is a female). For the second character, female reduviids are larger than the males (like in many other groups). I think this may be evidenced in the robustness of the abdomen here, but I'm not 100% this will always be the case. Plus, you have other complicating factors (ie gravid females, malnourished individuals, etc.). I will keep an eye on this, using the antennae for a guide, to see if it really holds. In the US, C. ferox will really be the only species to consider. Froeschner (1988) reported the Mexican C. subinermis from Arizona, but I have yet to find the source for this record. I also have never seen specimens of C. subinermis , although the two species are easy to separate (long humeral spines in C. subinermis ) so there is no question of identity in most cases. ‒drswanny, 3.viii.2012
Where is Castolus ferox found?
Range: sw.US (CO‒AZ‒TX‒OK)