Empicoris culiciformis
This record describes Empicoris culiciformis (species). Recorded family: Reduviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Length 4.1-5.5mm. Empicoris are delicate-looking insects with raptorial forelegs. There are only 3 UK Empicoris spp., the others being the relatively common Empicoris vagabundus , which is larger and paler, and E. baerensprungi , which is more boldly marked. Identification requires accurate size measurement and high magnification lateral photo(s) to confirm the absence of a tubercle at the rear of the pronotum (in front of the spike on the scutellum). Empicoris are not so often observed because of their hidden way of life. They live in hollows in trees, barns and cracks in old walls. All year, but especially summer and autumn. Empicoris species are predators of small insects such as greenfly and barklice. Rather uncommon, with most records coming from the central part of Britain.
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
- Emesinae
- Tribe
- Ploiariolini
- Genus
- Empicoris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Empicoris
Seasonal Activity
All year, but especially summer and autumn.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Empicoris
Additional species information
Recorded status
Rather uncommon, with most records coming from the central part of Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Empicoris culiciformis. 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 Empicoris culiciformis (8)
Frequently Asked Questions About Empicoris culiciformis
What is Empicoris culiciformis?
Empicoris culiciformis is a species in the family Reduviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Empicoris culiciformis?
4.1-5.5mm.
Where is Empicoris culiciformis found?
Habitat: Empicoris
When is Empicoris culiciformis active?
Empicoris culiciformis: seasonal activity - All year, but especially summer and autumn..
What is the life cycle of a Empicoris culiciformis?
Empicoris