Empicoris errabundus
This record describes Empicoris errabundus (species). Recorded family: Reduviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Of the four species found in our area with a prominent posteromedian pronotal tubercle, E. errabundus is separated from E. armatus and E. nudus (both restricted to FL) by possessing distinct spines ( vs just bristles) on the underside of the profemur. It is separated from the E. incredibilis (also with definite profemoral spines; AZ only) by lacking prominent humeral flanges. E. errabundus lacks the red stigma of the more commonly encountered E. rubromaculatus and the hemelytral venation is normal (not like orthoneuron ). hind wings have conspicuous dark spots apically
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
Geographic Range
Transcontinental (BC‒NS to CA‒TX‒FL) to Mexico & W.Indies ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Empicoris errabundus (Say 1832)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Empicoris errabundus. 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 errabundus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by drswanny; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Empicoris errabundus
What is Empicoris errabundus?
Empicoris errabundus is a species in the family Reduviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Empicoris errabundus?
4‒6 mm
How do you identify Empicoris errabundus?
Of the four species found in our area with a prominent posteromedian pronotal tubercle, E. errabundus is separated from E. armatus and E. nudus (both restricted to FL) by possessing distinct spines ( vs just bristles) on the underside of the profemur. It is separated from the E. incredibilis (also with definite profemoral spines; AZ only) by lacking prominent humeral flanges. E. errabundus lacks the red stigma of the more commonly encountered E. rubromaculatus and the hemelytral venation is normal (not like orthoneuron ). hind wings have conspicuous dark spots apically
Where is Empicoris errabundus found?
Range: Transcontinental (BC‒NS to CA‒TX‒FL) to Mexico & W.Indies ( 3 ) ( 4 )