Empicoris rubromaculatus
This record describes Empicoris rubromaculatus (species). Recorded family: Reduviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Key to eastern spp. of Empicoris : apical third of elytral costal margin usually marked with red (emphasis added) (first couplet) Key to Virginia spp. of Empicoris : Lateral carina of pronotum abbreviateded, present only at anterior region of hind lobe; profemora without true spines on ventral side; red or pink color generally present near pterostigma (emphasis added) (usually vein C is so colored); head without paramedian light stripes (first couplet) the empicorid most often collected in Virginia, and one of the easiest to recognize because of the red color of the stigmal region (emphasis added) and very short lateral pronotal carina. Can be easily distinguished from other species in the genus by the lateral carinae of the hind lobe of the pronotum being distinguishable only at the anterior extremities (in other species lateral carinae complete) Det. v belov, 2019 Type Locality: Hawaii
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
e. US (VA-FL to MO-TX) & w NA (BC-CA) - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) , cosmopolitan, but largely absent from the equitorial tropics
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Empicoris rubromaculatus (Blackburn 1888)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Empicoris rubromaculatus. 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 rubromaculatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Empicoris rubromaculatus
What is Empicoris rubromaculatus?
Empicoris rubromaculatus is a species in the family Reduviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Empicoris rubromaculatus?
Length 5.0 - 5.5 mm
How do you identify Empicoris rubromaculatus?
Key to eastern spp. of Empicoris : apical third of elytral costal margin usually marked with red (emphasis added) (first couplet) Key to Virginia spp. of Empicoris : Lateral carina of pronotum abbreviateded, present only at anterior region of hind lobe; profemora without true spines on ventral side; red or pink color generally present near pterostigma (emphasis added) (usually vein C is so colored); head without paramedian light stripes (first couplet) the empicorid most often collected in Virginia, and one of the easiest to recognize because of the red color of the stigmal region (emphasis added) and very short lateral pronotal carina. Can be easily distinguished from other species in the genus by the lateral carinae of the hind lobe of the pronotum being distinguishable only at the anterior extremities (in other species lateral carinae complete) Det. v belov, 2019
Where is Empicoris rubromaculatus found?
Range: e. US (VA-FL to MO-TX) & w NA (BC-CA) - Map ( 4 ) ( 5 ) ( 6 ) , cosmopolitan, but largely absent from the equitorial tropics