Fitchia aptera
This record describes Fitchia aptera (species). Recorded family: Reduviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Fitchia aptera (Fitchia aptera) is a species in the family Reduviidae, commonly known as assassin bugs, belonging to the order Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies). It is classified within the subfamily Harpactorinae, tribe Harpactorini, suborder Heteroptera, superfamily Miroidea. This species belongs to the genus Fitchia. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 11‒12 mm. It is found in on the ground about grass clumps in old fields. Active during yr round, but mostly Apr‒Jul.
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
- Fitchia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
on the ground about grass clumps in old fields ( 3 )
Geographic Range
NB‒ON, AB south to FL‒TX‒UT
Seasonal Activity
yr round, but mostly Apr‒Jul ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Fitchia aptera Stål 1859
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Fitchia aptera. 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 Fitchia aptera (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Fitchia aptera
What is Fitchia aptera?
Fitchia aptera is a species in the family Reduviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Fitchia aptera?
11‒12 mm
Where is Fitchia aptera found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | on the ground about grass clumps in old fields ( 3 ) |
| Range | NB‒ON, AB south to FL‒TX‒UT |
When is Fitchia aptera active?
Fitchia aptera: seasonal activity - yr round, but mostly Apr‒Jul ( 4 ).