Fitchia spinosula
This record describes Fitchia spinosula (species). Recorded family: Reduviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The easiest field character for separating the two species involves the color of the integument surrounding the spiracle: concolorous pale in F. spinosula versus dark brown in F. aptera . Male parameres are distinctly clavate, as opposed to the slender, digitate parameres of F. aptera . On average, F. spinosula tends to be a little longer and more slender than its congener. The pronotal armature is variable, and overlaps with F. aptera , but in F. spinosula , there are usually two submedial tubercles and a tubercle at each humeral angle. Micropterous individuals are more common, although macropterous forms do exist. Macroptery is more common in males than females.
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
Geographic Range
More or less transcontinental in the US - Map
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Fitchia spinosula. 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 spinosula (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by drswanny; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , v belov , KenW
Frequently Asked Questions About Fitchia spinosula
What is Fitchia spinosula?
Fitchia spinosula is a species in the family Reduviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Fitchia spinosula?
11-16 mm
How do you identify Fitchia spinosula?
The easiest field character for separating the two species involves the color of the integument surrounding the spiracle: concolorous pale in F. spinosula versus dark brown in F. aptera . Male parameres are distinctly clavate, as opposed to the slender, digitate parameres of F. aptera . On average, F. spinosula tends to be a little longer and more slender than its congener. The pronotal armature is variable, and overlaps with F. aptera , but in F. spinosula , there are usually two submedial tubercles and a tubercle at each humeral angle.
Where is Fitchia spinosula found?
Range: More or less transcontinental in the US - Map