Homalocoris erythrogaster
This record describes Homalocoris erythrogaster (species). Recorded family: Reduviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Of the four Homalocoris species potentially found in Arizona, H. erythrogaster is separated from the others by the elongate reddish spots restricted to the posterior lobe of the pronotum. The basal corial spots tend to be smaller in H. guttatus and H. minutus and the corium is more speckled. H. maculicollis is immediately separable by the overall stramineous color of the corium. It is worth noting however that the status of many of these species is questionable.
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
- Microtominae
- Genus
- Homalocoris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Known only from Cochise County, Arizona.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: From Greek erythros , red and gaster , stomach, waist. This epithet references the orange-red venter of the species.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Homalocoris erythrogaster. 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 Homalocoris erythrogaster (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by drswanny
Frequently Asked Questions About Homalocoris erythrogaster
What is Homalocoris erythrogaster?
Homalocoris erythrogaster is a species in the family Reduviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Homalocoris erythrogaster?
11-14 mm
How do you identify Homalocoris erythrogaster?
Of the four Homalocoris species potentially found in Arizona, H. erythrogaster is separated from the others by the elongate reddish spots restricted to the posterior lobe of the pronotum. The basal corial spots tend to be smaller in H. guttatus and H. minutus and the corium is more speckled. H. maculicollis is immediately separable by the overall stramineous color of the corium. It is worth noting however that the status of many of these species is questionable.
Where is Homalocoris erythrogaster found?
Range: Known only from Cochise County, Arizona.