Microtomus luctuosus
This record describes Microtomus luctuosus (species). Recorded family: Reduviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance

adults have all black hind femora , nymphs share red hind femora with most (all?) members of Microtomus adults come to light
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
- Microtomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Tamaulipan thornscrub in TX
Geographic Range
s. TX to Panama - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
normally found under loose bark of decaying trees
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Microtomus luctuosus (Stål 1854)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Microtomus luctuosus. 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 Microtomus luctuosus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Robin McLeod; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Microtomus luctuosus
What is Microtomus luctuosus?
Microtomus luctuosus is a species in the family Reduviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Microtomus luctuosus?
adults have all black hind femora , nymphs share red hind femora with most (all?) members of Microtomus
Where is Microtomus luctuosus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Tamaulipan thornscrub in TX |
| Range | s. TX to Panama - Map |
What is the life cycle of a Microtomus luctuosus?
normally found under loose bark of decaying trees
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