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

nymphs and adults w/ red hind femora - uncommon redwing form
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
under bark
Geographic Range
se US (c.TX-s.FL-MD-OK) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Microtomus purcis ( Drury 1782)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Microtomus purcis. 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 purcis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by cotinis , Hannah Nendick-Mason , Mike Quinn , Maury Heiman , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Microtomus purcis
What is Microtomus purcis?
Microtomus purcis is a species in the family Reduviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Microtomus purcis?
22-30 mm
How do you identify Microtomus purcis?
nymphs and adults w/ red hind femora - uncommon redwing form
Where is Microtomus purcis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | under bark |
| Range | se US (c.TX-s.FL-MD-OK) - Map |
FROM LOOKING IT UP TO GETTING TO KNOW IT
Make sense of the bugs at home.50 household bug profiles for you. Photos, coloring, and activities for curious kids.





