Oncocephalus geniculatus
This record describes Oncocephalus geniculatus (species). Recorded family: Reduviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The dark patches inside the cells of the hemelytra and the presence of a lateral tubercle anterior to the transverse constriction of the pronotum separate this species from O. nubilus and O. variabilis . It is difficult to separate this species from O. apiculatus , a rarely collected species from the central United States; the ratios of the antennal segments is the feature currently used. Type Locality: Texas
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
- Stenopodainae
- Genus
- Oncocephalus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e US to AZ-UT - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Oncocephalus geniculatus (Stål 1872)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Oncocephalus geniculatus. 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 Oncocephalus geniculatus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , drswanny , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Oncocephalus geniculatus
What is Oncocephalus geniculatus?
Oncocephalus geniculatus is a species in the family Reduviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Oncocephalus geniculatus?
~14-15 mm
How do you identify Oncocephalus geniculatus?
The dark patches inside the cells of the hemelytra and the presence of a lateral tubercle anterior to the transverse constriction of the pronotum separate this species from O. nubilus and O. variabilis . It is difficult to separate this species from O. apiculatus , a rarely collected species from the central United States; the ratios of the antennal segments is the feature currently used.
Where is Oncocephalus geniculatus found?
Range: e US to AZ-UT - Map