Phymata pacifica
This record describes Phymata pacifica (species). Recorded family: Reduviidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is one of only three species recorded from California. Phymata salicis has the abdominal outline rounded whereas in P. pacifica the posterolateral connexival angles are more salient. Phymata arctostaphylae has the fourth connexival segment more conspicuously dilated and a rosy abdominal venter. Although P. americana is not known from California, it is known from British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. The connexival segments of P. americana may be less salient than in P. pacifica but P. americana is a huge complex with lots of variation and if it is shown that this species occurs in California, it may be difficult to separate from P. pacifica .
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
- Phymatinae
- Genus
- Phymata (Jagged Ambush Bugs)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
In the United States, it is restricted to California . This species is also known from Baja California, Mexico (Kormilev, 1960).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Species epithet probably refers to the western range of the species.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Phymata pacifica. 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 Phymata pacifica (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by drswanny
Frequently Asked Questions About Phymata pacifica
What is Phymata pacifica?
Phymata pacifica is a species in the family Reduviidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Phymata pacifica?
6-8 mm
How do you identify Phymata pacifica?
This is one of only three species recorded from California. Phymata salicis has the abdominal outline rounded whereas in P. pacifica the posterolateral connexival angles are more salient. Phymata arctostaphylae has the fourth connexival segment more conspicuously dilated and a rosy abdominal venter. Although P. americana is not known from California, it is known from British Columbia, Washington, and Oregon. The connexival segments of P. americana may be less salient than in P. pacifica but P. americana is a huge complex with lots of variation and if it is shown that this species occurs in California, it may be difficult to separate from P. pacifica .
Where is Phymata pacifica found?
Range: In the United States, it is restricted to California . This species is also known from Baja California, Mexico (Kormilev, 1960).